About Philip Bates
Philip was the Security Editor for MUO, and has worked here since 2014. He’s been a freelance writer since 2012, having achieved a Distinction in Professional Writing FdA.
He's worked with Windows PCs since the 1990s, but is an avid iPhone user. He thinks Brave is much better than Chrome, the Nintendo Switch is the best console, and AI used in creative pursuits is appalling.
Philip has written, proofed, and edited numerous books, and written for publications like the Sherlock Holmes Magazine, HeroCollector, and The British Comedy Guide.
Latest Articles
7 Simple Ways to Instantly Boost Your Photography Skills
Want to improve your photography skills but don't have much time? Try one of these skill boosters that will make a difference in 10 minutes or less.
3 Productivity Chrome Extensions That Secretly Help Your Security
Did you know that some productivity add-ons can help your security and privacy? Here are a few that you should consider installing.
The Mega-List of All Official Pokémon Games You Can Play
Love Pokémon or want to get started with the series? Check out this list of the official mainline Pokémon games, as well as how we rank them.
The Best Doctor Who Podcasts All Fans Need to Hear
If you're looking to get your regular fix of Whovian news and opinion, here are some of the best Doctor Who podcasts to help you pass the timey-wimey between episodes.
Do You Know 2017's New Internet Scams?
Millions are tricked by cybercriminals every year, and the scams of 2017 will live on into 2018 and beyond. Here are just a few of the latest internet scams you need to protect yourself against.
How Disney Ruined Star Wars for Everybody
As millions of people flock to see The Last Jedi, it's time to admit it: Star Wars just isn't that good any more. And that's why I'm bailing on Star Wars.
7 Christmas Gifts for Your Security-Conscious Family and Friends
Got some security- and privacy-conscious friends or relatives you need to buy a gift for? These seven ideas will suit all budgets.
The History of Pokémon: Games, Movies, Cards, and More
From the video games to the anime and movies and so much more, here's a brief history of Pokémon -- one of the most successful media franchises of all time.
What Is the Most Secure Mainstream Browser?
The battle for the best desktop browser will never be settled. But which is the most secure? All boast having superior protection -- but in 2017, which is the browser of choice for the security- and privacy-conscious?
Buying an iPhone X? Face ID Might Make You Reconsider
The iPhone X's most notable feature is the Face ID device unlock system. But how secure is it? Will Apple have access to a huge database of everyone's faces?
5 Ways Your Information Is Being Exploited Every Day
You may not be too worried about having your rights infringed, or you might be very concerned that you're being tracked. Whatever the case, here's how your information is being exploited right now.
Back to School: 6 Ways Scammers Can Exploit Students and Parents
It doesn't matter if you're a student or a parent. When it comes to term time, you're a target for scammers. Here are just a few things to watch out for.
Finished The Defenders? 8 Shows to Watch Next on Netflix
The Defenders is finally available to watch on Netflix. But once you've watched all of the episodes, what shows should you watch next? We have some suggestions for you.
The Big iPhone Battery Guide
Everybody worries about their smartphone batteries, so let's dispel a few myths and settle a few scores.
Google Shares Your Data, But Is It All Bad News?
Does Google really want to give worldwide authorities wider access to your personal details? Or has their demand for better data sharing for counter-terrorism been misreported? Is Google actually fighting for your privacy?
How the War on Terror Is Affecting Your Online Privacy
The War on Terror is impacting your online privacy. The line in the sand between right and wrong continues to widen. Here's how your privacy is being infringed, supposedly in the fight against terror.
Your Forgotten MySpace Account Is Leaking All Your Secrets
Remember MySpace? The social network you signed up with years before Facebook... oh, you forgot about? Well, MySpace hasn't forgotten you. And it could have been leaking all your private information.
Beware LeakerLocker: Ransomware That Locks Your Mobile
How does $50 sound as a ransom payment? No, don't be tempted -- if your Android device has been infected by LeakerLocker, the scammers will never let you go. Here's what to do.
The SNES Mini: Everything You Need to Know
Nintendo has announced the Super Nintendo Classic. What's in the box? What games does it include? And when can you get your hands on that? Here's everything you need to know.
Why Encrypting Your Data Won't Protect You From Ransomware
Encrypting your data will keep it safe from theft and unauthorized access. But when it comes to ransomware, your encrypted data is little more than a locked safe inside the scammer's locked safe.