PCMag UK | | Neil J. Rubenking

Neil J. Rubenking

Lead Analyst for Security
Neil J. Rubenking

When the IBM PC was new, I served as the president of the San Francisco PC User Group for three years. That’s how I met PCMag’s editorial team, who brought me on board in 1986. In the years since that fateful meeting, I’ve become PCMag’s expert on security, privacy, and identity protection, putting antivirus tools, security suites, and all kinds of security software through their paces.

Before my current security gig, I supplied PCMag readers with tips and solutions on using popular applications, operating systems, and programming languages in my "User to User" and "Ask Neil" columns, which began in 1990 and ran for almost 20 years. Along the way I wrote more than 40 utility articles, as well as Delphi Programming for Dummies and six other books covering DOS, Windows, and programming. I also reviewed thousands of products of all kinds, ranging from early Sierra Online adventure games to AOL’s precursor Q-Link.

In the early 2000s I turned my focus to security and the growing antivirus industry. After years working with antivirus, I’m known throughout the security industry as an expert on evaluating antivirus tools. I serve as an advisory board member for the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization (AMTSO), an international nonprofit group dedicated to coordinating and improving testing of anti-malware solutions.

Recent Articles By Neil J. Rubenking

    • MacKeeper

      Feature-packed Mac security and tune-up that's missing some basics

      2 days, 10 hours By Neil J. Rubenking
      MacKeeper (Review MacKeeper)
    • The Best Personal Data Removal Services for 2025

      As you enter personal information around the web, data aggregators gather and sell it. We tell you how to protect your privacy with the best personal data removal services we've tested.

      1 week By Neil J. Rubenking
      The Best Personal Data Removal Services for 2025 (Roundup Security)
    • The Best Antivirus Software for 2025

      Antivirus apps for your PC protect your personal information, data, bank accounts, and much more. We've tested more than two dozen utilities to help you choose the best antivirus for your needs.

      1 week, 2 days By Neil J. Rubenking
      The Best Antivirus Software for 2025 (Roundup Antivirus)
    • IDShield

      Comprehensive identity protection plus decent device security

      1 week, 4 days By Neil J. Rubenking, Max Eddy
      IDShield (Review IDShield)
    • McAfee vs. Norton: Which Antivirus Should You Use?

      McAfee and Norton are two of the biggest names in digital security. Which of these iconic brands is better? We break them down by price, features, and test scores to determine a winner.

      2 weeks, 3 days By Neil J. Rubenking
      McAfee vs. Norton: Which Antivirus Should You Use? (Comparison Security Suites)
    • ClamXAV for Mac

      Basic macOS antivirus protection at an excellent price

      2 weeks, 6 days By Neil J. Rubenking, Max Eddy
      ClamXAV for Mac (Review ClamXAV for Mac)
    • The Best VPN Services for 2025

      Using a VPN, or virtual private network, is one of the best ways to protect your online privacy. We review dozens every year, and these are the best VPNs we've tested.

      3 weeks By Neil J. Rubenking, Chris Stobing
      The Best VPN Services for 2025 (Roundup VPN)
    • SecureMyEmail

      Easy encryption for existing email accounts

      3 weeks By Neil J. Rubenking
      SecureMyEmail (Review SecureMyEmail)
    • The Best Android Antivirus for 2025

      More phones run Android than any other mobile OS, and there's a correspondingly large variety of malware. Our testing shows these are the best Android antivirus apps to keep your devices safe.

      3 weeks, 2 days By Neil J. Rubenking
      The Best Android Antivirus for 2025 (Roundup Antivirus)
    • The Best Free Antivirus Software for 2025

      Microsoft Defender isn't bad, but it's still not enough to fully protect your PC. You don't have to pay extra, though. We’ve tested and ranked the best free antivirus apps.

      1 month By Neil J. Rubenking
      The Best Free Antivirus Software for 2025 (Roundup Mobile World Congress (MWC))