Mary James
/authors/mary-james_allaboutcookies-author.jpg)
/authors/mary-james_allaboutcookies-author.jpg)
Mary is a cybersecurity writer based in Los Angeles, holding a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Clarion University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Point Park University in Pittsburgh. With over seven years of experience, she focuses on educating the public on a wide range of cybersecurity topics, from VPNs to antivirus software.
Mary’s previous experience in sales and content creation at a private cybersecurity firm has enabled her to translate complex topics into easily digestible concepts. Her work has been featured in national publications such as MSN, CNBC, and PC Matic's private blog, reflecting her dedication to sharing vital cybersecurity insights and empowering the public to safeguard their private data.
When she's not writing, Mary works at her local theatre while also enjoying the trifecta of the beach, mountains, and desert.
- MSN
- CNBC
- PC Matic
- Antivirus
- VPNs
- Identity Theft
- B.S. in Liberal Arts from Clarion University
- M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Point Park University
- Mac or PC: Both
- Android or iOS: iPhone
Mary's Latest Articles
-
/images/2024/02/26/id_resolve_review_featured_image.jpg)
/images/2024/02/26/id_resolve_review_featured_image.jpg)
ID Resolve Review 2025: Is It More Than a Restoration Service?
ID Resolve is billed as a complete identity monitoring system; we found it met some expectations while falling short on others — chiefly, the full functionality of features.
-
/images/2024/02/22/nordvpn_vs._norton_secure_vpn_featured_image.jpg)
/images/2024/02/22/nordvpn_vs._norton_secure_vpn_featured_image.jpg)
NordVPN vs. Norton Secure VPN 2025: Standalone VPN or Security Bundle?
NordVPN and Norton Secure VPN both come from reputable names in security, but NordVPN offers advanced security and more features like torrenting and streaming support.
-
/images/2024/02/21/identity_guard_vs._allstate_identity_protection_featured_image.jpg)
/images/2024/02/21/identity_guard_vs._allstate_identity_protection_featured_image.jpg)
Identity Guard vs. Allstate Identity Protection 2025: There’s a Clear Winner
Identity Guard and Allstate both offer identity theft protection, but Allstate Identity Protection offers more features than we’ve seen in other services.
-
/images/2024/02/15/idshield_vs._identity_guard_featured_image.jpg)
/images/2024/02/15/idshield_vs._identity_guard_featured_image.jpg)
IDShield vs. Identity Guard 2025: Advanced Device Protection vs. Personal Protection
IDShield and Identity Guard both have a variety of features and price points, but the better fit for you depends on your unique needs. IDShield has got your devices covered, while Identity Guard offers more personal security.
-
/images/2024/02/14/idshield_vs._identityforce_featured_image.jpg)
/images/2024/02/14/idshield_vs._identityforce_featured_image.jpg)
IDShield vs IdentityForce 2025: Can the Shield Stop the Force?
Both IDShield and IdentityForce can protect your personal information and help prevent identity theft, but deciding between IDShield’s bundled services and IdentityForce’s unique features comes down to what’s a priority for you.
-
/images/2024/02/12/aura_vs._identityforce_featured_image.jpg)
/images/2024/02/12/aura_vs._identityforce_featured_image.jpg)
Aura vs. IdentityForce 2025: Which Gives the Most Bang for Your Buck?
Both Aura and IdentityForce are — no pun intended — forces to be reckoned with when it comes to offering robust identity theft protection. However, Aura offers more for less.
-
/images/2024/02/09/best_antivirus_with_firewall_protection_featured_image.jpg)
/images/2024/02/09/best_antivirus_with_firewall_protection_featured_image.jpg)
The Best Antivirus with Firewall Protection 2025
A firewall is part of a strong security stack that can be the difference between a hacker targeting you or moving along to someone else. The best antivirus software offers enhanced protection.
-
/images/2024/02/09/lifelock_vs._experian.jpg)
/images/2024/02/09/lifelock_vs._experian.jpg)
LifeLock vs. Experian IdentityWorks 2025: Key Differences That Matter
If you’re wondering whether you should try LifeLock or Experian, this guide breaks down key features, prices, and customer support for both identity protection services.
-
/images/2024/02/09/woman_watching_streaming_series_in_a_laptop_computer..jpg)
/images/2024/02/09/woman_watching_streaming_series_in_a_laptop_computer..jpg)
Was Your Netflix Account Hacked? What To Do
Netflix is notoriously easy to get into because it doesn’t use any additional security like 2FA, but you can beat the hackers with a little knowledge and some good security software.
-
/images/2024/02/09/facebook-messenger-scams.jpg)
/images/2024/02/09/facebook-messenger-scams.jpg)
Facebook Messenger Scams 2025: How to Spot and Stop Them
Facebook Messenger scams are like uninvited guests in your digital space. Learn how to spot, stop, and protect against them.
-
/images/2024/02/08/lifelock_vs._id_watchdog.jpg)
/images/2024/02/08/lifelock_vs._id_watchdog.jpg)
LifeLock vs. ID Watchdog 2025: Individual Coverage or a Family Plan?
Identity theft protection services like LifeLock and ID Watchdog can protect you from identity theft without you having to think about it.
-
/images/2024/02/06/turbo_vpn_featured_image.jpg)
/images/2024/02/06/turbo_vpn_featured_image.jpg)
Turbo VPN Review 2025: Is This Free VPN Service Worth the Risk?
Between Turbo VPN's usability issues, reports of malware, and poor privacy measures, we would recommend you go for a different VPN.
-
/images/2024/02/02/man-on-computer.jpg)
/images/2024/02/02/man-on-computer.jpg)
How To Turn Off Facebook Link History Tracking and Why You Should
Yes, you absolutely should disable Facebook’s new link history feature, not only because it’s creepy but also because it could get you hacked or worse.
-
/images/2024/02/01/a_man_using_a_smartphone_and_laptop_toplay_online_gambling_and_sports_betting.jpg)
/images/2024/02/01/a_man_using_a_smartphone_and_laptop_toplay_online_gambling_and_sports_betting.jpg)
The Best VPNs for DraftKings Sportsbook 2025
DraftKings Sportsbook is a popular platform for online sports betting and daily fantasy sports competitions, but you may want to use a VPN to make sure your personal information stays private and secure.
-
/images/2024/01/31/web_browser_window_with_virus_detection_alert_on_laptop_screen_concept_HWmAhqf.jpg)
/images/2024/01/31/web_browser_window_with_virus_detection_alert_on_laptop_screen_concept_HWmAhqf.jpg)
Was Your Amazon Account Hacked? How To Tell
Amazon account hacks are definitely real, but how do you know if you were really hacked or if it was just a social media hoax?
-
/images/2024/01/31/group-watching-football.jpg)
/images/2024/01/31/group-watching-football.jpg)
How To Watch Super Bowl LIX From Anywhere: Eagles vs. Chiefs rematch 2025
The Eagles vs. Chiefs rematch is set. Super Bowl LIX kicks off on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Here's where to stream the game and watch from anywhere.
-
/images/2024/01/30/an_image_concept_of_a_woman_streaming_amazon_prime_video_on_smart_tv.jpg)
/images/2024/01/30/an_image_concept_of_a_woman_streaming_amazon_prime_video_on_smart_tv.jpg)
How To Block Amazon Prime Video Ads
If you aren’t thrilled about ads on Amazon Prime Video, consider using an ad blocker to take care of annoying ads and other pesky internet interruptions.
-
/images/2024/01/26/best_vpns_for_minecraft.jpg)
/images/2024/01/26/best_vpns_for_minecraft.jpg)
The Best VPNs for Minecraft 2025
If you play Minecraft, you should be using a VPN, but which one will unblock Minecraft and give you fast speeds?
-
/images/2024/01/26/aura_parental_controls_review.jpg)
/images/2024/01/26/aura_parental_controls_review.jpg)
Aura Parental Controls Review 2025: Unique and Tailored Protection
Aura is a leader in identity theft protection. We put its parental control features to the test to see if they met the same standards.
-
/images/2024/01/19/bitdefender_free_vs._bitdefender_premium.jpg)
/images/2024/01/19/bitdefender_free_vs._bitdefender_premium.jpg)
Bitdefender Free vs. Bitdefender Premium 2025: Should You Upgrade?
Bitdefender antivirus free is one of the more robust free antivirus products on the market, so are the increased security tools and features worth upgrading for?
-
/images/2024/01/18/instagram-scams.jpg)
/images/2024/01/18/instagram-scams.jpg)
12 Common Instagram Scams and How To Spot Them
Instagram scams can look and feel convincing, but if you know what to look for you can avoid becoming the next victim.
