Mary James
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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
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Shopify Review 2025: Is It the Best Ecommerce Platform?
Shopify is trusted by millions who want to buy and sell goods online, but it may not be the most user-friendly platform for budding business owners.
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How Does Credit Karma Compare to Your Actual Credit Score?
Credit Karma is a safe, free way to check your credit score, but many users report stark differences between what they see on the site and their actual credit score.
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Wix Review 2025: Is It Really the Best Website Builder?
Wix is a leading website builder for good reason. You can create a professional website in minutes with Wix’s AI tools and easy-to-use templates. But is Wix the best platform for small businesses?
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Want Healthy Credit? How to Check Your Credit Report and Other Tips
Regularly checking your credit report can help stave off identity theft and errors as well as give you an action plan for building and maintaining good credit.
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Best 1Password Alternatives 2025
If 1Password isn’t cutting it, we’ve got you covered. Check out our hands-on comparison of the top recommended alternatives: NordPass, Keeper, and Bitwarden.
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Best RoboForm Alternatives of 2025
We've tested dozens of password managers and name NordPass, 1Password, and Bitwarden as the best RoboForm alternatives. These solutions offer features and functions that RoboForm doesn’t, but which one is the best choice to secure your online life?
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Unfreeze Your Credit in a Few Simple Steps
Learn how to unfreeze your credit quickly, when it’s advantageous to freeze it, and what else you’ll need to protect your identity.
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Are Free Credit Reports Safe?
Learn where to request your legitimate free annual credit report and how to avoid credit scams that can damage your good name.
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The Best Keeper Password Manager Alternatives of 2025
NordPass, 1Password, and Bitwarden are all strong contenders for the best Keeper password manager alternative. Still, the right choice for you could hinge on each one’s unique offerings — like advanced security, data storage, or unlimited free use.
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What Is Credit Monitoring and Why Is It Important?
Credit monitoring alerts you to suspicious activity before it becomes a problem, but when coupled with identity theft protection, it’s a powerful tool that can safeguard you against identity theft.
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The Best Ghostery Alternatives 2025
There are alternatives to Ghostery that provide more security, better features, and even increased functionality, so you get the most out of your ad-blocking software.
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Best NordPass Alternatives in 2025
Anyone looking for an alternative to NordPass will find that Keeper has tight security, 1Password is user-friendly for newbies, Aura offers a security stack, and Dashlane accommodates groups.
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The Best Adblock Plus Alternatives 2025
If Adblock Plus isn’t right for you, there are multiple alternatives you can choose from. These alternatives are more reliable and better at blocking ads and trackers overall.
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The Best McAfee Alternatives 2025
Alternatives to McAfee should include excellent protection scores, robust features, and fit inside your budget.
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The Best CyberGhost Alternatives 2025
CyberGhost has a lot of positive qualities, but you may be looking for a better VPN with different features and functionality.
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The Best PrivadoVPN Alternatives of 2025
If you’re looking for something that’s a better fit for you than PrivadoVPN, here we’ll compare a few other premium VPNs so you find your perfect match.
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The Best Bitdefender Alternatives 2025
If you’re looking for antivirus software, Bitdefender is a solid choice, but you may want to know what alternatives are available and if they’ll fit your needs.
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The Best Proton VPN Alternatives of 2025
Proton VPN is a well-liked and secure service, but if you’re looking for an alternative with different features, check out our VPN suggestions and see why we love them.
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The Best Avast Alternatives of 2025
If you’ve been using the free or paid versions of Avast but want to try a different antivirus program, then consider one of our top tested recommendations to keep you safe and secure online.
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How To Tell If Someone Is Spying On Your Phone (And What To Do About Spyware)
If you suspect that someone has hacked your phone and is monitoring your activity, there are warning signs and actionable steps you can take to remove spyware and reclaim your privacy.
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Bitdefender Antivirus Price in 2025: Affordable Antivirus Software
If you love Bitdefender's affordability and security but aren’t sure which plan is best for you, check out our side-by-side comparison, which includes everything you need to make a decision.
