Patti Croft
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Patti Croft is a writer at All About Cookies whose experience as a security specialist shapes her approach to product testing and evaluation. At AAC, Patti has authored an extensive library of hands-on reviews and comparisons, specializing in antivirus software and password managers. Her work consistently helps readers make sense of a crowded, often confusing product landscape by breaking down real performance differences rather than relying on marketing claims. She has written over 180 articles for AAC and tests on Mac and iPhone.
Before her cybersecurity writing career, Patti worked as a technical analyst at a leading medical center, where she earned a Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) credential — formal recognition of her expertise in managing and securing sensitive health data in one of the most compliance-intensive environments in tech. Patti holds an M.B.A. and a B.S. in Computer Science from Troy University.
In her spare time, she is an avid reader and researcher and loves spending time with her pets. She currently shares an office with her cat, Beau.
- Antivirus
- Password Managers
- Data Security
- M.B.A. and a B.S. in Computer Science from Troy University
- Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA)
- Mac or PC: Mac
- Android or iOS: iPhone
Patti's Latest Articles
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Bitdefender vs. Webroot 2026: Bitdefender Bypasses Webroot
You’ll love either of these security solutions, but our testing found Bitdefender is more secure and offers more features.
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AVG vs. Malwarebytes 2026: AVG Comes Out on Top
We will take you through the pros and cons to help you decide between Malwarebytes and AVG. Will you go with AVG’s near 100% protection score or Malwarebytes' no-frills, straightforward options?
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3 Ways To Find Your iPhone’s IP Address
Finding your iPhone’s IP address is simple once you know the steps, so we will give you three ways to find it.
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The Best Free Malware Removal Tools of 2026
Are you in the market for free malware removal software but don’t know where to start looking? We take the guesswork out and recommend some of the best tools we’ve found.
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The Best Antivirus Software for a Gaming PC 2026
Here are the best antivirus for your gaming PC, so you stay protected without sacrificing on performance.
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What Is an Evil Twin Attack? How To Secure Your Devices Against MitM Attacks
Don’t get tricked into connecting to a fake Wi-Fi network, allowing hackers to access all your internet traffic and data. Learn how to identify and prevent evil twin attacks.
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Microsoft Defender vs. Norton 360 2026: A Microsoft Classic vs. Norton’s Powerhouse Antivirus
If you’re a Windows user, Microsoft Defender may be just the thing you need for extra security features. But Norton 360 comes with even more features, like parental controls, a VPN, and more. So which is best? We’ll help you decide.
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Norton 360 Deluxe vs. Premium 2026: Similar Plans, Different Pricing
If you’ve already decided on Norton antivirus protection, now you need to choose between a handful of plans, including Norton 360 Deluxe and Norton 360 Premium. So how do these antivirus plans compare?
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Zoho Vault Review 2026: Is It Worth the Money?
Based on our testing, Zoho Vault proved to be an affordable and user-friendly password manager. But does it offer all the features you need?
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How To Get Rid of Minecraft Malware and Stay Safe While Playing
You may have downloaded a mod that contains malware. Here’s what we know about the Minecraft launcher malware, Fractureiser.
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Malwarebytes vs. McAfee 2026: Is McAfee Simply the Best?
We compare Malwarebytes’s easy simplicity against McAfee’s feature-rich plans. Learn more about our experience testing both.
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Avast vs Malwarebytes 2026: Avast Edges Into the Lead
If you need a full set of security features and coverage for multiple devices, Avast may be the perfect solution for you. But Malwarebytes’ simpler approach and potentially lower cost may check all your boxes.
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Norton vs. PC Matic 2026: Norton's Security Suite Steals the Win
While PC Matic is a strong contender, Norton is a tried and true antivirus with a variety of security features to protect you and your family online.
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Norton vs. Malwarebytes 2026: Which Offers Better Malware Protection?
Norton and Malwarebytes are both popular antivirus products, but each offers some different perks. We’ll cover the pros and cons, features, and prices of each antivirus to help you decide which is better for you.
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Avast vs. Norton 2026: A Detailed Guide to the Better Antivirus
Norton beats out the competition by offering a full antivirus suite. Don’t count Avast out, as it has high third-party test scores and offers competitive pricing.
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Bitdefender vs. McAfee 2026: Bitdefender Beats the Competition
Are you a Windows user looking for affordable antivirus software like Bitdefender? Or are you looking for a premium program that allows for unlimited devices like McAfee?
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How To Send Money Anonymously Without Needing a Tech Degree
There may be times you want to send money anonymously or pay for an item without your data being tracked. We’ll review some of the most popular ways to do this and give you the potential benefits and drawbacks of each method.
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Why is Data Privacy Important for Your Future?
Companies track more of your personal info than you think. Learn about the importance of data privacy and information security.
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McAfee True Key 2026: Is It Basic at Best?
We tested McAfee True Key's free password capabilities and found that there are better free options on the market
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The Best Browser Extensions for Privacy and Security 2026
We’ll show you the benefits of different browser extensions for your privacy and security, including VPNs, password managers, and more.
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Bitdefender vs. Kaspersky 2026: Bitdefender Offers Better Security
We’ll help you decide between Bitdefender, with its reliable security solutions, and Kaspersky, with its extra features like data reporting and an on-screen keyboard.
