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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What Is the WebHelper Virus? (And How To Get Rid of It)
The WebHelper virus is malware that spreads through downloads, email attachments, and bad links. Need to remove the WebHelper virus? Here's how.
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Top Airbnb Scams of 2026
How can you get scammed on Airbnb? We cover the top trending Airbnb host scams and how you can avoid them.
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How To Uninstall Discord Malware in 2026 (Guide)
Discord is a social platform where users can send messages and make calls. Unfortunately, bad actors love attacking popular apps. Here’s what you need to do if you get a Discord virus.
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Amazon Brushing Scams: How That Unordered Package Got to You
Got a package from Amazon that you didn’t order? It could be part of an Amazon brushing scam. Here’s what you need to know.
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How To Update Your iPhone Privacy Settings: 21 Settings You Should Change Now
Do you know how to keep your iPhone secure? Our guide shows you 21 iPhone privacy settings you need to change right now.
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How to Set Up Parental Controls on Your iPhone and iPad
iPhones and iPads have tools in place to keep your children safe while they’re online. Here is how to set up parental controls in simple steps.
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How To Implement Safe Online Banking Practices
Online security is a primary concern for most of us these days. If you want to keep your online banking safe, you can use specific steps to do so, and we can show you how.
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PC Matic Review 2026: Will It Keep Your Device Protected?
PC Matic uses a novel whitelisting approach to malware protection and also comes with a handful of system optimization tools. Here’s what to know about this security suite.
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Don’t Be Hooked by These 13 Dating Scams
Think you’ve been caught in a net of catfishing scam? We’ll show you how to avoid getting hooked in this article about the most common dating scams.
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Is Y2mate Safe? How To Easily Remove a Y2mate Virus and Stay Safe
If you downloaded the Y2mate app to watch YouTube videos offline, you may be rethinking your decision. Y2mate could pose some significant risks, so we’ll show you how to remove it from your browser or operating system.
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Avira Antivirus Review 2026: Is It Worth the Cost?
If you’re in the market for antivirus software, you may have heard about Avira. We put it to the test to see if it’s worth the purchase.
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How to Catch Phishing Emails Before They Catch You
Phishing attacks can lead to serious problems like money loss and identity theft. Learn how to spot a phishing email and keep your information safe.
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Is WinZip Driver Updater a Security Threat?
Do you have concerns about the WinZip Driver Updater and want to know how to get it off your device? If you think you’ve bought into a fake driver scam and need to remove it, you need to read this article.
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How to Disable AVG Antivirus When Needed
There are times you may want to disable your AVG AntiVirus. If you want to keep your software installed for later use, we can show you how to quickly disable it on your device.
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How Authenticator Apps Work and Why You May Need One
If you think your password is enough to provide all the security you need for your online accounts, you may want to rethink your position. Here’s a look at how authenticator apps work and why you may want one.
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Which Cell Phone Is Most Secure in 2026? iPhone vs. Android Security
We all know the iPhone vs. Android battle — but which option gives you the most secure phone?
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How To Delete Your Social Media Accounts
If you’ve thought about going off the social media grid for a bit, there are easy ways to make it happen. We go over the steps for deleting several social media sites in this article.
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Sophos Antivirus Review 2026: Is It Worth the Premium?
Sophos antivirus’ coverage of 10 devices and excellent test ratings might make it worth the high price. Here's what to know before you buy.
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10 Risks of Giving Out Your Cell Phone Number
Have you been giving your cell number to strangers without much thought? You could be a victim of scammers if you’re not careful.
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8 of the Biggest TikTok Scams To Watch Out For
Many people started watching TikTok for dance and commentary videos. With audiences growing, scammers have found new ways to reach them.
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How to Remove Advertising from Yahoo Mail
The saying goes that there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Because it’s a free service, many people think Yahoo Mail automatically comes with those pop-up ads by default. Luckily, that doesn’t have to be the case.
