Online Privacy and Security

Online Security

Are Public Wi-Fi Networks Safe? What You Need To Know

Here’s what you need to know about your safety when you connect to a public Wi-Fi network.

How To Protect Your Phone From Hackers

Four steps to protect your phone from hackers.

How To Recover Your Hacked Email or Social Media Account

What to do if you think your email or social networking account has been hacked.

How To Remove Your Personal Information Before You Get Rid of Your Computer

How to remove your personal information from your computer so it doesn’t end up in the hands of an identity thief.

How To Remove Your Personal Information Before You Get Rid of Your Phone

Before you trade in, sell, give away, or recycle your phone, remove your personal information.

How To Secure Your Home Security Cameras

There are steps you can take to secure your home security camera. Read on to learn more.

How To Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network

How to protect your home wireless network.

Malware: How To Protect Against, Detect, and Remove It

Malware is one of the biggest threats to the security of your computer, tablet, phone, and other devices. Learn how to protect yourself, how to tell if your device has malware, and how to remove it.

Mobile Payment Apps: How To Avoid a Scam When You Use One

Learn how mobile payment apps work and how to avoid sending money to a scammer.

Protect Your Personal Information From Hackers and Scammers

Follow this advice to protect the personal information on your devices and in your online accounts.

Securing Your Internet-Connected Devices at Home

Steps that can help protect your internet-connected devices.

Use Two-Factor Authentication To Protect Your Accounts

Use two-factor authentication to protect your accounts from hackers.

Online Privacy

How To Secure Your Voice Assistant and Protect Your Privacy

Here's what you can do to keep your voice assistant and recordings private and secure.

How Websites and Apps Collect and Use Your Information

Learn how and why websites track you — and what to do about it.

Nonconsensual Distribution of Intimate Images: What To Know

Did someone take or share an intimate image or video of you without your consent? That’s known as nonconsensual distribution of intimate images. If that’s happened to you or someone you know, here’s information to help you decide what to do.

Stalkerware: What To Know

Do you think an abusive partner or ex is monitoring you through your phone? They might be using stalkerware to secretly track your device activity. Learn more about stalkerware, how to tell if it’s on your device, and what to do if it is.

What To Know About People Search Sites That Sell Your Information

Learn how people search sites work and how to ask them to stop selling your information.

Online Scams

How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams

Scammers use email or text messages to trick you into giving them your personal and financial information. But there are several ways to protect yourself.

How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams

Tech support scammers want you to pay them to fix a non-existent computer problem. Learn how to avoid and report tech support scams.

What to Know About Romance Scams

Romance scammers create fake profiles on dating sites and apps or contact you through popular social media sites like Instagram or Facebook. The scammers strike up a relationship with you to build up trust, sometimes talking or chatting several times a day. Then, they make up a story and ask for money. Learn how to avoid romance scams.

Related Scams

From Consumer Alerts

View all Online Privacy and Security alerts

Consumer Alert

Scam alert: QR code on an unexpected package

Alvaro Puig

January 23, 2025

An unexpected package from an unknown sender arrives in your name. You open it and find a note that says it’s a gift, but it doesn't say who sent it. The note also says to scan a QR code to find out who sent it — or to get instructions on how to return it. Did someone really send you a gift? Or is it an attempt to steal your personal information?

Consumer Alert

What to know before you upgrade your phone. And how to protect your new one

Alvaro Puig

January 3, 2025

If you’re thinking about upgrading your phone, here are four easy steps to remove your personal information from your phone before you trade it in.

Consumer Alert

Scammers are delivering phishing messages this holiday season

Ari Lazarus

December 2, 2024

During the holiday season, you might expect to get more deliveries. Some might even be surprise gifts. Scammers are counting on that when they send fake delivery notifications to you by email and text, hoping you’ll click. Here’s how to spot these scams.

Consumer Alert

How long will your smart device get software updates? It’s hard to know

Alvaro Puig

November 26, 2024

Smart devices are everywhere. Devices track our health and fitness, control our lights and thermostats, and keep an eye on our homes and pets. We pay a premium for the smart features and functionality of these products. But what happens if the manufacturer stops updating the software that makes them “smart”?