Online Privacy and Security

Understanding online privacy, how to protect your devices from hackers and threats, and how to avoid common online scams.

Online Security

How To Protect Your Data Before You Get Rid of Your Computer

Before you get rid of your old computer, delete your personal information from the hard drive so it doesn’t end up in the hands of an identity thief.

How To Protect Your Phone and the Data on It

Find out what you can do to protect the data on your phone, and how to erase that information before you get rid of your phone.

How To Recognize, Remove, and Avoid Malware

Malware is a big threat you to your devices' security. Here's how to recognize, remove, and avoid malware.

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 Safely Use Public Wi-Fi Networks

Here are some ways to safely use public Wi-Fi when you're out and about.

How To Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network

How to protect your home wireless network.

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.

Password Checklist

Here’s a checklist to make sure your passwords are secure.

Protect Your Personal Information and Data

How to protect your devices, networks, and information from scammers.

Securing Your Internet-Connected Devices at Home

Steps that can help protect your internet-connected devices.

Using IP Cameras Safely

When you shop for an internet camera, put security features at the top of your list. Here are tips to help.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) Apps on Mobile Devices

If you’re looking for a more secure way to use public Wi-Fi, know the benefits and risks of Virtual Private Network (VPN) apps.

Online Privacy

How To Protect Your Privacy on Apps

What you can do to protect your privacy on mobile apps.

How To Protect Your Privacy Online

When you do anything online, you leave a trail. Learn how online tracking works and what you can do about it.

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.

Stalking Apps: What To Know

Stalking apps on your phone can track or monitor your behavior.

What To Do if You’re the Target of Revenge Porn

Did someone share an intimate image of you without your OK? Find out what you can do about it.

Online Scams

How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams

Scammers use email or text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information. But there are several things you can do 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 You Need To Know About Romance Scams

Romance scammers create fake profiles on dating apps or social media sites and trick people into sending money. Learn the #1 tip for avoiding a romance scam.

Related Scams

From Consumer Alerts

View all Online Privacy and Security alerts

Consumer Alert

Selling stuff online? Here’s how to avoid a scam

Alvaro Puig

July 27, 2022

Selling stuff online can be a great way to make some extra cash. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other sites attract a lot of buyers — and scammers. Here are some ways scammers try to cheat you

Consumer Alert

Twitter and your privacy

Rosario Méndez

May 25, 2022

Twitter introduced the world to the concept of communicating in short tweets. But the FTC says that doesn’t mean taking shortcuts with people’s privacy. Today, the FTC announced that Twitter must pay

Consumer Alert

Is your kid using education technology? Read on

Peder Magee and James Trilling, Senior Attorneys, FTC

May 19, 2022

Whether in class or at home, kids are probably using technology to do their schoolwork. But have you ever wondered what information that technology is gathering from your kid? The FTC has, and today

Consumer Alert

Cybersecurity advice to protect your connected devices and accounts

Alvaro Puig

March 23, 2022

For so many of us, cell phones and computers are embedded in our personal and professional lives. We talk and text, we browse the web, we watch, and we create. Our devices store a lot of personal