Safety & Privacy Guides
How to stay safe online, manage passwords, and protect privacy.
Most online security comes down to a few habits done consistently. These guides cover creating strong passwords, using a password manager, turning on two-factor authentication, spotting phishing emails, recognizing romance and tech-support scams, removing your info from Google, freezing your credit, and locking down social-media privacy. They are written for people who do not consider themselves tech-savvy.
33 guides
- How to Avoid Online ScamsLearn how to spot and avoid common online scams in 5 clear steps.
- How to Back Up Your Data Securely OnlineLearn how to back up your files securely to the cloud using encrypted services in 5 clear steps.
- How to Block Cookies in Your BrowserLearn how to block third-party cookies in Chrome, Firefox, and Safari to protect your online privacy in 5 clear steps.
- How to Block Spam CallsLearn how to block spam and robocalls on your phone in 5 clear steps.
- How to Browse Privately OnlineLearn how to browse the internet privately in Chrome, Safari, and Firefox in 5 clear steps.
- How to Check App Permissions on Your PhoneLearn how to review and manage app permissions on your smartphone in 5 clear steps.
- How to Check if Your Email Was in a Data BreachLearn how to check if your email address was exposed in a data breach in 4 clear steps.
- How to Check if Your Phone Is HackedLearn how to check if your phone has been hacked by looking for common signs of compromise in 5 clear steps.
- How to Clear Your Browsing History OnlineLearn how to clear your browsing history in Chrome, Safari, and Firefox in 5 clear steps.
- How to Create a Strong Password OnlineLearn how to create a strong password to protect your online accounts in 5 clear steps.
- How to Encrypt FilesLearn how to encrypt files and folders to protect your sensitive data in 5 clear steps.
- How to Lock Down Facebook Privacy SettingsLearn how to secure your Facebook account and control who sees your posts in 5 clear steps.
- How to Log Out of All DevicesLearn how to remotely log out of accounts on devices you no longer use in 5 clear steps.
- How to Protect Against Ransomware OnlineLearn how to protect your computer from ransomware attacks using prevention steps and security tools in 5 clear steps.
- How to Recognize Romance Scams OnlineLearn how to spot the warning signs of romance scams on dating sites and social media in 5 clear steps.
- How to Remove a Virus From Your ComputerLearn how to find and remove a virus from your Windows or Mac computer using built-in security tools in 5 clear steps.
- How to Remove Personal Info from Google SearchLearn how to request removal of your personal information from Google Search results in 4 clear steps.
- How to Report a Scam Website OnlineLearn how to report a scam or fake website to the FTC, Google, and other authorities in 5 clear steps.
- How to Report Identity Theft OnlineLearn how to report identity theft to the FTC and protect your credit in 5 clear steps.
- How to Secure Your Home WiFi NetworkLearn how to secure your home WiFi network from hackers and unwanted guests in 5 clear steps.
- How to Set Up a Guest WiFi NetworkLearn how to set up a guest WiFi network for visitors in 5 clear steps.
- How to Set Up Two Factor Authentication OnlineLearn how to set up two factor authentication to protect your online accounts in 5 clear steps.
- How to Spot a Phishing EmailLearn how to identify phishing emails that try to steal your personal information in 5 clear steps.
- How to Tell If a Website Is SafeLearn how to check if a website is safe and trustworthy before you enter personal information in 5 clear steps.
- How to Turn Off Location Tracking on Your PhoneLearn how to turn off location tracking on your iPhone or Android phone in 5 clear steps.
- How to Use a Firewall on Your ComputerLearn how to turn on and configure the built-in firewall on Windows or Mac to protect your computer in 5 clear steps.
- How to Use a Password Manager OnlineLearn how to use a password manager to store and manage your passwords securely in 5 clear steps.
- How to Use a VPN OnlineLearn how to use a VPN to protect your privacy and browse the internet securely in 5 clear steps.
- How to Use Antivirus SoftwareLearn how to install and use antivirus software to protect your computer in 5 clear steps.
- How to Use Apple Privacy Settings on Your iPhoneLearn how to use the privacy settings on your iPhone to control what data apps can access in 5 clear steps.
- How to Use Google Privacy Checkup OnlineLearn how to run a Google privacy checkup to review and control what data Google collects about you in 5 clear steps.
- How to Use Incognito Mode in Your BrowserLearn how to use incognito or private browsing mode in Chrome, Safari, and Firefox in 5 clear steps.
- How to Use Signal for Private MessagesLearn how to use Signal for encrypted and private messaging in 5 clear steps.