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One misstep is all it takes to catch a virus, get hacked, or fall for a scam. Here are all of our tips and tricks for staying safe on your computer, phone, and the web!
Computer viruses and fraudsters may not seem like a big deal if you've never had to deal with them yet. But it only takes one unfortunate incident for your life to be turned upside-down. Better to be safe than sorry, isn't it?
In this master guide, you'll have access to all our best articles on how to stay secure while using the internet. Everything from safe web browsing practices to important software to have installed, from warning signs of malware to red flags of a scam---it's all here!
Understanding Online Security Basics
Passwords
If there are only two things you take away from these online security tips, let it be these: use properly strong passwords and use a password manager! These two tips will go a long way toward keeping all of your online accounts safe, secure, and protected:
- How to Create a Strong Password You Won't Forget
- More Tips for Creating Passwords That Are Secure and Memorable
- The Best Online Password Generators
- The Best Open-Source Password Managers
- Why You Should Be Using a Password Manager
- What Are Passwordless Logins? What You Need to Know
Two-Factor Authentication
If you want to kick your security up a notch, you should start using two-factor authentication for all of your online accounts that support it. Two-factor authentication makes it far more difficult for unauthorized users to access your accounts without you knowing:
- What Is Two-Factor Authentication? Why You Should Be Using It
- What Are the Different Two-Factor Authentication Methods?
- Why You Should Avoid SMS and App-Based Two-Factor Authentication
- The Best Google Authenticator Alternatives
Tips for Browsing the Web Safely
Dangers
When browsing the web, there are several risks you need to avoid: malware, fake ads, shady links, and more. Learn more about each of these so you don't get caught off guard:
- Which Websites Are Most Likely to Infect You With Malware?
- Why You Should Avoid the Dark Web
- Common Online Accounts That Are Sold on the Dark Web
- How to Spot Fake Ads Disguised as Fake Download Links
- The Best Sites for Checking If a Link Is Safe to Click
- The Best Free Online Virus Scanners
Bank Accounts
As online banking grows in popularity, it's becoming more important than ever to make sure your accounts are properly secured. The last thing you want is to log in one day and see that your funds have been drained:
- How to Secure Your Online Bank Accounts
- How to Know If Your Online Bank Account Was Hacked
- How Hackers Break Into Your Online Bank Accounts
- How to Secure Your Facebook Account
- How to Know If Your Facebook Account Was Hacked
- More Tips for Spotting If Your Facebook Account Was Hacked
- What to Do If Your Facebook Account Was Hacked
- How to Check If Someone Else Is Accessing Your Facebook Account
- How to Force Facebook Log Out on Other Devices
- How to Use Facebook Two-Factor Authentication and Code Generator
- How to Log Into Facebook Without Access to Code Generator
- How to Recover Your Facebook Account When You Can't Log In
- Why Facebook Is a Security Nightmare
Miscellaneous
- What Is a Firewall? Why You Should Be Using One
- How to Never Get a Virus or Malware
- How to Safely Test Your Antivirus Software
- How Your Identity Gets Stolen on the Web
- The Warning Signs of Digital Identity Theft
Tips for Computer Security
Antivirus
No matter what kind of computer or operating system you're using, you'll want to be protected by reputable antivirus software. Here are the best options and explanations for why you should consider them:
- The Best Free Antivirus Software
- The Best Computer Security and Antivirus Tools
- How to Protect Yourself Against Keyloggers
- Why It's Worth Upgrading to Malwarebytes Premium
Wi-Fi and Routers
If your Wi-Fi router isn't secure, intruders could come in and wreak havoc in ways unexpected. On the other hand, public Wi-Fi comes with many risks that you may not have considered before. Here's what you need to know:
- What Is WEP Wi-Fi Encryption? Why You Shouldn't Use It
- WEP vs. WPA vs. WPA2 vs. WPA3: Wi-Fi Security Types Explained
- Why You Should Never Share Your Wi-Fi Password
- How to Secure Your Router and Wi-Fi Network in Minutes
- How to Check Your Wi-Fi Network for Suspicious Devices
- How to Hide Your Wi-Fi Network From Being Seen
- How to Spot Fake Public Wi-Fi Networks Run by Hackers
- How Hackers Use Public Wi-Fi to Steal Your Identity
Workstation
Whether you're working from home or stuck at the office, there are several security measures you'll want to implement to keep your data and devices safe. Are you sure your workstation is protected?
- Why You Should Disable Your Webcam Right Now
- How to Check If Your Webcam Was Hacked
- How to Secure Your Home Office and Workstation
- How to Tell If Someone Was Snooping on Your PC
- How to Prevent Your Entire Desktop PC From Being Stolen
- How to Securely Wipe a Hard Drive
- How to Securely Wipe a Solid State Drive
- How to Safely Buy a Used PC (And Clean It Up Properly)
Downloading Software
What's the number one way people accidentally catch viruses and malware? Downloading shady software. The next time you download software, make sure you're downloading from a reputable site. Here are more warnings to consider:
- The Best Free Software Download Sites for Windows
- The Best Free Software Download Sites for Mac
- The Dangers of Downloading Pirated Games
- The Dangers of Downloading Cracked Software
Tips for Smartphone Security
General Tips
As we spend more and more time on our phones, it's now more important than ever that we practice good habits. Is your data secure? Are you avoiding malware? Can you spot scammers and hackers? Here's what you need to know:
- Does Your Smartphone Really Need an Antivirus App?
- Essential Smartphone App Permissions You Need to Check
- How to Catch People Trying to Unlock Your Phone
- How to Avoid Fake Apps in Mobile App Stores
- How to Use Public Wi-Fi Safely on Your Phone
- How to Tell If Your Smartphone Is Tapped
- How Your Phone's SIM Card Can Be Hacked
- What Is SIM Card Swapping? Protect Yourself From This Scam
- What Is a Drive-By NFC Hack? How to Protect Yourself
- How Do Forensic Analysts Get Deleted Data From Phones?
Android Tips
Using an Android phone? Here are specific tips you'll want to know:
- The Best Anti-Theft Android Apps
- Password vs. PIN vs. Fingerprint: The Best Way to Lock Your Phone
- How to Recover Your Android Passcode
- How to Remove Viruses From Your Phone Without a Factory Reset
- How to Avoid Downloading Trojans to Your Phone
- The Best Sites for Safe Android APK Downloads
iPhone Tips
Using an iPhone? Here are specific tips you'll want to know:
- Essential iPhone Security Settings You Must Know
- Fingerprint or PIN? The Best Way to Lock Your iPhone
- How to Make Face ID More Secure on iPhone
- How to Recover Your iPhone Passcode
- What to Do If Your iPhone Is Lost or Stolen
- The Dangers of iPhone Spyware
Mobile Payments
If you use your phone to make payments---whether buying items from a store or sending cash to friends via an app---there are certain things you'll want to keep in mind to ensure your money is safe and protected:
- How to Secure Your Venmo Account
- How to Protect Yourself Against Contactless Payment Scams
- Apple Pay Is Safer Than You Think
Tips for Email Security
Email Accounts
Are your email accounts safe against hackers and snoopers? Whether you're using Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, or whatever else, here are several tips to keep your accounts protected:
- The Most Secure Encrypted Email Providers
- How to Secure Your Outlook Email Account
- How to Secure Your Gmail Account
- How to Know If Your Gmail Account Was Hacked
- How to Secure Your Yahoo! Mail Account
- How to Encrypt Your Emails for Better Security
Email Risks
Any time you receive an unsolicited email, there's a risk that it could be malicious. Learn how to spot unsafe emails and what to do when you do:
- What Is Email Spoofing? How to Avoid Forged Emails
- What Is Email Phishing? How to Spot a Phishing Email
- How to Spot Unsafe Email Attachments
- How Scammers Can Exploit Your Email Address
Tips for Scams, Fraud, and Hoaxes
Every corner of the internet has scammers and fraudsters lurking in the shadows. Even when you think you're safe, you aren't. You have to be vigilant, and more importantly, you have to be aware of the tactics and techniques that are used to trick users like you:
- Top Internet Fraud and Scams of All Time
- How to Recognize and Avoid: Credit Card Fraud
- How to Recognize and Avoid: Gift Card Scams
- How to Recognize and Avoid: eBay Scams
- How to Recognize and Avoid: Tinder Scams
- How to Recognize and Avoid: Online Dating Scams
- How to Recognize and Avoid: SMS Text Message Scams
- How to Recognize and Avoid: Extortion Phishing Scams
- How to Recognize and Avoid: Apartment Rental Scams
- How to Recognize and Avoid: Facebook Pyramid Schemes
- How to Recognize and Avoid: Windows Tech Support Scam
- What to Do About Windows Tech Support Scammers