Total Defense

Security & Safety Resource Center

Learn about today's current internet threats and how to stay safe and secure.

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous Total Defense Internet Security posts


Does private browsing really protect your privacy? What incognito mode does—and doesn’t do

Private browsing can be useful when you share a computer, shop for a surprise gift or want a temporary session that does not stay in your browser history. Chrome calls it Incognito, Edge calls it InPrivate, and Firefox and Safari call it Private Browsing. Despite the different names, the basic promise is modest: the browser […]

How to set parental controls on Netflix and YouTube for safer streaming

Netflix and YouTube can entertain, teach and inspire children, but an adult profile or unrestricted account can expose them to mature videos, manipulative recommendations, scams and misinformation. Parental controls create useful guardrails by limiting available content, locking adult profiles and giving caregivers a clearer view of viewing activity. Controls matter because confidence does not always […]

What are public health phishing scams?

Phishing scams are fraudulent attempts to steal your personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security details. During a health crisis, scammers often pose as trusted organizations—like government agencies, hospitals, or health providers—to trick you into sharing sensitive data. You need to protect your personal information from scammers. When a public health […]

IRS emails? Think twice!

You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: The IRS will never initiate contact with you via email or text message. Scammers love to impersonate the IRS. They might send emails demanding immediate payment, threatening legal action, or offering fraudulent refunds. Here’s what to do: Remember: The IRS will always communicate with you through […]

Stop the cryptomining madness: how to block background miners

Ever noticed your computer running slower than usual, even when you’re not doing anything demanding? It could be a sign that something sneaky is happening in the background: cryptocurrency mining. Cryptocurrency mining is the process of using powerful computers to solve complex mathematical problems. The reward? Cryptocurrency. But these mining operations can be resource-hungry, slowing […]

Stop auto-connecting to Wi-Fi when you travel

Traveling can be stressful enough without worrying about your devices getting hacked. One sneaky way cybercriminals can sneak into your digital life is through your Wi-Fi. Many devices automatically scan for available networks and connect without your knowledge. This can leave you vulnerable to attacks. So, how can you protect yourself? By taking these simple […]