Archives - Cybersecurity Tips

Create ransomware-resistant backups to protect your files and digital life

Ransomware can turn family photos, tax records, schoolwork, and important documents into unreadable files within minutes. Criminals encrypt the data, demand payment for a decryption key, and may threaten to publish stolen information. Regular backups give you another recovery option. If ransomware damages the files on your computer, you may be able to wipe the […]

Enable 2FA on game console accounts to stop account theft and unauthorized purchases

Your gaming account may hold more value than you realize. Digital games, saved payment methods, subscription benefits, virtual currency, loyalty rewards, and downloadable content can turn an account into an attractive target. Two-factor authentication, also called 2FA or two-step verification, adds another layer of identity protection. However, 2FA alone may not prompt you for a […]

Posting on Reddit? How to protect your identity on public forums

Public forums such as Reddit are great places to discuss timely topics, ask questions, compare experiences, and share personal stories. But public conversations can also leave a trail of clues about who you are offline. Your real name may never appear in a post, yet details about your hometown, job, age, family, hobbies, and schedule […]

Cast streaming apps at a friend’s house instead of signing in on their TV

Watching a movie or game at a friend’s house should not end with your streaming account permanently logged into someone else’s television. When the TV supports casting, you can often control playback through an authenticated app on your own phone, tablet, or laptop instead. Casting generally reduces the need to type or save your username […]

Using a shared computer? Turn on private browsing to protect your accounts and history

A shared computer can be convenient when you are traveling, visiting a library, staying at a hotel, or borrowing a friend’s laptop. It can also expose your browsing history, login sessions, and personal information to the next person who uses it. Private browsing, called Incognito in Google Chrome, InPrivate in Microsoft Edge, and Private Browsing […]

Only donate directly to online charities? How to give safely and avoid donation scams

Giving online makes it easy to support causes you care about, but it also gives scammers opportunities to exploit generosity. Criminals create copycat charity websites, impersonate legitimate organizations, launch misleading crowdfunding campaigns, and send urgent donation requests after disasters. When possible, start at the charity’s official website instead of clicking a donation link in an […]