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Privacy & Security — Popular Guides

Ask Trish: A (Brief) Privacy Education

Ask Trish: A (Brief) Privacy Education

Dear Trish: I’ve been seeing all of this stuff in the news about privacy and it’s got me thinking about how to protect myself. I think privacy is really important but I’m not sure what to do.

Why It Is Essential to Keep your Operating Systems Up to Date

Regardless of what device you’re using — an iPhone or iPad, an Android phone or tablet, a Mac, a Windows PC or even a smart home appliance — it’s important to keep operating systems, apps and browsers updated with the latest security patches.

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Risk of Ransomware to National Infrastructure

Risk of Ransomware to National Infrastructure

The shutdown of Colonial Pipeline, which delivers gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel to much of the East Coast, is a reminder that essential institutions and the people they serve are vulnerable to potentially devastating cyberattacks.

Tips for Preventing ‘Ransomware’ Attacks

Tips for Preventing ‘Ransomware’ Attacks

A ransomware attack can encrypt data or lock you completely out of your device. It can also be used as a form of blackmail or extortion if the hacker finds something that they think may embarrass or incriminate you. Although victims are often large companies or public agencies, it can affect small businesses or people at home.

Protect Against Identify Theft

Protect Against Identify Theft

There are things you can do to reduce the chances of being a victim of identity theft, and if you are a victim, there are things you can do to recover.

Do Passwords Really Protect Us?

Do Passwords Really Protect Us?

Online security expert Andrew Shikiar of FIDO Alliance talked to us about phishing, vishing, social engineering, and what’s wrong with passwords. “Simply put, passwords aren’t up to the task.”

Why It Is Essential to Keep your Operating Systems Up to Date

Why It Is Essential to Keep your Operating Systems Up to Date

Regardless of what device you’re using — an iPhone or iPad, an Android phone or tablet, a Mac, a Windows PC or even a smart home appliance — it’s important to keep operating systems, apps and browsers updated with the latest security patches.

Quick-Guide to Secure Passwords

Quick-Guide to Secure Passwords

The FBI along with other security experts are now recommending a “pass phrase” rather than simply a password. Such a phrase should be relatively long – at least 15 characters.

Risk of Ransomware to National Infrastructure

Risk of Ransomware to National Infrastructure

The shutdown of Colonial Pipeline, which delivers gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel to much of the East Coast, is a reminder that essential institutions and the people they serve are vulnerable to potentially devastating cyberattacks.

More Recommendations

Advice on Sexting, Sextortion and Revenge Porn

Advice on Sexting, Sextortion and Revenge Porn

The safest way to avoid a picture getting into the wrong hands is to never take it, allow it to be taken, or share it. Sadly, there are cases (sometimes called “revenge porn”) where someone shares pictures meant only for them

Why Teens Love TikTok

We spoke with Jeff Collins and Lavanya Mahendran about all things TikTok, including how people are creatively using the service during this period plus TikTok’s new safety features.