How To
How to Stay Safe, Protect Your Privacy and Digital Life
Educating yourself against the threats on the Internet is one of the best lines of defense in your personal cybersecurity. While traditional Internet Security software programs can catch a lot of the threats before they get to you, it can’t catch all of them. Cybercriminals will try any tactic to try to get your personal information, including non-digital methods such as tech support phone scams, tax fraud and social engineering.
From clean computing, avoiding malware, setting up new devices to staying safe on social media, our “how-to” section has everything you need to know to keep yourself safe. In this section, you can learn how to spot spam, stop spyware in its tracks, avoid ransomware, malware and more.
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How to file taxes online safely + tips
Learn how to file taxes online safely by following these steps. The goal is to keep your personal and financial information private when filing your taxes.
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Q&A: I left my data on the infotainment system of a rental car. Problem?
When you use Bluetooth to connect your phone to a rental car infotainment system, the system could get ahold of your call logs, contacts list, phone number, and more. Learn what to do.
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How to keep your personal information safe on social media
Social media runs a significant portion of people’s social lives. We use it to connect with far-flung friends and family, send quick messages to co-workers, and announce major (and minor) events in our lives. Many businesses use social media sites to collaborate or share information—for instance, you might discuss a project with co-workers via a Facebook messaging session or plan a conference on a LinkedIn forum.
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Help secure your accounts with these strong password tips
The importance of using secure, unique passwords is growing as you entrust increasing amounts of personal information to organizations and businesses that can fall victim to data breaches and password leaks. You can take the precaution of making sure you craft strong passwords for your online accounts.
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What to do with old computers
Take these steps to ensure your old technology has been properly wiped and recycled.
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Ways to avoid identity theft + ID theft statistics for 2022
This comprehensive identity theft protection guide overviews ways to avoid identity theft, types of identity theft, as well as identity theft statistics.
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A guide for how to spot fake news
Fake news can be hard to spot for adults and children. Here’s a guide to help decipher what’s real and what’s fiction on the internet.
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2021 New-Device Resource Guide: Your new-tech security questions answered
When you get a new tech gadget, you might have questions about device security and online privacy. Here’s help.
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How to encrypt a flash drive
It’s smart to know how to encrypt a flash drive, because flash drives — and your data on them — could be easily lost or stolen.
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How to keep your cell phone clean in the COVID-19 era: Hardware and software
Learn how to clean the outside and inside of your cell phone for your own health and for the safety of your data and devices.
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Are you a digital hoarder? 12 signs plus tips to declutter your data
An overview of what digital hoarding is, plus data hoarding habits to consider and tips to clean up our digital clutter.
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The evolution of Norton™ 360: A brief timeline of cyber safety
The evolution of Norton 360 : A brief timeline of cyber security
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How to teach digital citizenship, plus printable posters and games
Consider this your comprehensive guide to digital citizenship. Discover what it means to be a digital citizen, how to teach it — and printable games to help.
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Spring clean your phone for a better digital life
Spring cleaning is not just for your home. Deep clean your phone and give it the tidying up it deserves.
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Digital generations: The technology gap between seniors, parents, and kids
An overview of the term digital generations and the digital natives and digital immigrants who fall under it, plus tips for each generation to stay cyber-wise.
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How to get free Wi-Fi: The digital nomad's guide to cybersecurity
As digital nomads are on the rise, knowing how to get free Wi-Fi — and knowing how to get Wi-Fi anywhere — is crucial. Consider the following methods and cybersecurity tips.
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10 cybersecurity best practices that every employee should know
If you work for a small or midsize company, it's smart to learn about cybersecurity best practices. A single employee could make a mistake by sharing sensitive company information on their smartphone or clicking on a corrupt link. Cybercriminals can create email addresses and websites that look legitimate. Scammers can fake caller ID information.
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How to safely access the deep and dark webs
The deep web and the dark web both offer a degree of privacy and anonymity. Dark web websites are often associated with illegal activity — but not all of them. There’s a chance you’ll find websites run by criminals. Some websites could infect your devices with viruses.
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How to safely use public Wi-Fi hotspots while holiday shopping
If you’re on free public Wi-Fi while out holiday shopping, be sure to add a little ho-ho-ho to that Wi-Fi hotspot with these security tips.
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11 ways to help protect yourself against cybercrime
Cybercrime is any crime that takes place online or primarily online. Cybercriminals often commit crimes by targeting computer networks or devices. Other cybercrimes include things like “revenge porn,” cyber-stalking, bullying, and child sexual exploitation.
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Remote computer access: What is it and what are the risks?
Learn how remote computer access works, the possible security risks, and how you can access other computers and networks remotely.
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5 reasons why general software updates and patches are important
Why are software updates so important? Software updates are important to your digital safety and cyber security. There are a lot of reasons why it's important to update software regularly.
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Data backups 101: A complete guide for 2023
Are you tired of dealing with spotty Wi-Fi, researching "how to extend Wi-Fi range" for answers? To combat this, follow these steps to boost your Wi-Fi signal.
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How to lower ping and ultimately reduce lag in video games
Consider this the online gamers’ guide on how to lower your ping and, ultimately, reduce lag in video games by following these troubleshooting steps and tips.
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The basic steps to online safety and security-NCSAM Week 1
Since our physical world has become so integrated with our technology, its not as easy as to protect it back when all we had to worry about was our computers and laptops. However, in this day and...
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How to free up RAM: 15+ effective methods for Windows and Mac
Whether you’re a Windows user or a Mac user, this guide will walk you through how to free up RAM so that you can improve your computer’s performance today.
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What to do if you're a victim of malware
Trojan horses, bots, adware, ransomware, macro viruses, rogueware, spyware, worms and phishing attacks target Internet users every day. The more we use the Internet, the more vulnerable we are to threats. There are many security measures that Internet users can put in place to minimize putting themselves at risk from malicious attacks.
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6 tips to avoid getting a virus on your devices from the internet
How do you avoid getting a virus on your devices from the internet? Here’s our tips to help keep you protected.
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How to spot a fake Android app
If you're an Android user and you receive an unexpected SMS or a strange notification from what appears to be a familiar source, beware; criminals may be trying to rip you off. Find out how scammers try to trick you into installing a fake app.
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How to stay safer online: Your 2021 online privacy and device security checklist
Take these 10 steps to help protect your online privacy and device security in 2021. | NortonLifeLock
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How to find hidden cameras: 10 detection methods
Be it a hotel or vacation rental, you may wonder about hidden cameras. Follow this guide to learn how to find hidden cameras and help protect your privacy.
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How to fix a “Your connection is not private” error
How to fix a “your connection is not private” error yourself, what the error message means, and how to proceed if your troubleshooting efforts fall short.
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10 cryptocurrency scams to avoid in 2022
Explore the most common cryptocurrency scams of 2022 along with tips to avoid cryptocurrency fraud.
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How to extend Wi-Fi range: 12 ways to boost your signal
Are you tired of dealing with spotty Wi-Fi, researching "how to extend Wi-Fi range" for answers? To combat this, follow these steps to boost your Wi-Fi signal.
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Cyberstalking: Help protect yourself against cyberstalking
Cyberstalking is defined as online stalking. It involves the repeated use of the internet or other electronic means to harass, intimidate or frighten a person or group. Cyberstalkers may use email, instant messages, phone calls, and other communication modes to stalk you.
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How to remove a hacker from my phone + avoid phone hacking
How to remove a hacker from my phone is a question constantly searched online. Continue to learn more about phone hacking and how to protect your own devices.
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Your must-know guide to new tech set up and device security
Getting one of those top tech gifts over the holidays in 2020? Learn new device security best practices and set up pointers.
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11 security steps to take after unboxing your new devices
Before your new tech gadget becomes part of your day-to-day life, here’s what you need to know about helping to assure privacy and security.
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Survey: Majority of Americans put their confidential data on a piece of paper, not the cloud
The Internet has blurred the lines between real world and the virtual one. Technology is barreling into our hands through smartphones at an unbelievable pace.
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What is cyberstalking? How to help protect yourself against it
Cyberstalking is defined as online stalking and involves the repeated use of the internet or other electronic means to harass, intimidate or frighten a person or group.
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How to hack-proof your dorm room: 10 tips
Back-to-school time is a fertile period for scam artists to target college students. Take these steps to help hack-proof your dorm room.
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How to make your computer faster: 12 ways to improve computer performance
Do you feel like your computer is getting slower by the day? If so, follow these tips to learn how to make your computer faster and improve its performance.
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What is two-factor authentication (2FA) and how does it work?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a way to add an extra layer of security to your personal information that is stored online. We explain how it works.
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25 vital computer maintenance tips and checklist to protect your device
Computer maintenance means keeping your computer in good condition through regular cleanings, hard drive updates, and virus prevention. Find out how.
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How to protect personal information online: A simplified guide
Consider this your go-to guide on how to protect personal information online, including tools and best practices that can help protect your privacy and security.
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How to set up a guest Wi-Fi network: Guest networks explained
An overview of what is a data backup, plus pointers to consider when choosing your data backup solution and when creating your backup strategy.
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What is an SSL certificate? A definition + FAQs answered
What is an SSL certificate, and why does it matter? An SSL certificate authenticates a website’s identity and enables an encrypted connection. Learn more about this security feature and how it helps prevent cybercriminals from stealing your data.
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‘It's easy to stay safe online’ with these 4 steps (plus 1)
Here are the four key steps with easy action items, plus a bonus task to help you protect yourself from identity theft this year.
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Antivirus protection: What to look for
Here are some things to consider when deciding on a security suite and the best antivirus protection for your needs.
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How to encrypt email (Gmail, Outlook, iOS, Android)
Email encryption safeguards your personal emails and data to prevent unwanted access. Consider this your go-to guide on how to encrypt email across your accounts.
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VPN tests: How to tell if a VPN is working
A virtual private network (VPN) helps encrypt your online activity, disguising your browsing. But what happens when a VPN fails you? That’s where a VPN test comes in.
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How to freeze your credit report after identity theft
A credit freeze allows you to restrict access to your credit report. It can help if you’ve been a victim of identity theft.
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Q&A: Is it safer to do banking on my computer or phone?
Whether it's safer to bank by computer or phone depends on a variety of factors, but these tips can help whenever you bank online.
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How to protect against identity theft + ID theft statistics for 2022
This comprehensive identity theft protection guide overviews types of identity theft and how to help protect yourself, as well as identity theft statistics.
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Bloatware: Why it's a concern plus how to remove it
Buy a new device and it’s running slow? Bloatware could be your problem. Consider these following types, how to remove them, and the cyber threats they’re associated with.
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What are cookies?
The purpose of the computer cookie is to help the website keep track of your visits and activity. Cookie settings can help protect your privacy online.
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How to set parental controls on every device: An absolutely ultimate guide
The internet allows children to access almost anything. To help keep your child safe, learn how to set parental controls on all popular devices and platforms.
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COVID-19 and new device security: 9 tips to help stay cybersafe
If you just purchased a new device in the COVID-19 era, there are steps you can take to help set up and maintain its security. | NortonLifeLock
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How to increase download speed: 15 tips and tricks
You may be able to increase your download speed if yours is slow. Learn some simple and more complex ways to do it.
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How to get rid of spam emails
Email spam is unsolicited, bulk-sent email messages sent to an inbox. Learn how to get rid of spam emails from invading your privacy.
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Data backup: Why it’s important plus strategies to protect your information
Data loss can happen to anyone. A strong backup strategy can make a big difference in your digital life and give you peace of mind. If you happen to lose your data due to a hardware defect or ransomware attack, having a backup could be the respite you’re looking for.
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How to request to remove info from people search sites – Whitepages, MyLife, Spokeo, and more
Learn how to request to remove your personal information from more than a dozen people search sites with this step-by-step guide.
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10 critical steps to help protect yourself online
Learn how to stay safer online with tips on updates, backups, public Wi-Fi, protecting personal information, and more.
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How to clean your computer: Software and hardware
Clean computing is the practice of maintaining a clean machine, including hardware and software. The average computer is 5-1/2 years old, according to one estimate. Clean hardware can help your computer run more smoothly and extend your computer’s lifespan. Regular cleaning protects your investment and your data.
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How to clear cookies + cache in every browser
Discover how to clear cookies from Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and other browsers to browse online more securely.
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How to get rid of a computer virus
There can be thousands of new viruses and malware attacks each year, and they can affect devices and operating systems in many different ways, but virus warning signs tend to be similar across the board. Here's how to tell if your computer may have been infected.
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Is my phone listening to me? Yes, here’s why and how to stop it
Learn how and why it’s important to securely store your passwords. Find out the pros and cons of password managers, plus unsecure storage methods to avoid.
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How to wipe a computer hard drive in 5 steps
Your personal information will be retrievable on a computer’s hard drive unless you take steps to wipe the hard drive clean. Learn how from Norton.
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How to securely store passwords – tips for managing and storing passwords
Learn how and why it’s important to securely store your passwords. Find out the pros and cons of password managers, plus unsecure storage methods to avoid.
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Top sites to download free ebooks
Here’s a list of free ebook sites from the well-known and popular to the sometimes obscure and fringe. Find something to engage and inspire, dream and escape, or edify and learn.
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How to know if a website is safe: 10 steps to verify secure sites
Review the ultimate guide on how to know if a website is safe this holiday season and beyond with tips and 10 steps for how to check if a website is secure.
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How to protect against phishing: 18 tips for spotting a scam
Have you ever come across a phishing email and wondered how to best protect yourself? Check out this guide to learn how to protect against phishing attacks.
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Securing your game console and gaming account
Todays gaming consoles are independent computers, but they are not yet at the stage where they are susceptible to malware in the same way PCs and other devices are. Even though the consoles are...
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Safe online shopping tips for the holiday season
While online shopping has made our lives easier, it also exposes new weaknesses with the information we use to make those very purchases.
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Does caring for your technology stress you out?
Technology should support you, not stress you. Stay on top of caring for your devices. Find out how.
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Can technology bring family closer during the holidays?
Make the most of technology this holiday season. Let devices bring you and your family closer.
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How to talk to your kids about cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is not very different from the ill reputed bullying that happens in the school yard. It has the same psychological and social implication that leaves the formative minds of children...
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5 tips to protect yourself from online travel booking scams
Thanks to the Internet, booking travel online is simple. But as your ideas of a spring break or summer vacation take shape, remember to be cautious when making reservations online. The number of...
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What is an SSL certificate?
An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates the identity of a website. They’re often used on pages that require users to submit personal or credit card information. Learn the different types of SSL certificates and the benefits and disadvantages of each.
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Good cyber hygiene habits to help stay safe online
Cyber hygiene involves using products and tools that fit your needs, performing hygienic tasks correctly, and starting a routine.
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How to remove GPS and other metadata locations from photos
Many digital photographers don’t realize that their photos might carry metadata about locations, time and date, or the device that took the photo. Removing it before posting photos online is crucial to protecting your identity and privacy.
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How to choose a secure password
Passwords are the digital keys to our networks of friends, our work colleagues, and even our banking and payment services. We want to keep our passwords private to protect our personal lives, and that includes our financial information. A good password is all that may stand between you and a cybercriminal.
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Router security: How to setup Wi-Fi router securely
Unsecured wi-fi routers can be a liability when it comes to hackers and squatters. Some new routers come with default passwords, but you should change these during setup. Most modern routers allow users to disable WPS. For the online safety of your network and devices, it’s smart to never disable a firewall.
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What is spyware? And how to remove it
Spyware is classified as a type of malware — malicious software designed to gain access to or damage your computer, often without your knowledge. Spyware gathers your personal information and relays it to advertisers, data firms, or external users.
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Do you have a false sense of security online? Take this quiz to find out
A large number of people aren't taking the appropriate steps to protect themselves when they're online. Find out if you’re one of them.
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What is cryptocurrency and how does it work? What you need to know
An introduction to cryptocurrency. Learn what it is, how it works, and how it could affect the future.
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How to secure your iPad and keep it that way
How to maximize security and privacy while you enjoy convenience and entertainment with your iPad, wherever you happen to be.
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How to safely donate your old laptop, smartphone and other tech gadgets
Donating your old smartphone, laptop, or tablet is a way to help a person or organization in need. Learn how to do it safely.
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From the break room to the boardroom: Creating a culture of cybersecurity in the workplace
Whether you own a small business or a big one, you live in a world where cybersecurity is of paramount importance. Big business, small business, academic institutions, government agencies,...
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How to secure your information in the cloud
More people and businesses now use the cloud in some form, sometimes without even realizing they are doing so. Know how to secure your information on the cloud.
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Technology usage and the physical effects on your body
Sure, there are plenty of amazing positives to technology but, as with most things, a fair share of negatives exists as well. One of the negatives technology presents is the physical effect on the...
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How to stay safe when file sharing online
File sharing technology is an easy way for individuals or institutions to transfer content on the internet. There are several peer-to-peer (P2P) applications and services available. Some applications...
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How to create a hack-proof password
Think of passwords as the keys to your digital life. Learn seven tips on how to create hack-proof passwords that will keep hackers away from your private information.
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Voter registration tips: Here’s help for voting early or by mail during the pandemic
If you’re hesitant to go to your polling place on Election Day due to the pandemic, you have options for voting.
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8 ways to reduce screen time and boost your well-being
Help for children and adults who’ve been glued to their TVs, laptops, and phones during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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How to vote by mail: 6 steps to take to ensure your vote counts
Here's a look at how to vote by mail and the steps to take to ensure your mail-in ballot counts this fall.
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How a password manager can help secure your passwords
Password managers help you generate, protect, and keep track of strong passwords for your online accounts.
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How do firewalls prevent computer viruses?
Firewalls function as a critical line of defense against cybercriminals. Know what they protect and how they work.
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8 elements to help you become a great digital citizen
8 Elements to Help You Become a Great Digital Citizen
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Kids' Safety
With the right information at your fingertips, you can make better decisions for your child’s cyber safety. Read articles about online security for your family.