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These are the first steps to protect your accounts and personal data. Set strong, unique passwords, turn on built-in security features, and build simple habits to stay safer online.

UPDATE YOUR SOFTWARE

Software updates fix security gaps scammers and attackers try to exploit.

Turn on automatic updates when you can. If not, check your device settings regularly and install updates as soon as they’re available.

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How to Protect Yourself

Here’s how to enable auto security updates for iPhone, Android, Mac and Windows.

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USE A PASSWORD MANAGER

Use a password manager to create and securely store strong, unique passwords for every account.

It’s one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from scams and account breaches.

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ENABLE MFA (MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION)

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security so only you can sign into your accounts.

After entering your password, confirm your identity with a code or authentication app. This extra step blocks many common attacks, even if someone accesses your password.

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Use an authentication app when possible. Text message codes are less secure.

Check out Google Authenticator or Authy.

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SHOP TRUSTED SOURCES

Treat online shopping like the real world: stick to trusted retailers.

Scammers now use AI to create copycat websites that look just like the real thing. Before you buy, pause and Take9 to double-check the website domain.

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If the deal feels too good to be true or seems shady, it probably is.

Want extra protection while browsing? Learn about PDNS (protective Domain Name Service).

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CREDIT OVER DEBIT

When shopping online, use a credit card if you can. Credit cards usually offer stronger fraud protection.

Debit cards pull money directly from your bank account. If that information is stolen, your account could be at risk.

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How to Protect Yourself

If you need to use a debit card, pause and Take9 to verify the site or seller before entering your details.

Regularly check your bank and credit card statements to review payments. If you see something suspicious, report it right away.

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DELETE APPS YOU DON’T USE

Unused apps can still collect data. Before downloading your next app, take a minute to delete the ones you don’t need.

For apps you keep, check app permissions to make sure they’re not accessing more than they should.

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How to Protect Yourself

Here’s how to change app permissions on iPhone and Android.

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USE UNIQUE PASSWORDS

Use a different password for every account. If one password is stolen, your other accounts stay protected.

Create long passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols—for example: SunnyDay!1948.

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How to Protect Yourself

Pro tip: you can use the “3 random words” technique to build a password that’s easy for you to remember but hard for intruders to guess. Change your passwords immediately if  a security breach has occurred.

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USE SINGLE SIGN-ON

When creating an account, look for options like “Sign in with Google” or “Sign in with Apple.” These trusted providers manage the login securely and help protect against weak or reused passwords.

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How to Protect Yourself

Learn more about these tools from Apple, Google, and Microsoft.

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You’re done with the basics! Time to level-up your online safety with more advanced tips.

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Secure your device in minutes

Short on time? Take these simple steps to secure your devices and help stop scams before they start.

Apple

iCloud (cloud storage) enabled by default account required

Apple Two Factor Authentication (authentication) enabled by default account required

iCloud Keychain , Apple Passwords (password management) enabled by default account required user action needed

iOS / iPadOS security updates , Mac security updates (automatic updates) enabled by default user action needed depending on your version of iOS and MacOS

MacOS and iOS antivirus (malware protection) enabled by default

Google

Google Drive (cloud storage) enabled by default account required

Google Authenticator (authentication) user must enable and install

Google Password Manager (password management) enabled by default account required user action needed

Android security updates and ChromeOS security updates (automatic updates) enabled by default

Google Play Protect (malware protection) enabled by default on Android devices with Google Play Services

Microsoft

OneDrive (cloud storage) enabled by default account required

Windows Update (automatic updates) enabled by default

Microsoft Defender (malware protection) enabled by default

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