Smart Home

How to protect your identity and keep your family and devices safe from online threats

You didn't think twice when you swiped your debit card at the gas pump, but now you have charges on your account from businesses you've never even heard of. Like most of us, you probably thought identity theft was something that happened to other people before you experienced card fraud.First, rest assured you're not alone. Around 2.2 million cases of identity theft were reported to the Federal Trade Commission in 2020.¹ The good news from those high numbers is that credit bureaus, credit card companies, banks, and the FTC all have specific, targeted protocols in place so you can report...

If you’re concerned about the security of your home Wi-Fi network—and all the personal data on it—then you need to make sure access to your wireless network is locked down. Network security can feel intimidating if you’re not a technophile, but it’s easier to secure your internet connection than you might think. How Can I Secure My Internet Connection? Rename Routers and Networks Use strong passwords Keep everything updated Turn on encryption Use multiple firewalls Turn off the WPS setting Use a VPN

You're in between flights and you're on a deadline. That "Free Public Wi-Fi" sign on the wall next to your gate looks tempting, but you pause before logging in—don't hackers lurk on public Wi-Fi, just waiting for clueless passengers like you to offer up your personal information?The answer is yes, they do. But that doesn't mean you have to give up public Wi-Fi altogether. There are plenty of ways to protect yourself and your sensitive info while using free public Wi-Fi.We'll explain how hackers use public Wi-Fi to sneak into your accounts, and we'll walk you through the steps you...

Thankfully, the era of online shopping makes getting the perfect gift a whole lot easier. But before you embark on an online shopping spree, make sure you’re not leaving yourself at risk.You may not have to worry about pickpockets in cyberspace, but there are still plenty of reasons to safeguard your personal and financial information. Here are 10 savvy online shopping tips to help you keep your information out of the hands of people who are most definitely on the naughty list.