Learn the Basics

The Three Things That Matter Most

You don’t need to become a security expert. Focus on these three things and you’ll be safer than most people online.

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1. Protect Your Passwords

Your passwords are the keys to your digital life.

The basics:

• Use different passwords for different sites
• Make them long (12+ characters beats complicated)
• Turn on two-factor authentication when available

Why it matters: If one site gets hacked and you use the same password everywhere, criminals can access all your accounts.

Full guide: Protect Your Passwords →

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2. Spot Scams Before They Get You

Scammers are clever, but they use predictable tricks.

The basics:

• Be suspicious of urgency (“Act now!”)
• Verify requests through official channels
• If it seems too good to be true, it is

Why it matters: Most security problems start with someone being tricked, not with sophisticated hacking.

Full guide: Common Scams to Watch For →

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3. Keep Your Devices Updated

Updates fix security holes that criminals know how to exploit.

The basics:

• Turn on automatic updates
• Don’t ignore update notifications
• This goes for apps too, not just your phone/computer

Why it matters: Many attacks target old security holes that updates already fixed.

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Start With These Guides

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Test What You’ve Learned

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Common Questions

“I’m not important enough to be targeted.”

Scammers don’t target individuals—they target everyone at once. They send millions of messages hoping a small percentage respond. If you have an email address or phone number, you’re a target.

“I’m too old/young to learn this stuff.”

These skills are simpler than most technology. If you can send a text message, you can learn this. Age has nothing to do with it.

“My family member handles all the tech stuff for me.”

It’s great to have help! But knowing the basics yourself protects you when they’re not around. You don’t need to become an expert—just learn enough to recognize danger.

“I don’t have anything worth stealing.”

Scammers want access to your accounts to scam others, your identity for fraud, and small amounts of money from many victims. Everyone has something worth protecting.