Computer Basics
11 curated resources, easiest first.
A short 2022 post on basic cyber hygiene for people who think they are not targets: multifactor authentication, automatic updates, caution with unexpected links and long unique passwords from a password manager.
Outlines the typical red flags of fraud: impersonation of trusted organisations, claims you owe money or won a prize, pressure to act fast and unusual payment methods. It advises verifying through known contacts and talking to someone you trust.
An FTC guide to phishing emails and texts, their warning signs, ways to protect yourself, what to do if you were caught out and how to report it.
Explains how sites, apps and advertisers track activity with cookies, pixels and advertising identifiers, and how browser settings, app permissions and ad blockers can limit it, though none block all tracking.
Guidance on how phishing works through fake emails, texts and calls and how to report suspicious messages, sites, adverts and calls to the NCSC. It suggests reviewing social media privacy settings to be a harder target.
Explains how phishing messages by email, text, social media or phone try to trick you, which warning signs to look for, and how to respond safely. It cautions that polished grammar is no longer a reliable clue.
An overview of four simple habits for individuals and families: spot and report phishing, use strong passwords with a manager, enable multifactor authentication and install updates promptly. The page is archived and may be out of date.
Six practical habits for households: a separate strong email password, updates, two-step verification, a password manager, backups and passwords made of three random words.
Explains that multifactor authentication adds a second check at login so a stolen password alone is not enough, and encourages enabling it everywhere it is offered. The page is archived and may be dated.
Explains why software updates matter, since they often patch security flaws criminals exploit, and encourages installing them promptly and turning on automatic updates. The page is archived content.
Advice on building strong passwords and using a password manager so you only need to remember one master password. It also urges turning on multifactor authentication.