Answers

Questions people actually ask

Each one written and checked by us. Ask in your own words on the home page and we'll find the right one.

• What is a passkey and should I use one?

  Yes. A passkey signs you in with your face, fingerprint, or PIN and can't be phished.

• Do I need a password manager?

  Yes, and the one built into your phone or browser is a fine choice for most people.

• Which kind of two-step sign-in is best?

  Passkeys or a security key are best, then an authenticator app. Text codes still beat nothing.

• Is public wifi safe?

  Mostly yes for everyday use. Nearly all sites encrypt your traffic. Watch for fake sign-in pages.

• Do I need a VPN?

  Most people don't. A VPN only moves who can see your traffic. It doesn't stop scams or viruses.

• Do I need antivirus?

  Not extra. Windows, Mac, and Android have protection built in, and iPhone doesn't need any.

• Is my phone hacked?

  Probably not. Most odd behavior is ads, a bad app, or an old battery. A few checks will tell you.

• Is my computer hacked?

  Usually not. Scary pop-ups are just web pages. Letting a stranger connect in is the real risk.

• My email got hacked. What do I do?

  Take it back fast. Your email is the key to every other account, so it comes first.

• My Facebook or Instagram got hacked. What do I do?

  Use the official pages at facebook.com/hacked or instagram.com/hacked. Never pay a recovery service.

• How do I protect my phone number from a SIM swap?

  Call your carrier and turn on its free number lock and account PIN. It takes five minutes.

• Is this call from my bank, the IRS, or the police real?

  Hang up and call back on a number you look up yourself. Caller ID can be faked.

• Can scammers clone my family member's voice?

  Yes, from a few seconds of audio. A family safe word and a callback beat any voice.

• Can a video call be faked?

  Yes. Live fake video is real now, and spotting glitches is no longer reliable. Verify another way.

• How do I update my phone or computer, and why does restarting matter?

  Turn on automatic updates, then restart when asked. Most fixes don't take effect until you do.

• Is it safe to keep using an old phone or computer that doesn't get updates?

  For banking and email, no. Once updates stop, known holes stay open. Fine for offline jobs.

• How do I make my home wifi router safe?

  Change the default passwords, keep it updated, and replace it once the maker stops updating it.

• Are smart home cameras and baby monitors safe?

  They can be, if the account is locked down. Most break-ins use reused passwords, not clever hacks.

• How do I set up my kid's first phone safely?

  Use the free built-in controls (Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link) and keep talking.

• Are QR codes safe to scan?

  Scanning is harmless. The risk is the fake website it opens, so read the address before you tap.

• Is this text about a package or unpaid toll real?

  Almost certainly a scam. Don't tap the link. Check in the official app or website yourself.

• Is this job offer a scam?

  If they pay you before you start, or you pay them, it's a scam.

• Is this online relationship or crypto investment a scam?

  If someone you've never met in person steers you toward investing, it's a scam. Stop sending money.

• Should I freeze my credit?

  Yes, in the US. It's free, doesn't affect your score, and stops most new accounts in your name.

• Someone stole my identity. What do I do first?

  In the US, start at identitytheft.gov. It builds your recovery plan and letters for free.

• What is safe to paste into ChatGPT, Claude, or other AI chatbots?

  Treat it like an email to a company. Fine for most things. Leave out what you'd hate to see leaked.

• How do I keep secrets safe when using AI coding agents?

  An agent can read and run whatever you can. Keep keys out of reach and check commands first.

• Is it safe to charge my phone at a public USB port?

  The risk is small. Real juice-jacking attacks are rare, but bringing your own charger costs nothing.

• Can strangers reach my phone through Bluetooth or AirDrop?

  Only if your sharing is open to everyone. Set it to contacts only. Bluetooth itself is low risk.

• How should I back up my phone and computer?

  Turn on the built-in automatic backup today. It turns a lost phone or ransomware into a hassle.

• How do I wipe an old phone or computer before selling or giving it away?

  Back it up, sign out of your account, then use the built-in erase. That's enough for most people.

• Is this website legit before I buy?

  Check the address, read outside reviews, and pay by credit card. A lock icon doesn't mean honest.