Protecting your privacy
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How to Claim Your Share of the Facebook Privacy Lawsuit Settlement
If you used Facebook between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022, you can submit a claim for your portion of the $725 million settlement. Here's how.
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Snapchat Score: What is It and How to Check Yours
Did you know that Snapchat rates you? It's called your Snapchat Score, and every user has one. Find out how to view yours and control who can see it.
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How to Stop Spam Text Messages
Here are 5 preventative measures you can take to reduce the number of unwanted texts you receive and avoid letting spammers know your number is real.
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How to Protect Your Accounts with Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) prevents hackers from gaining access to your accounts even if they have your password. Here are the best practices for using 2FA.
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How to Tell if Your Phone Has Been Hacked
We explore the nine ways your phone can be hacked, the tell-tale signs to look for on your device, and the steps you can take to protect yourself.
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Apple Issues Major Security Update for Old iPhones and iPads
If you have an old iPad or iPhone, you should update now to prevent hackers from running malware, changing your privacy settings, and more.
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Google Makes it Easy to Remove Your Contact Info from Search Results
Now you can initiate a request to remove your personal information from Google search within the list of search results. Here's our step-by-step guide.
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The Complete Guide to Facebook Privacy Settings
Manage your Facebook Privacy settings so you know who is and isn't seeing your posts and take control of how Facebook uses your personal information.
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How to Prevent AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon from Sharing your Data
All major cellular providers have programs to monitor your mobile activities to serve more targeted ads. Here's how to opt out of sharing your data.
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3 Ways to Make Private Phone Calls
Want to make a phone call private by hiding your caller ID or using an anonymous number? Here are three easy ways to make private phone calls.
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7 Steps to Spotting a Charity Scam Before You Donate
We all want to help when a natural disaster strikes, but before donating, follow these 7 steps to ensure your dollars aren't going to scammers.
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Does a Pop-up Mean Your Phone Has Been Hacked?
A pop-up claims you have a virus and need to call tech support. Or maybe you're just getting annoying pop-up ads. Has your phone been hacked? Here's how to tell.
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Watch out for these 7 Deceptive Online Marketing Techniques
Marketers can manipulate you into spending too much money and even giving away your personal information if you don't watch out for these tricks.
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iPhone, iPad and Mac Owners Need to Update Software Now
Hackers are actively exploiting vulnerabilities in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS that allow installing new apps, taking pictures, and changing security settings.
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How to Prevent Webcam Hacking
Preventing hackers from accessing your webcam is easier than you think. Here are 9 things you can do right now to stop hackers in their tracks.
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Will Apple’s Lockdown Mode Finally Kill Pegasus Spyware?
Apple is rolling out a new security feature that will offer users what Apple describes as extreme protection from spyware for those users who need it.
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Sellers Beware of this Facebook Marketplace Scam
Scammers posing as buyers are tricking Facebook Marketplace sellers into sending cash through Zelle and other payment apps. Here's how to spot the scam.
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4 Ways Your Browser Leaks Personal Information
No matter your browser’s privacy settings, it can still share identifying personal info that could then be exploited by hackers for financial gain.
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What To Do When Your Email Gets Hacked
How to prevent your email from getting hacked and the 8 steps to take if you're hacked to get everything back in order and keep hackers out for good.
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7 Ways Telemarketers Get Your Cell Phone Number
You may be the primary reason telemarketers have your number. Here's what you should stop doing.
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Fill out This Form to Remove Your Contact Info from Google Search
You can ask to have webpages that show your personal information removed from Google Search results even if you have no clear risk of ID theft or doxxing.
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How to Protect Your Privacy on Public WiFi Networks
Using public WiFi is like having a conversation in a public place: Others can overhear you. Protect your privacy with these five key security tactics.
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How to Hide your Friends List on Facebook
If you don't want your list of Facebook Friends to be available to the public, here's how to hide it.
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How to Tell if an Email Has Been Spoofed
Not sure if an email is real or spoofed? Here's how to access your email header information and which fields clearly show that an email is not what it is purporting to be.
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Stop Hackers from Taking Over Your Google Account if It Goes Inactive
Google's Inactive Account Manager protects you from potential hacks by disabling your inactive accounts after a preset time. Here's how to set it up.
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How to Make Sure You’re Never Locked Out of Your Apple Account
A new feature in iOS 15 lets you designate a person as your Recovery Contact so you can always get back into your Apple account: Here's how it works.
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The Best VPNs for Protecting Your Privacy
Many VPNs don't deliver on what they promise. Our tests show which VPNs offer the best combination of privacy, speed, features, and proven trustworthiness.
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Facebook Ad Copyright Violation Scam Used for Phishing Attacks
Emails claiming your ad violates Facebook's terms of service for copyright are being used to phish business account login credentials. Don't fall for it.
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How to Prevent Spam Callers From Leaving Voicemail
Nobody wants to waste time deleting messages from unwanted callers. Here's how to stop spam callers from reaching your voicemail inbox.
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Echo and Ring Owners Need to Opt Out of Amazon's Invasive WiFi Sharing
On June 8, Amazon will use your Echo and Ring devices to start sharing your home WiFi with strangers without your permission. Here's how to opt out
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Facebook “IS THIS YOU?” Video Scam Steals Your Login Info
Don't fall for this scam that steals your login info. Here's how to spot it before you click and what to do if you've already been fooled into logging in.
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Best Password Manager Deals for World Password Day
In celebration of World Password Day, some of our favorite password managers are on sale. Check out these great deals.
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How to Delete iPhone Search History
We show you how to delete personal data found in your online search and browsing history, as well as in Spotlight search and app data shared with Siri.
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How to Tell if Your Facebook Information Was Leaked
More than half a billion Facebook user's personal information was leaked, including names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Find out if your data was compromised.
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How to Remove Yourself From People Search Directories
Follow these steps to get your personal information removed from people search directories, including FastPeopleSearch, MyLife, Spokeo and more.
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iPhones and iPad Owners Need to Update to iOS 14.4 and iPadOS 14.4 Now
There are 3 vulnerabilities in iOS 14/iPadOS 14 that are being actively exploited by hackers. Protect your iPhone or iPad by updating to iOS 14.4/iPadOS 14.4.
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How to Delete Your Facebook Account Permanently
Tired of Facebook? Here are the simple steps to permanently delete your Facebook account and all of your history or temporarily deactivate it.
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The Best Way to Prevent Identity Theft
The best way to protect yourself from ID theft is to freeze your credit or add a fraud alert. Here's what you need to know about your options.
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280,000 Instacart Users' Data for Sale on the Dark Web
Here's how to tell if your Instant cart account has been compromised and how to protect yourself from future breaches.
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How to Figure Out Who Hacked Your Phone
The best way to narrow down the field of suspects is to determine exactly how your phone is being compromised. Here are 9 steps to figuring out who hacked your phone.
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3 Reasons Why You Should Switch to the Microsoft Edge Browser
The newly updated Edge browser delivers the convenience of the Chrome browser with enhanced security, organization tools and readability. It's time to give Edge a try.
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Bulk Delete Facebook Posts with This New Privacy Tool
With the new Manage Activity feature, you can easily filter you old Facebook posts and delete or achive them to pull your private information out of the public eye.
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Is Someone Spying on Your Phone?
Spy apps can reveal where you are, what you're texting, who you're calling and where you're browsing. Find out how to detect and remove them.
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Child Porn Sextortion Scammers Pretending to be Microsoft Tech Support
Beware a new twist on an old scam – emails claim you were caught watching child porn and your Windows license is suspended until you call Microsoft Support.
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How to Remove Zoombombing Videos from Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter & YouTube
Get offensive and dangerous zoombombing videos removed from any of the major video sharing platforms and hold accountable those who captured and posted them.
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NordVPN Doubles Speeds with New WireGuard-Based VPN Protocol
NordVPN's new NordLynx VPN protocol provides service that's up to twice as fast while maintaining the industry gold standard of "no-logs" service.
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Sign in with Apple Has Started Its Major Rollout
"Sign in with Apple" is a simple and secure way to access apps and services using your Apple ID instead of creating a new username and password, but it may not be right for you.
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Fleeceware Subscription Scams Can Cost You a Bundle
Fleeceware apps trick you into expensive subscriptions that can cost you a bundle — but with these tips, you can avoid these App Store and Google Play scams.
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How to Tell if Your Phone Has Been Cloned
A dead connection or an unusually high bill may be signs of a SIM card that has been copied. Here's our guide to determining if your phone have been cloned.
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Coronavirus Robocall Phone Scams on the Rise
Scammers are calling people to offer testing for coronavirus, protective gear, and health insurance. Don't be fooled. Here's how to avoid these scams.
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How to Block Calls on an iPhone
Tired of the endless spam calls and area code spoofing scams? Here are four ways to block those annoying calls on your iPhone.
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How to Block Calls on an Android Phone
Tired of the endless spam calls and area code spoofing scams? Here are four ways to block those annoying calls on your Android phone.
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Google Cracks Down on Unnecessary Location Sharing
Keeping your private data private is a challenge, but soon Android will offer new tools to lock down access to your location and other sensitive data.
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FTC Warns Against Coronavirus Scams
Don't fall for these scams! We tell you what to look for and how to avoid becoming a victim of these new Coronavirus scams.
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How to Stop Sharing Your Browsing Activity with Facebook
Facebook finally lets you control how much third-party data shows up on your profile with new Off-Facebook Activity privacy tools.
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How to Protect Yourself Against SIM Swap Fraud
SIM swapping is a dangerous scam that can compromise all of your digital accounts — and it's all too easy for scammers to pull off. Here's how to protect yourself.
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NSA Warns to Patch Your Window 10 System Now to Keep Hackers Out
An exploit discovered by the NSA could make it simple for hackers take over your computer and steal your data — so patch your Windows 10 system now!
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9 Tech Resolutions to Get Done in 2020
Take control of your tech with these nine resolutions.
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These are the Worst Passwords of 2019
Keep your online accounts safe by avoiding these common passwords
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How to Block Caller ID on Your Phone
Easy steps to block your number from caller ID on your iPhone, Android phone or home phone permanently or on a call by call basis.
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11 Online Shopping Safety Tips
The internet may be filled with misleading links and potential scams, but these expert-approved tips will help you shop safely this holiday season.
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How You're Treated When You Shop Online Depends on Your Secret Score
Data analytics companies assign you a "score," something like a credit rating that impacts how companies treat you online.
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Smart Speaker Malware Can Record You and Steal Passwords
We're used to avoiding malware and phishing attempts on our PCs and smartphones, but now these scams are coming to our smart speakers.
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How to Spot a Deepfake Video
Digitally manipulated video can depict celebrities, politicians and other people saying and doing things they never did. Here’s how to spot the signs of a deepfake.
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Study: Top Smarthome Devices Receive Poor Marks for Security Risks
If you have a connected device in your smarthome, there's a good chance it has security vulnerabilities you need to know about.
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How to Browse the Web Anonymously
Want extra privacy online? Here are the tools you need to keep your browsing activities hidden.
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How to Remove Any Virus from an Android Phone in 4 Steps
How to remove malware on your Android phone and, if you are not sure if you have a virus, how to identify whether your phone has been infected.
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How to Apply for Apple Card
Apple aims to make credit cards easy to use with the new Apple Card — and you can apply today
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You Probably Won't Get $125 from the Equifax Data Breach Settlement
The Equifax settlement won't be paying you $125, but you can still claim 10 years of free credit monitoring — which is better than nothing.
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Delete Old Google Assistant Requests & Prevent New Ones from Being Stored
If you use Google Assistant, Google will save the voice recording. Here's how to listen to and delete the old files, and opt out of future files being saved.
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How to Keep People from Listening to Your Siri Requests
How to turn off Siri and delete recordings of Siri queries from Apple's servers.
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How to Stop Amazon from Listening & Delete Your Alexa Recordings
Amazon Alexa records and stores everything you request on Amazon's servers. Here's how to delete the files and prevent Amazon employees from listening to them.
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How to Claim $125 from the Equifax Data Breach Settlement
Though your personal information is long gone, victims of the Equifax data breach can claim for compensation to get a cash payout or credit monitoring.
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Call Control App for Android Prevents Robocalls from Going to Voicemail
The Call Control app for Android is the first I’ve tested that silently blocks spam calls/robocalls and prevents them from going into your voicemail.
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Over 1,300 Android Apps Track You Without Permission
Instead of using Android’s location services — which apps must have permission to access — these sneaky apps track you using less obvious means.
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7 iPhone Privacy Settings You Should Check Today
iPhones have a lot of privacy measures baked in if you turn them on. To ensure you're limiting your risks of oversharing, check these 7 privacy settings.
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Should You Care About Facebook's Libra Cryptocurrency?
What cryptocurrency is and, by extension, Facebook's proposed Libra cryptocurrency, and why you should you care.
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Apple's New Rules Ban Tracking and Advertising to Kids
While Apple made a big show of updating privacy protections for adults, for parents these new protections for kids may be even more important.
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Apple's New Privacy Protections Aim to Lock Away Your Data
What's new in privacy: "Sign in with Apple" to shield your data from third parties, the Maps that don't track you, smart home protections and more.
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8 Essential Steps to Securing Your Privacy
Use these apps and services to keep control over your increasingly valuable personal data. Best of all, many are free.
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How to Avoid Fake Recruiting Scams
What is legitimate for recruiters to ask candidates and how you can recognize when you're being scammed? Here's how to tell when a job pitch isn't for real.
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FCC Warns Against Rising 'One Ring' Phone Scam
FCC warns that scammers are using missed call notifications to trick people into calling international premium rate phone services.
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Facebook Redesign Focuses on Private Conversations and Privacy
Facebook wants to help you make friends, find dates, and have completely private conversations with end-to-end encryption. But after a year of privacy missteps, is it enough?
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How to Prevent Facebook from Uploading your Contacts
Facebook may be using your mobile device to harvest your friends' contact information — here's how to turn it off and delete any information it collected.
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Hotel Booking Sites May Be Leaking Your Personal Information
Most hotels aren't doing a very good job of keeping your personal information safe. Here's what travelers need to know.
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Exodus Spyware Targets iPhones & Android Phones to Collect All of Your Personal Data
Exodus spyware, which was once just found on Android phones, has made the leap to iPhones. Find out more and use these tips will help keep your smartphone safe.
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Can You Trust a Free VPN?
VPNs can read all of your internet traffic, so you want to make sure your personal data isn't being exploited in return for "free" service. Here's who to trust.
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Can Your iPhone Be Hacked?
Contrary to what you may have heard, your iPhone can be hacked. Here's how hackers can take advantage of you and what you can do to protect yourself.
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Number of Hacked Email Addresses Now Exceeds Earth's Population
Haveibeenpwned.com now has details on 7.695 billion hacked accounts - more than the current world population of 7.558 billion. And, those are just the leaked accounts we know about.
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These Popular Mobile Apps Are Secretly Tracking Everything You Do
Your travel apps may be quietly recording your actions whenever you open the app — sometimes including passwords and credit card numbers.
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Deleting Your Facebook Account Won't Protect Your Privacy
If you're thinking about deleting your Facebook or Twitter account to protect your privacy, think again. Getting rid of your account probably won't keep you safe.
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773 Million Email Addresses Compromised in New Data Breach
It's time to change your passwords, because the Collection #1 data breach compromised 773 million email accounts.
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9 Tech Resolutions for 2019
From a privacy overhaul to ethical tech usage, here are 9 ways you can revamp and improve your relationship with technology in 2019.
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Facebook Bug Lets App-Makers See Photos You Never Posted
A new Facebook bug gives app developers access to all photos you upload to Facebook — even photos you don't post.
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These are the Worst Passwords of 2018
Keep your online accounts safe by avoiding these common passwords
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Marriott Confirms 500 Million Starwood Accounts Breached: What You Should Do
Hackers made off with personal data from more than 500 million accounts, including names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail address, and passport numbers.
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Is the FCC Finally Getting Serious about Stopping Robocalls?
With a recent letter, the FCC puts phone carriers on notice that they need to have the robocall problem completely solved by 2019. Here’s how they’re going to do it.
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How to Tell if your Facebook Account Has Been Hacked
How to tell if your Facebook account had been hacked, how to kick a hacker out of your account and how to secure your account against future hacking.
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If the Social Security Administration Calls, Hang Up
The FTC is warning that scammers are faking the Social Security Administration customer service phone number to trick you into giving up personal information.
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How to Search the Web Anonymously
The best ways to hide your searches from employers and family members, and keep Google and other advertisers from targeting ads based on your search history.