Digital Security 101
![Illustration of a megaphone](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6082ee0e95eb6459d78fac06/67ad203be7286dba4f8b8388_67ad2000dbb781a959aca60b_How%20to%20block%20ads.webp)
How To Block Ads (Easiest Methods For Each Platform)
Ads and pop-ups aren’t just annoying; they can also put your online privacy and safety at risk — luckily you can block them on almost every platform.
![Illustration of a computer screen with an image of a lock on it, symbolizing that it is protected against online threats](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6082ee0e95eb6459d78fac06/64d53f62d18378633c2da98a_Aura%20vs%20Bark.webp)
Aura vs. Bark: How To Choose the Best Parental Control App
Aura vs. Bark is a hot debate — which is the best parental controls app to keep your kids safe online? It’s time to find out.
![Geek squad scams: Header image](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6082ee0e95eb6459d78fac06/634db068594abf141f1f8aa9_Geek%20squad%20scams.png)
How to Recognize & Avoid the 7 Most Common Geek Squad Scams
Geek Squad scams impersonate Best Buy employees to bilk innocent victims. Here are the 7 most common scams and how to spot them right away.
![Illustration of a card on a table with an exclamation mark made out of pill.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6082ee0e95eb6459d78fac06/6356cf690e785fa6a0803ef0_What-can-someone-do-with-my-Medicare-number-header-image.png)
What Can a Scammer Do With Your Medicare Number?
Scammers use phishing tactics to trick victims into giving up their Medicare number — and then use it to steal health benefits or worse.
![Illustration of an arm emerging from a pile of credit cards as if to indicate someone bound down by debt](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6082ee0e95eb6459d78fac06/6657aadf08ad9eacdf9d624b_65145cbc8a7c1f12fa77fa64_65145c248745247a8f91db99_Is-it-bad-to-have-too-many-credit-cards-lead-image.webp)
Is It Bad To Have Too Many Credit Cards?
Is it bad to have too many credit cards? There's no right or wrong answer, but your credit score may be impacted. Learn more with this essential guide.
![Illustration of a torn piece of paper with the Walmart logo on it symboblizing a hacked account](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6082ee0e95eb6459d78fac06/652833b1bfaed26eeb2e67b8_6528334dcfd811ff27d9d697_Is%20Your%20Walmart%20Account%20Hacked.webp)
Is Your Walmart Account Hacked? Here’s What To Do
If your Walmart account is hacked, unauthorized purchases are only one threat. Learn what to look out for and how to stop fraudsters.
![An illustration showing a perplexed senior citizen using their phone](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6082ee0e95eb6459d78fac06/659846179437db2b0ec10091_6598450eaba6102fe0a0bd26_Senior%20citizen%20scams.webp)
12 Alarming Senior Citizen Scams: What You Need to Know
Older adults are less likely to spot the warning signs of scams early on or reach out for help when they've fallen victim.
![Medicare scam calls](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6082ee0e95eb6459d78fac06/6349b4ec9077705a96b31860_Medicare%20scam%20calls.png)
How To Identify Medicare Scam Calls: Avoid These 9 Scams
Medicare scam calls are one of the most common ways that criminals try to steal your sensitive health information. Here’s how to identify and avoid them.
text
![Illustration of a Social Security card with coins stacked on top of it and a warning symbol](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6082ee0e95eb6459d78fac06/6657aad97d0a8053ce5976e4_63e143719810c4f79d904ebb_Tax%2520Identity%2520Theft.png)
How To Protect Yourself Against Tax Identity Theft
If scammers use stolen information to file taxes in your name, it can cost you time, energy, and even money — unless you put protective measures in place.
![An illustration of a calculator on top of a document](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6082ee0e95eb6459d78fac06/6657ab689487f51f0ae51903_63eeb1e9b8f0f9431ff460d5_File%2520taxes%2520early.png)
8 Reasons Why You Should File Taxes Early This Year
The IRS begins accepting most tax returns on January 27th, 2025 — but the earlier you submit, the better chance you have of receiving your refund and avoiding scams.
![Illustration of a child on a tablet underneath an arch](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6082ee0e95eb6459d78fac06/67882d051b1ae5a70ae43ed2_6788299a49e9282b1a9342e3_The%20best%20apps%20for%20controlling%20your%20child%27s%20screen%20time.webp)
The Best Apps For Controlling Kids’ Screen Time Right Now
Basic screen time limiting apps can help parents take control of how their children use digital devices — but the best apps do even more to keep your kids safe.
![Illustration of a MacBook with a corroded image of the Apple logo on the back](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6082ee0e95eb6459d78fac06/6788286be33661e32a65345f_67882631f049ca8103d9d88b_How%20to%20check%20for%20viruses%20on%20Mac.webp)
How To Check for Viruses on Your Mac Right Now
You can manually check for viruses on your Mac using built-in tools — or use antivirus software that will dig deeper and root out the worst Mac viruses.
![Illustration of a man looking at a giant shield with an exclamation mark on it](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6082ee0e95eb6459d78fac06/678825319433d3828d6ac064_678824f30428477c60bbca2b_What%20to%20do%20if%20you%20receive%20a%20data%20breach%20alert.webp)
What To Do If You Receive a Data Breach Alert
A data breach alert tells you what information was leaked and provides guidance on how to stay safe — but there’s more you can do to protect yourself.
![Illustration of a smartphone with a staircase inside of it](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6082ee0e95eb6459d78fac06/67882299d81bc3b6eee5c6a7_6786f985bb1f4bd8036e49fc_What%20to%20do%20if%20your%20phone%20is%20hacked.webp)
Is Your Phone Hacked? Follow These Steps Right Now
Using antivirus software, removing suspicious apps, and checking your app permissions, cache, and accounts can help you quickly shut down hackers.