NOVEMBER 5, 2026
Staying Safe Online
Simple habits to help you use technology with more confidence.
Thank you for joining the conversation. Use this page to revisit the main ideas, strengthen your everyday security habits, and find help when an online request feels suspicious.
Your quick action checklist
Start with the first three, then work through the rest.
☐ Give your primary email account a strong, unique password.
☐ Turn on two-factor authentication for email.
☐ Update your phone and browser, including any required restart.
☐ Choose a password manager and review exposed or reused passwords.
☐ Set a short auto-lock time and hide sensitive notification previews.
☐ Check that your home Wi-Fi has a password.
☐ Explore Hiya for screening unknown calls.
☐ Explore Adblock Plus to reduce unwanted ads on web pages.
☐ Practice verifying unexpected requests through an official app or trusted phone number.
The idea to remember
If a message makes you feel like you have to act right now, pause.
Ask yourself: “What am I being asked to do, and how could I check this on my own?”
Open the official app yourself, check your original order, or call a number you already trust. Let verification guide your next step.
Protect your accounts
Start with your primary email account. Give it a strong, unique password and turn on two-factor authentication.
Use a different password for every account. A password manager can help you create and save them. Review any warnings about exposed or reused passwords.
Only approve sign-in requests you started, and never share verification codes with someone who calls or messages you.
Google Password Manager
Google Password Manager is built into Chrome and Android. It saves passwords and helps fill them in when you sign in. Its Password Checkup identifies compromised, reused, or weak passwords so you can address them.
Try this: Open Google Password Manager through Chrome or your device settings. Run Password Checkup and start by fixing issues affecting your email and other important accounts.
Protect the Google account holding your passwords with a unique password and two-factor authentication.
LastPass
LastPass is another option for generating, saving, and filling in passwords. It stores logins in a password vault protected by a main password called a master password.
Try this: Review its current plans and device support. If you choose it, create a strong, unique master password, enable multifactor authentication, and follow its recovery setup instructions.
Choose one password manager that fits your devices and habits, then learn how to use it consistently.
Screen unwanted calls with Hiya
Hiya Spam Blocker offers caller identification and spam protection. Its Call Screener feature can screen unknown callers before you decide whether to engage. Availability and features depend on your phone, carrier, and plan; Call Screener is a Premium feature.
Try this: Follow the app-store links from Hiya’s official website. Complete the setup prompts, review its permissions and screening settings, and check how it handles voicemail. Review screened calls so you do not miss an expected call. Hiya’s feature overview explains the available options.
A caller label or successfully screened call does not establish someone’s identity. If a caller asks for money, account access, or a verification code, hang up and contact the organization independently.
Reduce web page ads with Adblock Plus
Adblock Plus is a browser extension that blocks many intrusive ads, including banners and popups. It can make pages less distracting and reduce the number of ads you encounter.
Try this: Visit its official website and follow the installation link for your browser. Open the extension’s settings after installation.
Adblock Plus allows some ads through its Acceptable Ads setting by default. You can turn that setting off if you prefer to block those ads too. Learn about Acceptable Ads.
An ad blocker does not guarantee that every ad will disappear or that a website is trustworthy. Keep using the same pause-and-verify habits.
Protect your devices
Keep your phone, computer, browser, and apps updated. Restart or relaunch when an update asks you to.
Set a short auto-lock time, hide sensitive notification previews, and lock your screen when you step away. Make sure your home Wi-Fi has a password.
If you already responded
Act quickly without blaming yourself.
- Disconnect from the internet if you granted someone remote access.
- Secure affected accounts from a trusted device.
- Contact your bank or service through its official app or a verified number.
- Save messages, receipts, screenshots, and dates.
If money was sent or a payment account is at risk, contact the bank or payment provider immediately.
The reference guide includes a recovery checklist you can keep nearby.
Trusted places to get help
FTC recovery guidance
Find steps for responding after a possible scam.
ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission.
IdentityTheft.gov
Find help recovering from identity theft.
These reporting resources serve the United States.
Where to start tonight
Make your email password unique. Turn on two-factor authentication. Update your phone and browser.
Then return to the checklist to review your password manager, device settings, call screening, and browser protection. You do not need to complete everything at once.
Keep the conversation going
Have a question from the session? I’d be glad to connect. Please leave passwords, verification codes, and account information out of your message.
