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    Safety & Privacy
    Beginner
    2 min read 8 stepsApril 2, 2026Verified April 2026

    Protecting Your Privacy Online

    Simple steps to keep your personal information safe on the internet.

    In this guide (8 steps):

    1. 1.Think before you share
    2. 2.Use strong, unique passwords
    3. 3.Enable two-factor authentication
    4. 4.Watch for phishing
    5. 5.Review app permissions
    6. 6.Use private browsing
    7. 7.Check privacy settings regularly
    8. 8.Be careful on public Wi-Fi
    1

    Think before you share

    ~15s
    Never post your full birth date, home address, phone number, or financial information on social media or public websites. Scammers collect these details to commit fraud.
    2

    Use strong, unique passwords

    ~15s
    Use a different password for every account. Make passwords at least 12 characters with letters, numbers, and symbols. Use a password manager (like the free one built into your browser) to remember them.
    3

    Enable two-factor authentication

    ~15s
    Add a second layer of security to important accounts (email, banking, social media). After entering your password, you'll also enter a code sent to your phone.
    4

    Watch for phishing

    ~15s
    Don't click links in unexpected emails or texts. Banks, the IRS, and Social Security won't ask for personal info by email. When in doubt, go directly to the organization's website.
    5

    Review app permissions

    ~15s
    Check which apps have access to your location, camera, microphone, and contacts. On iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security. On Android: Settings > Apps > Permissions.
    6

    Use private browsing

    ~15s
    Private or Incognito mode doesn't save your browsing history. Useful for gift shopping or accessing accounts on shared computers. Ctrl+Shift+N in Chrome, ⌘+Shift+N on Mac.
    7

    Check privacy settings regularly

    ~15s
    Review Facebook, Google, and Apple privacy settings every few months. Companies change defaults, and you may be sharing more than you realize.
    8

    Be careful on public Wi-Fi

    ~15s
    Don't access banking or enter passwords on public Wi-Fi (coffee shops, airports). If you must, use a VPN. Public networks can be monitored by others.

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    Official Resources

    FTC Consumer ProtectionCISA — Cybersecurity TipsAARP Fraud Watch Network

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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    Protecting Your Privacy Online — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure