Adding order to a chaotic world
Plain-language help for the tech already in the house
Latest guides
How to Turn On Two-Step Verification for Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo and iCloud Mail
Your email can reset almost every other account, so it deserves two-step verification first. Here are the steps for Gmail, Outlook.com, Yahoo Mail and iCloud Mail, and which second step…
Backup Codes for Two-Step Verification: What They Are and Where to Keep Them
Backup codes are one-time codes that get you into an account when your phone isn’t available. Here’s how to get them, where to keep them, and the mistakes to avoid.
Lost Your Phone? How to Get Back Into Accounts That Use Two-Step Verification
If the phone that gets your sign-in codes is lost, stolen or broken, you can usually still get back in. Here’s what to do first and how account recovery works…
How to Move Your Authenticator App to a New Phone Without Getting Locked Out
Your two-step sign-in codes live on your phone, so a new phone needs a plan. Here’s how to move Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, 2FAS and Ente Auth, and the one…
Juggling Chaos Monthly, Issue 2: Scam-Proof Your Holiday Season
Issue 2: a 15-minute checklist for holiday shopping and travel, the fake delivery text warning sign, what smishing means, and a scam talk for family gatherings.
Smart Home Security: How to Protect Cameras, Baby Monitors, Smart TVs and Speakers
Every camera, baby monitor, smart TV and speaker on your Wi-Fi is a small computer that needs a strong password and updates. Here is a room-by-room plan to lock down…
Digital Legacy Planning: What Happens to Your Accounts When You Die
Photos, email and online accounts can be locked forever unless you plan ahead. Here is how to set up Apple Legacy Contact and Google Inactive Account Manager, what to write…
Selling or Recycling an Old Phone or Computer? How to Wipe It First
Deleting files doesn’t erase them. Before you sell, trade in, donate or recycle a phone, tablet or computer, back it up, sign out, remove it from your accounts and do…
Passkeys Explained: What They Are and How to Set Them Up
A passkey lets you sign in with your fingerprint, face or phone screen lock instead of a password, and it can’t be phished. Here is how passkeys work, how to…
Payment App Scams: How to Use Zelle, Venmo and Cash App Safely
Sending money through a payment app is like handing over cash: once it’s gone, it’s hard to get back. Here are the most common payment app scams, the settings that…
New here? Start here
Begin with the family safety checklist, then see how a company handles your data on Privacy Policies Watch.
Already scammed or hacked? Get Help Now lists who to call first.
Get the monthly newsletter
One calm email a month: a 15-minute safety checklist, one scam warning sign, and our newest guides. Free, no spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We use your email only to send the newsletter and never sell it. See our Privacy Policy.
Scams & Fraud
All scam guides →
Scam A to Z index →
Online Security
How to Turn On Two-Step Verification for Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo and iCloud Mail
Backup Codes for Two-Step Verification: What They Are and Where to Keep Them
Lost Your Phone? How to Get Back Into Accounts That Use Two-Step Verification
How to Move Your Authenticator App to a New Phone Without Getting Locked Out
Smart Home Security: How to Protect Cameras, Baby Monitors, Smart TVs and Speakers
Find a company or a problem
About · Contact · Get Help Now · Newsletter · Editorial Policy · Disclaimer and Terms · Privacy Policy · Cookie Policy · Opt-out preferences