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As regional military conflicts escalate, cyberspace has become a critical battleground, with core WEB application systems frequently targeted by adversaries. Attackers tamper with application content and inject anti-social or anti-government rhetoric, disrupting cyberspace order and inciting public panic, severely damaging institutional credibility. WEB services serve as key platforms for information dissemination and core operations across […]

The post Zero Tolerance for Malicious Intrusions—NSFOCUS’s Full-Chain WEB Security Protection System appeared first on NSFOCUS, Inc., a global network and cyber security leader, protects enterprises and carriers from advanced cyber attacks..

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In September 2025, Anthropic disclosed a groundbreaking incident—the world’s first autonomous AI-driven cyberattack. This event, documented as the first large-scale cyber offensive primarily executed by AI with minimal human intervention, underscored the immense threat posed by AI agents in malicious applications. The attackers posed as representatives of a legitimate cybersecurity firm conducting a defense assessment. They […]

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It’s no longer possible to deny that your life in the physical world and your digital life are one and the same. Coming to terms with this reality will help you make better decisions in many aspects of your life.

The same identity you use at work, at home, and with friends also exists in apps, inboxes, accounts, devices, and databases, whether you actively post online or prefer to stay quiet. Every purchase, login, location ping, and message leaves a trail. And that trail shapes what people, companies, and scammers can learn about you, how they can reach you, and what they might try to take.

That’s why digital security isn’t just an IT or a “tech person” problem. It’s a daily life skill. When you understand how your digital life works, what information you’re sharing, where it’s stored, and how it can be misused, you make better decisions. This guide is designed to help you build that awareness and translate it into practical habits: protecting your data, securing your accounts, and staying in control of your privacy in a world that’s always connected.

The essence of digital security

Being digitally secure doesn’t mean hiding from the internet or using complicated tools you don’t understand. It means having intentional control over your digital life to reduce risks while still being able to live, work, and communicate online safely. A digitally secure person focuses on four interconnected areas:

Personal information

Your personal data is the foundation of your digital identity. Protecting it includes limiting how much data you share, understanding where it’s stored, and reducing how easily it can be collected, sold, or stolen. At its heart, personal information falls into two critical categories that require different levels of protection:

• Personally identifiable information (PII):This represents the core data that defines you, such as your name, contact details, financial data, health information, location history, Social Security number, driver’s license number, passport information, home address, and online behavior. Financial data such as bank account numbers, credit card details, and tax identification numbers also fall into this category. Medical information, including health insurance numbers and medical records, represents some of your most sensitive PII that requires the highest level of protection.
• Sensitive personal data:While not always directly identifying you, this type of information can be used to build a comprehensive profile of your life and activities. This includes your phone number, email address, employment details, educational background, and family information. Your online activities, browsing history, location data, and social media posts also constitute sensitive personal data that can reveal patterns about your behavior, preferences, and daily routines.

Digital accounts

Account security ensures that only you can access them. Strong, unique passwords, multi-factor authentication, and secure recovery options prevent criminals from hijacking your email, banking, cloud storage, social media, and other online accounts, often the gateway to everything else in your digital life.

Privacy

Privacy control means setting boundaries and deciding who can see what about you, and under what circumstances. This includes managing social media visibility, app permissions, browser tracking, and third-party access to your data.

Digital security is an ongoing effort as threats evolve, platforms change their policies, and new technologies introduce new risks. Staying digitally secure requires periodic check-ins, learning to recognize scams and manipulation, and adjusting your habits as the digital landscape changes.

Common exposure points in daily digital life

Your personal information faces exposure risks through multiple channels during routine digital activities, often without your explicit knowledge.

• Public Wi-Fi networks: When you connect to unsecured networks in coffee shops, airports, hotels, or retail locations, your internet traffic can be intercepted by cybercriminals using the same network. This puts your login credentials, banking information, and communications at risk, even on networks that appear secure.
• Data brokers: These companies gather data, often without your explicit knowledge, from public records, social media platforms, online purchases, and other digital activities to create your profile. They then sell this information to marketers, employers, and other interested parties.
• Social media: When you overshare details about your location, vacation plans, family members, workplace, or daily routines, you provide cybercriminals with valuable information for identity theft and social engineering attacks. Regular platform policy changes can reset your previously private information or expose you to data breaches.
• Third-party applications: Mobile apps, browser extensions, and online services frequently collect more data than necessary for their stated functionality, creating additional privacy risks for you. You could be granting these apps permission to access your personal data, contacts, location, camera, and other device functions without fully understanding how your data will be used, stored, or shared.
• Web trackers: These small pieces of code embedded in websites follow your browsing behavior, monitoring which sites you visit, how long you stay, what you click on, and even where you move your mouse cursor. Advertising networks use this information to build a profile of your interests and online habits to serve you targeted ads.

Core pillars of digital security

Implementing comprehensive personal data protection requires a systematic approach that addresses the common exposure points. These practical steps provide layers of security that work together to minimize your exposure to identity theft and fraud.

Minimize data sharing across platforms

Start by conducting a thorough audit of your online accounts and subscriptions to identify where you have unnecessarily shared more data than needed. Remove or minimize details that aren’t essential for the service to function. Moving forward, provide only the minimum required information to new accounts and avoid linking them across different platforms unless necessary.

Be particularly cautious with loyalty programs, surveys, and promotional offers that ask for extensive personal information, as they may share it with third parties. Read privacy policies carefully, focusing on sections that describe data sharing, retention periods, and your rights regarding your personal information.

If possible, consider using separate email addresses for different accounts to limit cross-platform tracking and reduce the impact if one account is compromised. Create dedicated email addresses for shopping, social media, newsletters, and important accounts like banking and healthcare.

Adjust account privacy settings

Privacy protection requires regular attention to your account settings across all platforms and services you use. Social media platforms frequently update their privacy policies and settings, often defaulting to less private configurations that allow them to collect and share your data. For this reason, it is a good idea to review your privacy settings at least quarterly. Limit who can see your posts, contact information, and friend lists. Disable location tracking, facial recognition, and advertising customization features that rely on your personal data. Turn off automatic photo tagging and prevent search engines from indexing your profile.

On Google accounts, visit your Activity Controls and disable Web & App Activity, Location History, and YouTube History to stop this data from being saved. You can even opt out of ad personalization entirely if desired by adjusting Google Ad Settings. If you are more tech savvy, Google Takeout allows you to export and review what data Google has collected about you.

For Apple ID accounts, you can navigate to System Preferences on Mac or Settings on iOS devices to disable location-based Apple ads, limit app tracking, and review which apps have access to your contacts, photos, and other personal data.

Meanwhile, Amazon accounts store extensive purchase history, voice recordings from Alexa devices, and browsing behavior. Review your privacy settings to limit data sharing with third parties, delete voice recordings, and manage your advertising preferences.

Limit app permissions

Regularly audit the permissions you’ve granted to installed applications. Many apps request far more permissions to your location, contacts, camera, and microphone even though they don’t need them. Cancel these unnecessary permissions, and be particularly cautious about granting access to sensitive data.

Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication

Create passwords that actually protect you; they should be long and complex enough that even sophisticated attacks can’t easily break them. Combine uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to make it harder for attackers to crack.

Aside from passwords, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your most critical accounts: banking and financial services, email, cloud storage, social media, work, and healthcare. Use authenticator apps such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy rather than SMS-based authentication when possible, as text messages can be intercepted through SIM swapping attacks. When setting up MFA, ensure you save backup codes in a secure location and register multiple devices when possible to keep you from being locked out of your accounts if your primary authentication device is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Alternatively, many services now offer passkeys which use cryptographic keys stored on your device, providing stronger security than passwords while being more convenient to use. Consider adopting passkeys for accounts that support them, particularly for your most sensitive accounts.

Enable device encryption and automatic backups

Device encryption protects your personal information if your smartphone, tablet, or laptop is lost, stolen, or accessed without authorization. Modern devices typically offer built-in encryption options that are easy to enable and don’t noticeably impact performance.

You can implement automatic backup systems such as secure cloud storage services, and ensure backup data is protected. iOS users can utilize encrypted iCloud backups, while Android users should enable Google backup with encryption. Regularly test your backup systems to ensure they’re working correctly and that you can successfully restore your data when needed.

Request data deletion and opt out from data brokers

Identify major data brokers that likely have your information and look for their privacy policy or opt-out procedures, which often involves submitting a request with your personal information and waiting for confirmation that your data has been removed.

In addition, review your subscriptions and memberships to identify services you no longer use. Request account deletion rather than simply closing accounts, as many companies retain data from closed accounts. When requesting deletion, ask specifically for all personal data to be removed from their systems, including backups and archives.

Keep records of your opt-out and deletion requests, and follow up if you don’t receive confirmation within the stated timeframe. In the United States, key data broker companies include Acxiom, LexisNexis, Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, Whitepages, Spokeo, BeenVerified, and PeopleFinder. Visit each company’s website.

Use only trusted, secure networks

Connect only to trusted, secure networks to reduce the risk of your data being intercepted by attackers lurking behind unsecured or fake Wi-Fi connections. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public networks in coffee shops, airports, or hotels, and use encrypted connections such as HTTPS or a virtual private network to hide your IP address and block third parties from monitoring your online activities.

Rather than using a free VPN service that often collects and sells your data to generate revenue, it is better to choose a premium, reputable VPN service that doesn’t log your browsing activities and offers servers in multiple locations.

Ongoing monitoring and maintenance habits

Cyber threats evolve constantly, privacy policies change, and new services collect different types of personal information, making personal data protection an ongoing process rather than a one-time task. Here are measures to help regularly maintain your personal data protection:

• Quarterly reviews: Set up a quarterly review process to examine your privacy settings across all platforms and services. Create a calendar reminder to check your social media privacy settings, review app permissions on your devices, and audit your online accounts for unused services that should be deleted.
• Credit monitoring: Monitor your financial accounts regularly for unauthorized activity and consider using credit monitoring services to alert you to potential identity theft.
• Breach alerts: Stay informed about data breaches in the services you use by signing up for breach notification services. If a breach occurs, this will allow you to take immediate action to change passwords, monitor affected accounts, and consider additional security measures for compromised services.
• Device updates: Enable automatic security and software updates on your devices, as these updates include important privacy and security improvements that protect you from newly discovered vulnerabilities.
• Education and awareness: Stay informed about new privacy risks, learn about emerging protective technologies, and share knowledge with family members and friends who may benefit from improved personal data protection practices.

By implementing these systematic approaches and maintaining regular attention to your privacy settings and data sharing practices, you significantly reduce your risk of identity theft and fraud while maintaining greater control over your digital presence and personal information.

Final thoughts

You don’t need to dramatically overhaul your entire digital security in one day, but you can start making meaningful improvements right now. Taking action today, even small steps, builds the foundation for stronger personal data protection and peace of mind in your digital life. Choose one critical account, update its password, enable multi-factor authentication, and you’ll already be significantly more secure than you were this morning. Your future self will thank you for taking these proactive steps to protect what matters most to you.

Every step you take toward better privacy protection strengthens your overall digital security and reduces your risk of becoming a victim of scams, identity theft, or unwanted surveillance. You’ve already taken the first step by learning about digital security risks and solutions. Now it’s time to put that knowledge into action with practical steps that fit seamlessly into your digital routine.

The post What Does It Take To Be Digitally Secure? appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Every four years, scores of American people flood churches, schools, homes, and auditoriums to cast their ballots for the future of American leadership. But amid the highs and lows of election night, there is an ongoing conversation about how the votes are being counted.

As results slowly roll in, voters struggle with long lines and faulty machinery in key battleground states, prompting debates on the efficiency of the U.S. voting process. In an age where American Idol results can be instantaneously transmitted over a mobile device, why are we still feeding paper ballots into machines that look like props from ‘90s movies?

On the one hand, countries like Canada, Norway and Australia have already experienced success with their adoption of online voting systems, and proponents say going digital will boost voter turnout and Election Day efficiency. On the other, naysayers cite hacking, malware, and other security threats as deal-breakers that could threaten the backbone of American democracy.

So what are the facts behind this debate? Below, we’ve outlined key arguments for and against online, email, and electronic voting systems, to help users at home move beyond the pre-election campaign hype.

Electronic voting: Better or worse than paper ballots?

Since there have been elections, there have been people tampering with votes. Given this, experts are justifiably concerned with any technology that could introduce new points of access to the data stored during an election. Nevertheless, a handful of states now use electronic voting machines exclusively—Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, New Jersey and South Carolina—and even notorious battleground states Ohio and Florida have made the move toward paperless votes.

The concern is that when there is no physical ballot, it becomes next to impossible to determine if there has been tampering—especially in the case of a close election. The contested 2000 Bush-Gore race comes to mind as an example of the stark importance of reliable election machinery. In 2012, Pennsylvania voting machines were taken out of service after being captured on video changing votes from one candidate to another.

Still, most of these machines now supply a paper trail to guard against tampering, and a vast majority undergo frequent, mandatory testing. The machines are also not connected to the Internet and are segregated from any network-connected devices. In terms of physical security, the machines themselves are secured with locks and tamper-evident seals, and they’re heavily protected when transported to and from polling places.

Hacking the vote: It’s easier than you think

While electronic voting promises efficiency and convenience, the reality is that these systems face significant vulnerabilities that make them easy targets for hacking.

Attackers don’t need to hack every voting machine individually. They only need to target the broader voting ecosystem through several key attack vectors. For one, supply chain risks represent one of the most concerning threats, where malicious components or software can be introduced during manufacturing or updates. Misconfigured systems and outdated firmware create entry points that cybercriminals actively seek out, while exposed network ports can provide side-channel access to supposedly isolated voting infrastructure.

Beyond direct machine tampering, sophisticated attacks focus on ballot definition files—the digital templates that determine how votes are recorded and counted. Manipulating these files can alter election outcomes without voters realizing it. Similarly, result reporting systems that transmit vote tallies from polling locations to central counting facilities present attractive targets for those seeking to disrupt electoral processes.

Recent security research demonstrates these vulnerabilities aren’t theoretical. In 2003, cybersecurity researchers at Johns Hopkins University documented significant security gaps in widely used electronic voting systems during controlled testing environments, revealing that basic network intrusion techniques could compromise vote tallies without detection. Meanwhile, a 2022 audit conducted by election security experts in Georgia identified configuration errors in electronic polling systems that could have allowed unauthorized access to voter data and ballot information.

Perhaps more concerning is how disinformation campaigns around unofficial election results can amplify doubts about electoral integrity, regardless of actual system security. These campaigns often spread false information about electronic voting fraud or online voting hack attempts, creating confusion that undermines public trust in legitimate election outcomes.

It’s crucial to understand that the primary impact of these vulnerabilities often isn’t direct vote manipulation—it’s the erosion of voter confidence in our democratic processes. When people doubt that their votes count accurately, it weakens the foundation of democratic participation.

Privacy & security concerns in online voting

Will our presidential elections ever go the way of American Idol? Despite advances in technology, the vast majority of Americans must vote in person or via mail-in ballot. At present, only very limited electronic voting options exist, primarily for specific voter groups and circumstances, such as:

• Military and overseas voters: The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) allows military personnel and overseas citizens to return marked ballots electronically in some states. However, this typically involves downloading a ballot, marking it, and returning it via secure email or portal—not full online voting.
• Voters with disabilities: These accommodations vary by state. Some states offer electronic ballot marking tools or accessible voting systems for voters with disabilities. These systems often allow electronic marking but require printing ballots for submission, maintaining a paper trail for verification.
• Citizens displaced by natural disasters: During an election cycle when many New Jersey residents were affected by Hurricane Sandy, officials established email as an alternative voting method. But as Election Day loomed, the system was soon blamed for a slew of issues.

Vulnerabilities in online voting systems

Understanding the vulnerabilities that plague electronic voting systems isn’t about creating fear, but about building stronger defenses. Below, we have listed some of the potential attack vectors to help you make informed decisions about digital democracy.

The email software

In email voting, unencrypted emails pose a serious security risk because they can be easily intercepted, spoofed, or altered in transit. When a ballot is sent without encryption, it travels across networks in plain text, allowing cybercriminals to access and modify its contents before it reaches election officials. Attackers also might impersonate legitimate voters by sending forged emails or inject malware into attachments that appear to be ballots.

The device

Computers used to send or receive the emails can be compromised to change or block a voter’s choices. When you cast your ballot online, malware can intercept your vote before it even leaves your device. In addition, the receiving computer will need to open attachments sent by unknown users to tally the votes, one of the most common causes of malware infections.

Credential theft

Phishing attacks specifically target voting credentials, often through fake election websites or deceptive emails. Multi-factor authentication and government-issued digital certificates provide essential barriers. In 2023, the National Institute of Standards and Technology released its Digital Identity Guidelines that recommended biometric verification combined with secure tokens for high-stakes digital transactions like voting.

Man-in-the-middle attacks

Your vote travels across networks where attackers might intercept or modify it. To thwart these attacks and ensure your ballot remains tamper-proof during transmission, end-to-end encryption with cryptographic signatures can be integrated into online voting systems. Advanced protocols such as homomorphic encryption allow vote counting without exposing individual choices.

Server-side vulnerabilities

Voting servers face constant attack attempts. Independent security audits, isolated network environments, and blockchain-based verification systems can help maintain integrity. Regular penetration testing, as recommended in the Election Assistance Commission’s 2023 Voluntary Voting System Guidelines, identifies weaknesses before they’re exploited.

Distributed denial of service

DDoS attacks can overwhelm voting portals during critical periods. Distributed server architecture, traffic filtering, and backup submission methods could ensure continuous access, while cloud-based solutions provide scalable protection against volume-based attacks.

Ballot secrecy

Online systems must balance verification with privacy. Protocols such as zero-knowledge proof could allow voters to confirm that their ballot was counted without revealing their choices. Anonymous credential systems separate voter identity from vote content.

Auditability challenges

Digital voting requires verifiable paper trails or cryptographic receipts. This can be addressed with voter-verified paper audit trails (VVPAT) and risk-limiting audits that provide the transparency necessary for public confidence.

Cyber threats to voting abound long before Election Day

In this digital age, threats to the voting process start well before election day. Cybercriminals take advantage of the campaign fever when citizens turn to technology for updates on the election process or news about running candidates.

Amid all this, your role as a voter includes staying informed about these protections and choosing secure voting methods when available or legitimate information sources. Democracy thrives when citizens understand both the possibilities and precautions of digital participation.

• Fake voter registration websites: Scammers create convincing look-alike sites that mimic official election portals to steal your personal information. These sites often appear in search results with urgent messaging about registration deadlines, but they’re designed to harvest your data for identity theft or voter suppression purposes.
• Phishing texts and emails about “polling changes”: You might receive official-looking messages claiming your polling location has changed, voting has been extended, or you need to “confirm” your registration via text or email. These communications often create false urgency to trick you into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information.
• Impersonation of election officials: Scammers pose as election workers, poll supervisors, or government officials via phone calls, texts, or door-to-door visits. They may claim there are problems with your registration, then request personal information to “verify” your eligibility.
• Malinformation hotlines: Fraudulent phone lines spread false information about voting procedures, dates, or requirements. These services intentionally provide incorrect details to discourage voting or cause confusion about the electoral process.
• Political donation fraud: Fake political organizations and candidates set up fraudulent donation sites that look legitimate but funnel your money and financial information directly to scammers. These sites often use names similar to real campaigns or causes to deceive donors.

Your role in protecting election integrity

Every voter plays a role in ensuring elections remain fair, secure, and transparent. By following proper voting procedures, verifying information through official sources, and reporting suspicious activity, you help strengthen trust in the system. Small actions can make a big difference in protecting the integrity of every vote.

• Plan your preferred voting method: Before Election Day arrives, take time to plan how you’ll cast your ballot—whether it’s in person at your local polling place, by mail, or through accessible voting options available in your state. If you’re an overseas military or citizen, research your state’s UOCAVA procedures. Knowing this could help you avoid last-minute issues that might force you to bypass safe voting practices.
• Confirm your voter registration status at your official state portal: This quick step ensures that your information—such as your name, address, and polling location—is accurate and up to date, and helps you avoid surprises like being listed under the wrong district or finding out you’re not registered at all.
• Verify your polling location through official channels: This ensures you’re voting at legitimate facilities with properly managed systems. When available, choose paper backup options or locations that use voter-verified paper audit trails, which provide physical evidence of your vote that can’t be altered digitally.
• Keep your personal devices secure during election periods: You can do this by updating software, using strong passwords, and being cautious about election-related apps, websites, or messages that aren’t from official government sources.
• Stay alert for potential vulnerabilities: As a voter or observer, you can: verify polling place seals are intact, confirm machines display zero totals before voting begins, observe that poll workers follow proper procedures, and report any irregularities to election officials immediately.

Key tips to verify legitimate communication during election season

Practicing good cybersecurity hygiene helps safeguard not only your information but also the integrity of democratic participation. Here are some key guidelines to stay secure online and protect your vote.

• Official election information only comes from verified .gov websites: Scammers often create legitimate-looking websites to trick voters into sharing personal data or clicking malicious links. When searching for election details, always rely on official .gov domains. These are verified and maintained by state and local election authorities, offering information that is accurate, secure, and up to date.
• Contact your state or local election office directly using official phone numbers: For voting-related questions, contact your state or local election office directly using details listed on verified .gov websites to ensure you receive accurate local information. Do not rely on social media, emails, or unofficial websites, as scammers often use these fake hotlines to collect personal data or sow disinformation.
• Deal only with verified election officials: Imposters may pose as officials through phone calls, emails, or even in person to collect your personal data or influence your vote. To confirm legitimacy, check any communication from an official .gov email address or website, verified government phone line, or your local election office.
• Verify “urgent” voting information through multiple official sources: During election season, scammers often spread “urgent” messages or “breaking news” to sow panic or confusion—such as changes in polling hours or locations—to suppress voter turnout. Always verify updates through official sources, such as your state’s .gov election website, local election office, or trusted news outlets.
• Update all your devices with the latest security patches: Before researching candidates, browsing election information, or logging into voter portals, make sure all your devices are running the latest versions. Security patches fix vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to install malware or steal personal data.
• Use strong, unique passwords for voter-related accounts or portals. When creating strong, unique passwords for each election-related site you use, especially government or voter registration portals, use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid personal details like birthdays or pet names. Password managers can help you generate and store complex passwords, reducing the risk of credential theft.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. Enabling 2FA on your email and voter-related accounts significantly strengthens your defense against unauthorized access. Even if hackers obtain your password, they won’t be able to log in without this additional confirmation.
• Report suspected election-related scams to your local officials and relevant authorities: If you encounter a suspicious website, message, or phone call related to voting—report it to your state or local election office, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency or the Federal Trade Commission. Authorities track malicious activity and protect other voters from falling victim to similar schemes.

These multi-layered protections work together to maintain election integrity, though gaps can emerge when procedures aren’t consistently followed or when oversight is insufficient.

Final thoughts

While online voting systems can’t be written off, ongoing cybersecurity challenges don’t bode well for the immediate future of these platforms.

While technology has transformed nearly every aspect of modern life—from shopping to banking, and working—applying that convenience to the voting booth still presents challenges. Security, transparency, and public trust remain at the core of any democratic process, and rushing toward online or paperless voting without upholding these principles could be harmful.

Progress is steadily being made, however, with advances in encryption and digital identity frameworks. With careful design, rigorous testing, and strong oversight, technology can enhance the safeguards that underpin election integrity.

For now, the most effective way to protect democracy is through awareness and participation. Stay informed about your state’s voting systems, verify election information only through official sources, and remain alert to misinformation and scams. Each responsible voter plays a part in strengthening the integrity of elections.

The post Hack the Vote: Pros and Cons of Electronic Voting appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Social media platforms connect you to thousands of people worldwide. But while these platforms offer incredible opportunities for bonding, learning, and entertainment, they also present personal security challenges. Navigating them safely requires being aware of risks and proactively protecting your accounts.

The three most common risks you’ll encounter are privacy exposure, account takeover, and scams. Privacy exposure occurs when your personal information becomes visible to unintended audiences, potentially leading to identity theft, stalking, or professional damage. You have control over your social media security. By implementing safe social media practices, you can dramatically reduce your risk exposure.

This guide rounds up 15 practical, everyday tips to help you secure your accounts and use them more safely. It covers smart posting habits, safer clicking and app-permission choices, stronger privacy settings, and core security basics like using updated browsers, reliable protection tools, and identity-theft safeguards—so you can enjoy social media without making yourself an easy target.

Before we dive in, we want to remind you first that our strongest recommendation amid anything and everything unsolicited, unusual, or suspicious on social media is this: verify, verify, verify through separate communication channels such as phone, email, and official websites.

15 top tips to stay safer on social media

1. Realize that you can become a victim at any time.

Not a day goes by when we don’t hear about a new hack. With 450,000 new pieces of malware released to the internet every day, security never sleeps. For your increased awareness, here’s a short list of the most common social media scams:

• Giveaway and lottery scams: Fake contests promising expensive prizes like iPhones, gift cards, or cash in exchange for personal information or payment of “processing fees” before you can claim your prize.
• Impersonation scams: Criminals create fake profiles mimicking friends, family members, celebrities, or trusted organizations to build false relationships and extract money or information from you. One warning sign is that the direct message, link, or post will originate from accounts with limited posting history or generic profile photos.
• Romance scams: Fraudsters develop fake romantic relationships on social platforms over time, eventually requesting money for emergencies, travel, or other fabricated situations. Never send money to someone you’ve only met online and use reverse image searches to verify profile photos aren’t stolen.
• Fake job offers: Scammers will post attractive employment opportunities, promising unrealistic salaries for minimal work. During your “onboarding,” the fake HR person will require upfront payments for equipment, training, or background checks, or use job interviews to harvest personal information such as Social Security numbers.
• Cryptocurrency and investment scams: Fraudulent investment schemes promise guaranteed returns through cryptocurrency trading, forex, or other financial opportunities, often using fake testimonials and urgent time pressure. The fraudsters will promise guaranteed high returns, pressure you to invest quickly, and ask you to recruit friends and family into the “opportunity.”
• Charity and disaster relief scams: Fake charitable organizations exploit current events, natural disasters, or humanitarian crises to solicit donations that never reach legitimate causes. They will pressure you for immediate donations, offer vague descriptions about how funds will be used, and request cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency payments.
• Shopping and marketplace spoofing: Phony online stores or marketplace sellers advertise products at suspiciously low prices, then collect payment but will never deliver the goods. If they do, it will likely be counterfeit. Be on guard for prices that are way below market value, poorly presented websites or badly written advertisements, pressure tactics, and limited payment options.

2. Think before you post.

Social media is quite engaging, with all the funny status updates, photos, and comments. However, all these bits of information can reveal more about you than you intended to disclose. The examples below might be extreme, but they are real-world scenarios that continue to happen to real people daily on social media:

• Social engineering attacks: When you post details about your daily routine, workplace, or family members, scammers can use this information to build trust and manipulate you into revealing more sensitive information. Limit sharing specific details about your schedule and locations.
• Employment and reputation damage: Potential employers increasingly review social media profiles during hiring processes, and controversial opinions, inappropriate content, or unprofessional behavior can eliminate your chances of being hired for job opportunities or damage your professional reputation. Similarly, personal relationships may be strained when private information is shared publicly or when posts reveal information that others expected to remain confidential.
• Financial scams and fraud: Sharing details about expensive purchases, vacations, or financial situations makes you a target for scammers who craft personalized fraud attempts. Apply safe social media practices by avoiding posts about money, luxury items, or financial struggles that could attract unwanted attention from fraudsters.

3. Nothing good comes from filling out a “25 Most Amazing Things About You” survey.

Oversharing on social media creates significant risks that extend beyond embarrassment or regret. Identity thieves actively monitor social platforms for personal information they can use to answer security questions, predict passwords, or impersonate you in social engineering attacks.

Avoid publicly answering questionnaires with details like your middle name, as this is the type of information financial institutions—and identity thieves—may use to verify your identity.

• Password reset clues: Sharing your birth date, hometown, or pet’s name gives cybercriminals the answers to common security questions used in password resets. Do your best to keep personal details private and use unique, unguessable answers for security questions that only you would know.
• Identity theft: Oversharing personal information such as your full name, address, phone number, and family details gives identity thieves the building blocks to impersonate you or open accounts in your name. In addition, these details frequently serve as backup authentication methods for your email or bank accounts. You wouldn’t want identity thieves to know them, then. Protect your accounts by tightening privacy settings and limiting the information in your profile and posts.
• Doxxing: This publication of your private information without consent is another malicious consequence of oversharing. Your seemingly harmless social media posts can be combined with other public records to reveal your home address, workplace information, and family details, which can then be used to harass, intimidate, or endanger you and your loved ones as part of a scam or revenge scheme.
• Data collection: The scope of data collection and its potential for misuse continues to evolve. Anything you share on social media becomes data for hundreds of third-party companies for advertising and analytics purposes that you may not realize. This widespread distribution of your personal information increases the odds that your data will be involved in a breach or used in nefarious ways.

4. Think twice about applications that request permission to access your data.

Third-party apps with excessive permissions can access your personal data, post to social media at any time on your behalf, or serve as entry points for attackers, regardless of whether you’re using the application. To limit app access and reduce your attack surface significantly, review all apps and services connected to your social media accounts. Revoke permissions to applications you no longer use or don’t remember authorizing.

5. Don’t click on short links that don’t clearly show the link location.

Shortened links can be exploited in social media phishing attacks as they hide the final destination URL, making it difficult for you to determine where it actually leads. These tactics mimic legitimate communications from trusted sources and come in the form of direct messages, comments, sponsored posts, and fake verification alerts, all in an effort to steal your personal information, login credentials, or financial details. Often, these attacks appear as urgent messages claiming your account will be suspended or fake prize notifications.

When you identify phishing attempts, immediately report and block the suspicious accounts using the platform’s built-in reporting features. This will protect not only you but other users on the platform.

If the link is posted by a product seller or service provider, it is a good idea to:

1. Verify the link independently: Don’t click suspicious links or download files from unknown sources. Instead, navigate to official websites directly by typing the URL yourself or using trusted search engines.
2. Verify the profile before engaging: Look for verified checkmarks, consistent posting history spanning several months or years, and mutual connections. As scammers often use stolen photos, check if the photo appears elsewhere online by doing a reverse image search.
3. Use only trusted payment methods: Stick to secure payment platforms with buyer protection such as PayPal, credit cards, or official app payment systems. Never send money through wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer payment apps to strangers, as these transactions are irreversible and untraceable.
4. Research sellers and causes thoroughly: Before making any purchase or donation, search for the business name online, check reviews on multiple sites, and verify charity registration numbers through official databases. Look up the organization’s official website and ensure that the business has verifiable contact information, a physical address, and good reviews.
5. Keep conversations on the platform: Legitimate sellers and organizations rarely need to move discussions to private messaging apps, email, or phone calls immediately. When scammers push you off-platform, they’re avoiding security measures and community reporting systems.

6. Beware of posts with subjects along the lines of, “LOL! Look at the video I found of you!”

You might think the video or link relates directly to you. But when you click it, you get a message saying that you need to upgrade your video player in order to see the clip. When you attempt to download the “upgrade,” the malicious page will instead install malware that tracks and steals your data. As mentioned, don’t click suspicious links or download files from unknown sources before verifying independently. Visit the official websites by directly typing the URL yourself or using trusted search engines.

This also brings us to the related topic of being tagged on other people’s content. If you don’t want certain content to be associated with you, adjust the settings that enable you to review posts and photos before they appear on your profile. This allows you to maintain control over your digital presence and prevents embarrassing or inappropriate content associations.

7. Be suspicious of anything that sounds unusual or feels odd.

If one of your friends posts, “We’re stuck in Cambodia and need money,” keep your radar up as it’s most likely a scam. It is possible that a scammer has taken over your friend’s account, and is using it to impersonate them, spread malicious content, or extract sensitive information from their contacts, including you. Don’t engage with this post or the fraudster, otherwise the next account takeover could be yours.

In this kind of scam, some critical areas of your life are affected:

• Financially, successful attacks can result in unauthorized purchases, drained bank accounts, or damaged credit scores through identity theft.
• Your reputation faces threats from impersonation, where attackers post harmful content under your name, or from oversharing personal information that employers, colleagues, or family members might frown upon.
• In terms of misusing your identity, criminals could further exploit your social media profile by collecting data from your posts to conduct other fraudulent activities, from opening accounts in your name to bypassing security questions on other services.

When you encounter suspicious activity, always use official support pages rather than responding to questionable messages. Major social media platforms provide dedicated help centers and verified contact methods.

• Configure message and comment filtering: Set up keyword filters to automatically block suspicious messages and enable message request filtering from unknown users. This helps you verify suspicious messages on social media before they reach your main inbox.
• Watch for urgency and pressure tactics: Scammers create false urgency through “limited time offers” or “emergency situations” to prevent you from thinking clearly. Legitimate opportunities and genuine emergencies allow time for verification.

8. Understand your privacy settings.

Select the most secure options and check periodically for changes that can open up your profile to the public. Depending on your preference and the privacy level you are comfortable with, you can choose from these options:

• Public profiles make your content searchable and accessible to anyone, including potential employers, strangers, and data collectors. This setting maximizes your visibility and networking potential but also increases your exposure to unwanted contact and data harvesting.
• Friends-only profiles limit your content to approved connections, balancing your social interaction and privacy protection. This setting, however, doesn’t prevent your approved friends from reposting your content or protect you from data collection.
• Private profiles provide the highest level of content protection, requiring approval for anyone to see your posts. While this setting offers maximum control over your audience, it can limit legitimate networking opportunities and may not protect you from all forms of data collection.

We suggest that you review your privacy settings every three months, as platforms frequently update their policies and default settings. While you are at it, take the opportunity to audit your friend lists and remove inactive or suspicious accounts.

9. Reconsider broadcasting your location.

Posting real-time locations or check-ins can alert potential stalkers to your whereabouts and routine patterns, while geo-tagged photos can reveal where you live, study, work, shop, or work out. Location sharing creates patterns that criminals can exploit for security threats such as stalking, harassment, and other physical crimes.

To avoid informing scammers of your whereabouts, turn off location tagging in your social media apps and avoid posting about your routine. You might also consider disabling “last seen” or “active now” indicators that show when you’re online. This prevents others from monitoring your social media activity patterns and reduces unwanted contact attempts, significantly improving your personal and family safety while maintaining your ability to share experiences.

10. Use an updated browser, social media app, and devices.

Older browsers tend to have more security flaws and often don’t recognize newer scam patterns, while updated versions are crucial for security by patching vulnerabilities. Updates add or improve privacy controls such as tracking prevention, cookie partitioning, third-party cookie blocking, stronger HTTPS enforcement, transparent permission prompts. They also support newer HTML/CSS/JavaScript features, video and audio codecs, payment and login standards, and accessibility features.

In terms of performance, new browser versions offer faster performance, better memory management, and more efficient rendering, so you get fewer freezes, less fan noise, and longer battery life and better extension compatibility.

11. Choose unique logins and passwords for each of the websites you use.

Consider using password managers, which can create and store secure passwords for you. Never reuse passwords across platforms. This practice ensures that if one account is compromised, your other accounts remain secure. Password managers also help you monitor for breached credentials and update passwords regularly.

In addition, implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)on every social media account using authenticator apps. This single step can protect social media accounts from 99% of automated attacks. MFA enforcement should be non-negotiable for both personal and business accounts, as it adds critical security that makes account takeovers exponentially more difficult.

12. Check the domain to be sure that you’re logging into a legitimate website.

Scammers build fake login pages that look identical to real ones. The only obvious difference is usually the domain. They want you to type your username/password into their site, so they can steal it. So if you’re visiting a Facebook page, make sure you look for the https://www.facebook.com address.

The rule is to read the domain from right to left because the real domain is usually the last two meaningful segments before the slash. For instance, https://security.facebook.com—read from right to left—is legitimate because the main domain is facebook.com, and “security” is just a subdomain.

Watch out for scam patterns such as:

• Look-alike domains such as faceboook.com (extra “o”), facebook-login.com, fb-support.com.
• Subdomain tricks that hide the real domain such as https://facebook.com.login-security-check.ru.

13. Be cautious of anything that requires an additional login.

Within the social media platform, scammers often insert a “second” sign-in step to capture your credentials. A common trick is sending you to a page that looks like a normal email, business, or bank website but then suddenly asks you to log in again “to continue,” “to verify your identity,” or “because your session expired.” That extra login prompt is frequently a fake overlay or a malicious look-alike page designed to steal passwords.

Clicking a shared document link, viewing a receipt, or checking a delivery status usually shouldn’t require you to re-enter your email and password—especially if you’re already signed in elsewhere. Another example is a fake security notification claiming your account has been compromised, directing you to another page or website that requires a new login. Attackers usually rely on urgency, panic, and habit; you might be so used to logging in all the time, that you could do it automatically without noticing the context is wrong.

A safer habit is to stop and reset the flow. If something unexpectedly asks for another login, don’t use the embedded prompt. Instead, open a new tab, type the site’s official address yourself, check account status, and log in there if needed. If the request was legitimate, it will still work once you’re signed in through the official site; if it was a trap, you’ve just avoided handing over your credentials.

14. Make sure your security suite is up to date.

Your suite should include an antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-spam, a firewall, and a website safety advisor. Keeping your security suite up to date is essential as threats evolve daily, and outdated protection can miss new malware, phishing kits, ransomware variants, and scam techniques. Updates also patch security weaknesses in the software itself, improve detection technologies, and add protections for newer attack methods.

The McAfee Social Privacy Manager extends “security updates” beyond your device and into your social media footprint by scanning your privacy settings across supported platforms, flagging exposures, and recommending safer configurations. Because social platforms frequently change their settings and defaults, Social Privacy Manager also needs to stay updated to recognize and apply the right privacy protections.

15. Invest in identity theft protection.

Regardless of how careful you may be or any security systems you put in place, there is always a chance that you can be compromised in some way. It’s nice to have identity theft protection watching your back.

McAfee+ combines every day device security with identity monitoring in one suite. Depending on the plan, McAfee+ can watch for your personal info on the dark web and breach databases, monitor financial and credit activity, and send real-time alerts for anomalies. The Advanced and Ultimate plans add wider support such as credit monitoring and tracking for bank or investment accounts, as well as tools that reduce your exposure such as Personal Data Cleanup that removes your info from data broker sites. It doesn’t just warn you after a breach; it helps shrink the chances your data gets misused in the first place.

Final thoughts

Social media brings incredible opportunities, but privacy exposure, scams, and account takeovers remain real challenges that can impact your finances, reputation, and personal security. The tips outlined above give you practical ways to recognize the risks and protect your social media accounts. By raising your level of awareness and applying safe social media practices, you are building a stronger defense against evolving threats.

Make security a family affair by sharing these safe social media practices with everyone in your household—especially children and teens who use social media—so they can enjoy a safer experience.

The post 15 Critical Tips to Stay Safe on Social Media appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Unfortunately, scammers today are coming at us from all angles, trying to trick us into giving up our hard-earned money. We all need to be vigilant in protecting ourselves online. If you aren’t paying attention, even if you know what to look for, they can still catch you off guard. There are numerous ways to detect fake sites, phishing, and other scams, including emails.

Before we delve into the signs of fake websites, we will first take a closer look at the common types of scams that use websites, what happens when you accidentally access a fake website, and what you can do in case you unknowingly purchased items from it.

What are fake or scam websites?

Fake or scam websites are fraudulent sites that look legitimate while secretly attempting to steal your personal information, money, or account access.

These deceptive platforms masquerade as trustworthy businesses or organizations, sending urgent messages that appear to be from popular shopping websites offering fantastic limited-time deals, banking websites requesting immediate account verification, government portals claiming you owe taxes or are eligible for refunds, and shipping companies asking for delivery fees.

The urgency aims to trick you into logging in and sharing sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, Social Security details, login credentials, and personal data. Once you submit your data, the scammers will steal your identity, drain your accounts, or sell your details to other criminals on the dark web.

These scam websites have become increasingly prevalent because they’re relatively inexpensive to create and can reach millions of potential victims quickly through email and text campaigns, social media ads, and search engine manipulation.

Cybersecurity researchers and consumer protection agencies discover these fraudulent sites through various methods, including monitoring suspicious domain registrations, analyzing reported phishing attempts, and tracking unusual web traffic patterns. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, losses from cyber-enabled fraud totaled $13.7 billion, with fake websites accounting for a significant portion of these losses.

Consequences of visiting a fake website

Visiting a fake website, accidentally or intentionally, can expose you to several serious security risks that can impact your digital life and financial well-being:

• Credential theft: Scammers can capture your login information through fake login pages that look identical to legitimate sites. Once they have your username and password, they can access your real accounts and steal personal information or money.
• Credit card fraud: When you enter your bank or credit card details on fraudulent shopping or fake service portals, scammers can use your payment information for unauthorized purchases or sell these to other criminals on the dark web.
• Malware infection: Malicious downloads, infected ads, or drive-by downloads may happen automatically when you visit certain fake sites. These, in turn, can steal personal files, monitor your activity, or give criminals remote access to your device.
• Identity theft: Fake sites can collect personal information, such as Social Security numbers, addresses, or birthdates, through fraudulent forms or surveys.
• Account takeovers: Criminals can use stolen credentials to access your email, banking, or social media accounts, potentially locking you out and using your accounts for further scams.

Common types of scam websites

Scammers employ various tactics to create fake websites that appear authentic, but most of these techniques follow familiar patterns. Knowing the main types of scam sites helps you recognize danger faster. This section lists the most common categories of scam websites, explains how they operate, and identifies the red flags that alert you before they can steal your information or money.

• Fake shopping stores: These fraudulent e-commerce sites steal your money and personal information without delivering products. They offer unrealistic discounts (70%+ off), have no customer service contact information, or accept payments only through wire transfers or gift cards. These sites often use stolen product images and fake customer reviews to appear legitimate.
• Phishing login pages: These sites mimic legitimate services such as banks, email providers, or social media platforms to harvest your credentials. Their URLs that don’t match the official domain, such as “bankofamerica-security.com” instead of “bankofamerica.com.” Their urgent messages claim your account will be suspended unless you log in immediately.
• Tech support scam sites: These fake websites claim to detect computer problems and offer remote assistance for a fee. They begin with a pop-up ad with a loud alarm to warn you about viruses, providing phone numbers to call “immediately” or requesting remote desktop access from unsolicited contacts.
• Investment and crypto sites: These sites guarantee incredible returns on cryptocurrency or investment opportunities, feature fake celebrity endorsements, or pressure you to invest quickly before a “limited-time opportunity” expires.
• Giveaway and lottery pages: You receive notifications with a link to a page that claims you’ve won prizes In contests you never entered, but require upfront fees or personal information to receive them. They will request bank account details to “process your winnings” or upfront processing fees.
• Shipping and parcel update portals: These typically appear as tracking pages that mimic delivery services, such as USPS, UPS, or FedEx, to steal personal information or payment details. The pages ask for immediate payment to release and deliver the packages, or for login credentials to accounts you don’t have with that carrier.
• Malware download pages: These ill-intentioned sites offer “free” but uncertified software, games, or media files that contain harmful code to infect your device once you click on the prominent “Download” button.
• Advance fee and loan scams: These sites claim to guarantee approved loans or financial services, regardless of your credit score. But first, you will have to post an upfront payment or processing fees before any actual assistance is rendered.

Understanding these common scam types helps you recognize fake sites before they can steal your information or money. When in doubt, verify legitimacy by visiting official websites directly through bookmarks or search engines rather than clicking suspicious links.

For the latest warnings and protection guidance, check resources from the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Recognize a fake site

You can protect yourself by learning to recognize the warning signs of fake sites. By understanding what these scams look like and how they operate, you’ll be better equipped to shop, bank, and browse online with confidence. Remember, legitimate companies will never pressure you to provide sensitive information through unsolicited emails or urgent pop-up messages.

1. Mismatched domain name and brand: The website URL doesn’t match the company name they claim to represent, like “amazoon-deals.com” instead of “amazon.com.” Scammers use similar-looking domains to trick you into thinking you’re on a legitimate site.
2. Spelling mistakes and poor grammar: Legitimate businesses invest in professionally created content to ensure clean and error-free writing or graphics. If you are on a site with multiple typos, awkward phrasing, or grammatical errors, this indicates that it was hastily created and not thoroughly reviewed, unlike authentic websites.
3. Missing or invalid security certificate: The site lacks the “https://” prefix in the URL or displays security warnings in your browser. Without proper encryption, any information you enter can be intercepted by criminals.
4. Fantastic deals: Look out for prices that are dramatically low—like designer items at 90% off or electronics at impossibly low costs. Scammers use unrealistic bargains to lure victims into providing payment information.
5. High-pressure countdown timers: The site displays urgent messages such as “Only 2 left!” or countdown clocks with limited-time offers that reset when you refresh the page. These fake urgency tactics push you to make hasty decisions without proper research.
6. No physical address, contact information, or legitimate business details: The site provides only an email address or contact form. In the same vein, any email address they provide may look strange, like northbank@hotmail.com. Any legitimate business will not use a public email account, such as Hotmail, Gmail, or Yahoo.
7. Missing or vague return policy: Legitimate businesses want satisfied customers and provide clear policies for returns and exchanges. Scams, however, often fail to provide clear refund policies, return instructions, or customer service information.
8. Stolen or low-quality images: Scammers often steal images from legitimate sites without permission, making their product photos look pixelated, watermarked, or inconsistent in style and quality.
9. Fake or generic reviews: Authentic reviews include specific details and a mix of ratings and comments. On fake websites, however, customer reviews are often overly positive, using generic language, posted on the same dates, or containing similar phrasing patterns.
10. Limited payment options: Legitimate businesses offer secure payment options with buyer protection. Fake websites, however, only accept wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or other non-reversible or untraceable payment methods.
11. Recently registered domain: The website was created very recently—often just days or weeks ago, whereas established businesses typically have older, stable web presences.
12. Fake password: If you’re at a fake site and type in a phony password, the fake site is likely to accept it.

Recognize phishing, SMiShing, and other fake communications

Most scams typically start with social engineering tactics, such as phishing, smishing, and fake social media messages containing suspicious links, before directing you to a fake website.

From these communications, the scammers impersonate legitimate organizations before finally executing their malevolent intentions. To avoid being tricked, it is essential to recognize the warning signs wherever you encounter them.

Email phishing red flags

Fake emails are among the most common phishing attempts you’ll encounter. If you see any of these signs in an unsolicited email, it is best not to engage:

• One way to recognize a phishing email is by its opening greeting. A legitimate email from your real bank or business will address you by name rather than a generic greeting like “Valued Customer” or something similar.
• In the main message, look for urgent language, such as “Act now!” or “Your account will be suspended immediately.” Legitimate organizations rarely create artificial urgency around routine account matters. Also, pay attention to the sender’s email address. Authentic companies use official domains, not generic email services like Gmail or Yahoo for business communications.
• Be suspicious of emails requesting your credentials, Social Security number, or other sensitive information. Banks and reputable companies will never ask for passwords or personal details via email.
• Look closely at logos and formatting. Spoofed emails often contain low-resolution images, spelling errors, or slightly altered company logos that don’t match the authentic versions.

SMS and text message scams

Smishing messages bear the same signs as phishing emails and have become increasingly sophisticated. These fake messages often appear to come from delivery services, banks, or government agencies. Common tactics include fake package delivery notifications, urgent banking alerts, or messages claiming you’ve won prizes or need to verify account information.

Legitimate organizations typically don’t include clickable links in unsolicited text messages, especially for account-related actions. When in doubt, don’t click the link—instead, open your banking app directly or visit the official website by typing the URL manually.

Social media phishing

Social media platforms give scammers new opportunities to create convincing fake profiles and pages. They might impersonate customer service accounts, create fake giveaways, or send direct messages requesting personal information. These fake sites often use profile pictures and branding that closely resemble legitimate companies.

Unusual sender behavior is another indicator of a scam across all platforms. This includes messages from contacts you haven’t heard from in years, communications from brands you don’t typically interact with, or requests that seem out of character for the supposed sender.

Examples of fake or scam websites

Scammers have become increasingly cunning in creating fake websites that closely mimic legitimate businesses and services. Here are some real-life examples of how cybercriminals use fake websites to victimize consumers:

USPS-themed scams and websites

Scammers exploit your trust in the United States Postal Service (USPS), designing sophisticated fake websites to steal your personal information, payment details, or money. They know you’re expecting a package or need to resolve a delivery issue, making you more likely to enter sensitive information without carefully verifying the site’s authenticity.

USPS-themed smishing attacks arrive as text messages stating your package is delayed, undeliverable, or requires immediate action. Common phrases include “Pay $1.99 to reschedule delivery” or “Your package is held – click here to release.”

Common URL tricks in USPS scams

Scammers use various URL manipulation techniques to make their fake sites appear official. Watch for these red flags:

• Misspelled domains: Sites like “uspps.com,” “uspo.com,” or “us-ps.com” instead of the official “usps.com”
• Extra characters: URLs containing hyphens, numbers, or additional words like “usps-tracking.com” or “usps2024.com”
• Different extensions: Domains ending in .net, .org, .info, or country codes instead of .com
• Subdomain tricks: URLs like “usps.fake-site.com” where “usps” appears as a subdomain rather than the main domain
• HTTPS absence: Legitimate USPS pages use secure HTTPS connections, while some fake sites may only use HTTP

Verify through official USPS channels

Always verify package information and delivery issues through official USPS channels before taking any action on suspicious websites or messages:

• Official USPS website: Report the incident directly to usps.com by typing the URL into your browser rather than clicking links from emails or texts. Use the tracking tool on the homepage to check your package status with the official tracking number.
• Official USPS mobile app: The USPS mobile app, available from official app stores, provides secure access to tracking, scheduling, and delivery management. Verify that you are downloading from USPS by checking the publisher name and official branding.
• USPS Customer Service: If you receive conflicting information or suspect a scam, call USPS Customer Service at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) to verify delivery issues or payment requests.
• Your local post office: When you need definitive verification, speak with postal workers at your local USPS location who can access your package information directly in their systems.

Where and how to report fake USPS websites

Reporting fake USPS websites helps protect others from falling victim to these scams and assists law enforcement in tracking down perpetrators.

• Report to USPS: Forward suspicious emails to the United States Postal Inspection Service and report fake websites through the USPS website’s fraud reporting section. The Postal Inspection Service investigates mail fraud and online scams targeting postal customers.
• File with the Federal Trade Commission: Report the fraudulent website at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, providing details about the fake site’s URL, any money lost, and screenshots of the fraudulent pages.
• Contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation: Submit reports through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, especially if you provided personal information or lost money to the scam.
• Alert your state attorney general: Many state attorneys general’s offices track consumer fraud and can investigate scams targeting residents in their jurisdiction.

Remember that legitimate USPS services are free for standard delivery confirmation and tracking. Any website demanding payment for basic package tracking or delivery should be treated as suspicious and verified through official USPS channels before providing any personal or financial information.

Tech support pop-up ads scams

According to the Federal Trade Commission, tech support scams cost Americans nearly $1.5 billion in 2024. These types of social engineering attacks are increasingly becoming sophisticated, making it more important than ever to verify security alerts through official channels.

Sadly, many scammers are misusing the McAfee name to create fake tech support pop-up scams and trick you into believing your computer is infected or your protection has expired, and hoping you’ll act without thinking.

These pop-ups typically appear while you’re browsing and claim your computer is severely infected with viruses, malware, or other threats. They use official-looking McAfee logos, colors, and messaging to appear legitimate to get you to call a fake support number, download malicious software, or pay for unnecessary services.

Red flags of fake McAfee pop-up

Learning to detect fake sites and pop-ups protects you from scams. Be on the lookout for these warning signs:

• Offering phone numbers to call immediately: Legitimate McAfee software never displays pop-ups demanding you call a phone number right away for virus removal.
• Requests for remote access: Authentic McAfee alerts won’t ask you for permission to control your computer to “fix” issues remotely.
• Immediate payment demands: Real McAfee pop-ups don’t require instant payment to resolve security threats.
• Countdown timers: Fake alerts often include urgent timers claiming your computer will be “locked” or “damaged” if you don’t act immediately.
• Poor grammar and spelling: Many fraudulent pop-ups contain obvious spelling and grammatical errors.
• Browser-based alerts: Genuine McAfee software notifications appear from the actual installed program, not through your web browser.

Properly close a McAfee-themed pop-up ad

If you see a suspicious pop-up claiming to be from McAfee, here’s exactly what you should do:

1. Close the tab immediately: Don’t click anywhere on the pop-up, not even the “X” button, as this might trigger malware downloads.
2. Use keyboard shortcuts: Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete or Command+Option+Escape (Mac) to force-close your browser safely.
3. Don’t call any phone numbers: Never call support numbers displayed on the pop-ups, as these connect you directly to scammers.
4. Avoid downloading software: Don’t download any “cleaning” or “security” tools offered through pop-ups.
5. Clear your browser cache: After closing the pop-up, clear your browser’s cache and cookies to remove any tracking elements.

Verify your actual McAfee protection status

To check if your McAfee protection is genuinely active and up-to-date:

• Open your installed McAfee software directly: Click on the McAfee icon in your system tray or search for McAfee in your start menu.
• Visit the official McAfee website: Go directly to mcafee.com by typing it into your address bar.
• Log in to your McAfee account: Check your subscription status through your official McAfee online account.
• Use the McAfee mobile app: Download the official McAfee Mobile Security app to monitor your protection remotely.

Remember, legitimate McAfee software updates and notifications come through the installed program itself, not through random browser pop-ups. Your actual McAfee protection works quietly in the background without bombarding you with alarming messages.

Crush fake tech support pop-ups

Stay protected by trusting your installed McAfee software and always verifying security alerts through official McAfee channels, such as your installed McAfee dashboard or the official website.

1. Close your browser safely. If you see a fake McAfee pop-up claiming your computer is infected, don’t click anything on the pop-up. Instead, close your browser completely using Alt+F4 (Windows) or Command+Q (Mac). If the pop-up does not close, open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and end the browser process. This prevents any malicious scripts from running and stops the scammers from accessing your system.
2. Clear browser permissions. Fake security pop-ups often trick you into allowing notifications that can bombard you with more scam alerts. Go to your browser settings and revoke notification permissions for suspicious sites. In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Notifications, then remove any unfamiliar or suspicious websites from the list of allowed sites.
3. Remove suspicious browser extensions. Malicious extensions can generate fake McAfee alerts and redirect you to scam websites. Check your browser extensions by going to the extensions menu and removing any that you don’t recognize or that you didn’t intentionally install.
4. Reset your browser settings. If fake pop-ups persist, reset your browser to its default settings to remove unwanted changes made by malicious websites or extensions, while preserving your bookmarks and saved passwords. In most browsers, you can find the reset option under Advanced Settings.
5. Run a complete security scan. Use your legitimate antivirus software to perform a full system scan. If you don’t have security software, download a reputable program from the official vendor’s website only, such as McAfee Total Protection, to detect and remove any malware that might be generating the fake pop-ups.
6. Update your operating system and browser. Ensure your device has the latest security and web browser updates installed, which often include patches for vulnerabilities that scammers exploit. Enable automatic updates to stay protected against future threats.
7. Review and adjust notification settings. Configure your browser to block pop-ups and block sites from sending you notifications. You could be tempted to allow some sites to send you alerts, but we suggest erring on the side of caution and just block all notifications.

Steps to take if you visited or purchased from a fake site

Be prepared and know how to respond quickly when something doesn’t feel right. If you suspect you’ve encountered a fake website, trust your instincts and take these protective steps immediately.

1. Disconnect immediately: Close your browser by using Alt+F4 (Windows), Ctrl + W (Chrome), or Command+Q (Mac) on your keyboard.
2. Run a comprehensive security scan: If you suspect a virus or malware, disconnect from the internet to prevent data transmission. Conduct a full scan using your antivirus software to detect and remove any potential threats that may have been downloaded.
3. Contact your credit card issuer: Call the number on the back of your card and report the fraudulent charges for which you can receive zero liability protection. Card companies allow up to 60 days for charge disputes under federal law and can refund payments made to the fake store. Consider requesting a temporary freeze on your account while the investigation proceeds.
4. Cancel your credit card: Request a replacement card with a new number to give you a fresh start. Your card issuer can expedite the request if needed, often within 24-48 hours.
5. Document everything thoroughly: Save all emails, receipts, order confirmations, and screenshots of the fake website before it potentially disappears. This documentation will be crucial for your chargeback and insurance claims, and any legal proceedings.
6. Update passwords on other accounts: Scammers often test stolen credentials across multiple platforms, so if you reused the same password on the fake site that you use elsewhere, change those passwords immediately. Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts like email, banking, and social media.
7. Stay alert for follow-up scams: Scammers may attempt to contact you via phone, email, or text claiming to “resolve” your situation through fake shipping notifications, additional payments to “release” your package, or “refunds” on your money in exchange for personal information.
8. Monitor your credit and financial accounts. Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for several months and place a fraud alert on your credit reports through one of the three major credit bureaus—TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. Consider a credit freeze for maximum protection.
9. Check for legitimate alternatives. If you were trying to purchase a specific product, research authorized retailers or the manufacturer’s official website. Verify business credentials, secure payment options, and return policies before making new purchases.

Report a scam website, email, or text message

• Federal Trade Commission: Report fraudulent websites to the FTC, which investigates consumer complaints and uses this data to identify patterns of fraud and take enforcement action against scammers.
• FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center: Submit detailed reports to the IC3 for suspected internet crimes. IC3 serves as a central hub for reporting cybercrime and coordinates with law enforcement agencies nationwide.
• State Attorney General: If the fake store claimed to be located in your state, consider reporting to your state attorney general’s office, as these have dedicated fraud reporting systems and can take action against businesses operating within state boundaries. Find your state’s reporting portal through the National Association of Attorneys General website.
• Domain registrar, hosting provider, social media: Look up the website’s registration details using a WHOIS tool, then report abuse to both the domain registrar and web hosting company. Most providers have dedicated abuse reporting emails and will investigate violations of their terms of service. If the fake page is on social media, you can report it to the platform to protect other consumers.
• Search engines: Report fraudulent sites to Google through their spam report form and to Microsoft Bing via their webmaster tools to prevent the fake sites from appearing in search results.
• The impersonated brand: If scammers are impersonating a legitimate company, report directly to that company’s fraud department or customer service. Most brands have dedicated channels for reporting fake websites and will work to shut them down.
• Share your experience to protect others: Leave reviews on scam-reporting websites such as the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker or post about your experience on social media to warn friends and family. Your experience can help others avoid the same trap and contribute to the broader fight against online fraud.
• Essential evidence to gather:
  • Full website URL and any redirected addresses
  • Screenshots of the fraudulent pages, including fake logos or branding
  • Transaction details, if you made a purchase (receipts, confirmation emails, payment information)
  • Email communications from the scammers
  • Date and time when you first encountered the site
  • Any personal information you may have provided

• Additional reporting resources: The CISA maintains an updated list of reporting resources, while the Anti-Phishing Working Group investigates cases of fake sites that appear to be collecting personal information fraudulently. For text message scams, forward the message to 7726 (SPAM).

Final thoughts

Recognizing fake sites and emails becomes easier with practice. The key is to trust your instincts—if something feels suspicious or too good to be true, take a moment to verify through official channels. With the simple verification techniques covered in this guide, you can confidently navigate the digital world and spot fake sites and emails before they cause harm.

Your best defense is to make these quick security checks a regular habit—verify URLs, look for secure connections, and trust your instincts when something feels off. Go directly to the source or bookmark your most frequently used services and always navigate to them. Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts, and remember that legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive information via email. Maintaining healthy skepticism about unsolicited communications will protect not only your personal information but also help create a safer online environment for everyone.

For the latest information on fake websites and scams and to report them, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s scam alerts or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

The post Ways to Tell if a Website Is Fake appeared first on McAfee Blog.

I think I could count on one hand the people I know who have NOT had their email hacked. Maybe they found a four-leaf clover when they were kids! Email hacking is one of the very unfortunate downsides of living in our connected, digital world. And it usually occurs as a result of a data breach – a situation that even the savviest tech experts find themselves in.

What is a data breach?

In simple terms, a data breach happens when personal information is accessed, disclosed without permission, or lost. Companies, organisations, and government departments of any size can be affected. Data stolen can include customer login details (email addresses and passwords), credit card numbers, identifying IDs of customers e.g. driver’s license numbers and/or passport numbers, confidential customer information, company strategy, or even matters of national security.

Data breaches have made headlines, particularly over the last few years. When the Optus and Medibank data breaches hit the news in 2022 affecting almost 10 million Aussies apiece, we were all shaken. But then when Aussie finance company Latitude was affected in 2023 with a whopping 14 million people from both Australia and New Zealand, it almost felt inevitable that by now, most of us would have been impacted.

The reality is that data breaches have been happening for years. In fact, the largest data breach in Australian history happened in 2019 to the online design site Canva which affected 139 million users globally. In short, it can happen to anyone, and the chances are you may have already been affected.

Your email is more valuable than you think

The sole objective of a hacker is to get their hands on your data. Any information that you share in your email account can be very valuable to them. Why do they want your data, you ask? It’s simple really – so they can cash in!

Some will keep the juicy stuff for themselves – passwords or logins to government departments or large companies they may want to ’target’ with the aim of extracting valuable data and/or funds. The more sophisticated ones will sell your details including name, telephone, email address, and credit card details to cash in on the dark web. They often do this in batches. Some experts believe they can get as much as AU$250 for a full set of details including credit cards. So, you can see why they’d be interested in you.

The other reason why hackers will be interested in your email address and password is that many of us re-use our login details across our other online accounts. Once they’ve got their hands on your email credentials, they may be able to access your online banking and investment accounts, if you use the same credentials everywhere. So, you can see why I harp on about using a unique password for every online account!

How big is the problem?

There is a plethora of statistics on just how big this issue is – all of them concerning. According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, of all the country’s cybercrime reports in 2024, about 21.9% involved identity theft and misuse. The Australian Bureau of Statistics adds that the identity theft victimisation rate has steadily increased from 0.8% to 1.2% from 2021 to 2024, respectively.

Meanwhile, The Australian Government revealed that at least one cybercrime is reported every 6 minutes, with business email compromise alone costing the national economy up to $84 million in losses. Regardless of which statistic you choose to focus on, we have a big issue on our hands.

How does an email account get hacked?

Hackers use a range of techniques—some highly sophisticated, others deceptively simple—to gain access. It is important to know how these attacks happen so you can stay ahead and prevent them.

• Phishing scams: These are deceptive emails that trick you into entering your login details on a fake website that looks legitimate.
• Data breaches: If a website where you used your email and password gets breached, criminals can use those leaked credentials to try and access your email account.
• Weak or reused passwords: Using simple, easy-to-guess passwords or the same password across multiple sites makes it easy for hackers to gain access.
• Malware: Malicious software like keyloggers can be installed on your computer without your knowledge, capturing everything you type, including passwords.
• Unsecure Wi-Fi networks: Using public Wi-Fi without a VPN can expose your data to criminals monitoring the network.

From email hack to identity theft

Yes, absolutely. An email account is often the central hub of your digital life. Once a cybercriminal controls it, they can initiate password resets for your other online accounts, including banking, shopping, and social media. They can intercept sensitive information sent to you, such as financial statements or medical records.

With enough information gathered from your emails, they can commit identity theft, apply for credit in your name, or access other sensitive services. If you suspect your email was hacked, it’s crucial to monitor your financial statements and consider placing a fraud alert with credit bureaus.

Signs that your email has been hacked

• You can no longer log in. The most obvious sign of an email hack is when your password suddenly stops working. Cybercriminals often change the password immediately to lock you out.
• Friends receive strange messages from you. If your contacts report receiving spam or phishing emails from your address that you didn’t send, it’s a major red flag that someone else has control of your account.
• Unusual activity in your folders. Check your “Sent” folder for messages you don’t recognize. Hackers might also set up forwarding rules to send copies of your incoming emails to their own address, so check your settings for any unfamiliar forwarding addresses.
• Password reset emails you didn’t request. Receiving unexpected password reset emails for other services (like your bank or social media) is a sign that a hacker is using your email to try and take over your other online accounts.
• Security alerts from your provider. Pay attention to notifications about new sign-ins from unfamiliar devices, locations, or IP addresses. These are often the first warnings that your account has been compromised.

Steps to email recovery

If you find yourself a victim of email hacking, these are a few very important steps you need to take. Fast.

Change your password

Using a separate, clean device, this is the very first thing you must do to ensure the hacker can’t get back into your account. It is essential that your new password is complex and totally unrelated to previous passwords. Always use random words and characters, a passphrase with a variety of upper and lower cases, and throw in some symbols and numbers.

I really like the idea of a crazy, nonsensical sentence – easier to remember and harder to crack! But, better still, get yourself a password manager that will create a password that no human would be capable of creating. If you find the hacker has locked you out of your account by changing your password, you will need to reset the password by clicking on the ‘Forgot My Password’ link.

Update other accounts that use the same password

This is time-consuming, but essential. Ensure you change any other accounts that use the same username and password as your compromised email. Hackers love the fact that many people use the same logins for multiple accounts, so it is guaranteed they will try your info in other email applications and sites such as PayPal, Amazon, Netflix – you name it!

Once the dust has settled, review your password strategy for all your online accounts. A best practice is to ensure every online account has its own unique and complex password.

Sign out of all devices

Most email services have a security feature that lets you remotely log out of all active sessions. Once you’ve changed your password, signing out from your email account also signs out the hacker and forces them to log-in with the new password, which fortunately they do not know. These, combined with two- or multi-factor authentication, will help you to regain control of your account and prevent further compromise.

Inform your email contacts

A big part of the hacker’s strategy is to get their claws into your address book to hook others as well. Send a message to all your email contacts as soon as possible so they know to avoid opening any emails—most likely loaded with malware—that have come from you.

Commit to multi-factor authentication

Two-factor or multi-factor authentication may seem like an additional, inconvenient step to your login, but it also adds another layer of protection. Enabling this means you will need a special one-time-use code to log in, aside from your password. This is sent to your mobile phone or generated via an authenticator app. So worthwhile!

Check your email settings

It is common for hackers to modify your email settings so that a copy of every email you receive is automatically forwarded to them. Not only can they monitor your logins to other sites; they can also keep a watchful eye on any particularly juicy personal information. So, check your mail forwarding settings to ensure no unexpected email addresses have been added.

Also, ensure your ‘reply to’ email address is actually yours. Hackers have been known to create an email address that looks similar to yours, so that when someone replies, it will go straight to their account, not yours.

Don’t forget to check your email signature to ensure nothing spammy has been added, as well as your recovery phone number and alternate email address. Hackers also change these to maintain control. Update them to your own secure details.

Scan your computer for malware and viruses

Regularly scanning your devices for unwanted invaders is essential. If you find anything, please ensure it is addressed, and then change your email password again. If you don’t have antivirus software, please invest in it.

Comprehensive security software will provide you with a digital shield for your online life, protecting all your devices – including your smartphone – from viruses and malware. Some services also include a password manager to help you generate and store unique passwords for all your accounts.

Consider creating a new email address

If you have been hacked several times and your email provider isn’t mitigating the amount of spam you are receiving, consider starting afresh. Do not, however, delete your old email address because email providers are known to recycle old email addresses. This means a hacker could spam every site they can find with a ‘forgot my password’ request and try to impersonate you and steal your identity.

Your email is an important part of your online identity so being vigilant and addressing any fallout from hacking is essential for your digital reputation. Even though it may feel that getting hacked is inevitable, you can definitely reduce your risk by installing some good-quality security software on all your devices.

Trusted and reliable comprehensive security software will alert you when visiting risky websites, warn you when a download looks dodgy, and block annoying and dangerous emails with anti-spam technology. It makes sense really – if you don’t receive the dodgy phishing email – you can’t click on it. Smart!

Finally, don’t forget that hackers love social media – particularly those of us who overshare on it. So, before you post details of your adorable new kitten, remember it may just provide the perfect clue for a hacker trying to guess your email password!

Report the incident

Reporting an email hack is a crucial step to create a necessary paper trail for disputes with banks or credit agencies. When reporting, gather evidence such as screenshots of suspicious activity, unrecognized login locations and times, and any phishing emails you received. This information can be vital for the investigation.

• Your email provider: Use their official support or recovery channels immediately. They can help you investigate and regain control of your account. Do not use links from suspicious emails claiming to be from support.
• Financial institutions: If you’ve disclosed sensitive financial information or use the email for banking, contact your bank and credit card companies immediately. Alert them to potential fraud and monitor your statements.
• Friends, family, and contacts: Send a message to your contacts warning them that your account was compromised. Advise them not to open suspicious messages or click on links sent from your address during that time.
• Your employer: If it’s a work email, or if your personal email is used for work purposes, notify your IT department immediately. They need to take steps to protect company data and systems.
• Relevant authorities: For financial loss or identity theft, you can report the incident to authorities like the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center or Action Fraud in the UK. This creates an official record and aids in wider law enforcement efforts.

Check if online accounts linked to your email were compromised

• Prioritize critical accounts: Immediately check your online banking, financial, and government-related accounts. Review recent activity for any unauthorized transactions or changes.
• Review social media and shopping sites: Check your social media for posts or messages you didn’t send. Review your online shopping accounts like Amazon for any purchases or address changes you don’t recognize.
• Enable alerts: Turn on login and transaction alerts for your sensitive accounts. This will give you real-time notifications of any suspicious activity in the future.

Should you delete your hacked email account?

Generally, no. Deleting the account can cause more problems than it solves. Many online services are linked to that email, and deleting it means you lose the ability to receive password reset links and security notifications for those accounts.

More importantly, some email providers recycle deleted addresses, meaning a hacker could potentially re-register your old email address and use it to impersonate you and take over your linked accounts.

The better course of action is to regain control, thoroughly secure the account with a new password and multi-factor authentication, and clean up any damage. Only consider migrating to a new email address after you have fully secured the old one.

Future-proof your email after reclaiming control

• Run a full security scan: Before doing anything else, run a comprehensive scan with a trusted antivirus program on all your devices to ensure no malware or keyloggers remain.
• Double-check security settings: Confirm that your recovery email and phone number are correct and that multi-factor authentication is enabled, preferably using an authenticator app rather than SMS.
• Review account permissions: Check which third-party apps and websites have access to your email account. Revoke access for any service you don’t recognize or no longer use.
• Set periodic reminders: Make it a habit to review your account’s security logs and settings every few months to catch any potential issues early.

• Learn to spot phishing: Be skeptical of unsolicited emails asking for personal information or creating a sense of urgency. Check the sender’s address and hover over links before clicking.
• Keep software updated:Regularly update your operating system, web browser, and security software to protect against the latest vulnerabilities.
• Secure your devices: Use comprehensive security software like McAfee+ on all your devices—computers, tablets, and smartphones—to protect against malware, viruses, and risky websites.

Provider-specific email recovery

Each email provider has a specific, structured process for account recovery. It is vital to only use the official recovery pages provided by the service and be wary of scam websites or third-party services that claim they can recover your account for a fee. Below are the official steps of the major providers that you can follow.

Gmail

1. Go to Google’s official Account Recovery page.
2. Enter your email address and follow the on-screen prompts. You will be asked questions to confirm your identity, such as previous passwords or details from your recovery phone number or email.
3. Once you regain access, you will be prompted to create a new password.
4. Immediately visit the Google Security Checkup to review recent activity, remove unfamiliar devices, check third-party app access, and enable 2-step verification.

Yahoo email

1. Navigate to the Yahoo Sign-in Helper page.
2. Enter your email address or recovery phone number and click “Continue.”
3. Follow the instructions to receive a verification code or account key to prove your identity.
4. Once verified, create a new, strong password.
5. After regaining access, go to your Account Security page to review recent activity, check recovery information, and turn on 2-step verification.

Outlook or Hotmail

1. Go to the official Microsoft account recovery page.
2. You’ll need to provide your email, phone, or Skype name, and verify your identity using the security information linked to your account.
3. If you cannot access your recovery methods, you will be directed to an account recovery form where you must provide as much information as possible to prove ownership.
4. After resetting your password, visit your Microsoft account security dashboard to review sign-in activity, check connected devices, and enable two-step verification.

Final thoughts

Your email account is the master key to your digital kingdom, and protecting it is more critical than ever since many of your other accounts are connected with your email. Realizing “my email has been hacked” is a stressful experience, but taking swift and correct action can significantly limit the damage.

By following the recovery steps and adopting strong, ongoing security habits like using a password manager and enabling multi-factor authentication, you can turn a potential crisis into a lesson in digital resilience. Stay vigilant, stay proactive, and keep your digital front door securely locked.

To add another wall of defense, consider investing in a trusted and reliable comprehensive security software like McAfee+. Our solution will help you dodge hacking attempts by alerting you when visiting risky websites, or downloading questionable apps, and blocking malicious emails with anti-spam technology.

The post What to Do If Your Email Is Hacked appeared first on McAfee Blog.