Cybersecurity Tips

What We Can Learn from National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, a concerted effort takes place across the United States to empower people against fraud. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is a time when government agencies, consumer advocates, and businesses come together to share vital information. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a lead organizer, uses this week to highlight the most pressing scams and provide the public with clear, actionable defense strategies. While NCPW 2026 is a future event, the guidance it promotes is grounded in enduring threats that are relevant right now. ...

Staying a Step Ahead: Your Guide to a Safer Digital Life in 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a nationwide effort to arm people with knowledge against fraud. With NCPW 2026 on the horizon, the agency’s early announcements serve as a timely reminder: in our increasingly digital world, an annual check-up on your financial and online defenses is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. ...

How to Recognize the Scams Targeting You Right Now Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosts a critical update during National Consumer Protection Week. This isn’t just bureaucratic procedure; it’s a direct line to the tactics scammers are using today to steal money and identities. The latest insights from the FTC’s webinar reveal that while the end goal of fraudsters remains the same—your assets and personal information—their methods are becoming more convincing and persistent. Understanding these trends is your first and most powerful line of defense. ...

A Powerful Reminder: If a Top Official’s Email Isn’t Safe, Is Yours? Recent news serves as a stark wake-up call for anyone with an email account. In late March 2026, a hacking group known as Handala, linked to Iran, successfully breached the personal Gmail account of former FBI Director Kash Patel. The group published sensitive private emails and documents online, a stark demonstration of how digital vulnerabilities can affect anyone. ...

Microsoft or Local Account? The Security and Privacy Choice in Windows 11 When you set up a new Windows 11 PC, one of the first decisions you make is fundamental to your security and privacy: Do you sign in with a Microsoft account, or create a local account? ...

That Text About an Amazon Recall Is Probably a Scam. Here’s What to Do. You get a text message. It claims to be from Amazon, urgently warning you about a dangerous recall on an item you recently purchased. It might ask you to click a link to confirm your details for a refund or to avoid a hazard. Your heart skips a beat—should you act quickly? ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams Every day, scammers refine their tactics, using new technologies and exploiting current events to separate people from their money and personal information. Recently, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to highlight the most pervasive and evolving scam trends targeting consumers right now. While the specific examples may change, the underlying principles of these cons remain consistent: creating urgency, impersonating trusted entities, and exploiting human emotion. ...

Staying Ahead of Scammers: What the FTC Wants You to Know During the recent National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a crucial webinar to shed light on the scam landscape. Their message was clear: while the classic cons haven’t disappeared, they are constantly evolving, becoming more sophisticated and targeted. For anyone who shops online, pays bills, or simply uses email, understanding these trends isn’t just useful—it’s a necessary part of modern life. ...

What You Need to Know About the Latest Wave of Scams Every year, scammers refine their playbook. The methods may shift with technology and current events, but the goal remains the same: to trick you out of your money or personal information. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlighted the most concerning scam trends emerging right now. Their message was clear: awareness is your first and most powerful line of defense. ...

That Text About a Court Summons? It’s Probably a Scam. Here’s How to Respond. If you’re a Pennsylvania resident, your phone might be the next target. In early March 2026, the Philadelphia Courts issued a formal, statewide consumer fraud alert warning the public about a surge in fake texting scams. These messages are designed to look urgent and official, often impersonating court systems or other trusted organizations, to trick people into clicking malicious links or divulging personal information. ...