Cybersecurity

The New Scam Playbook: What the FTC Wants You to Watch For If you feel like scams are getting more frequent and sophisticated, you’re not imagining it. Fraudsters are constantly refining their tactics, using technology and psychology to catch people off guard. Staying ahead of these threats requires knowing what to look for. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar during National Consumer Protection Week that shed light on the latest trends, offering a crucial update for anyone who shops, banks, or communicates online. ...

How to Spot the Latest Scams: Key Takeaways from the FTC This month marks National Consumer Protection Week, an annual reminder to review our digital defenses. As part of the effort, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a public webinar to outline the most prevalent and evolving scams they’re tracking right now. The goal wasn’t to scare people, but to equip them. By understanding how modern fraud works, you can build a much stronger guard against it. ...

What a Statewide Fraud Alert Means for Your Wallet Last month, the Philadelphia Courts issued a statewide consumer fraud alert. This official warning serves as a stark reminder that scams and fraudulent schemes are not just distant threats—they are active, evolving, and targeting people everywhere. While the alert originated in Pennsylvania, the tactics it warns about are universal. Whether you saw the headlines or not, now is a good time to review how to protect your personal information and finances. ...

Your Windows 11 Account Choice: A Security and Privacy Guide When you set up a new Windows 11 PC, one of the first and most important decisions you face is choosing your account type. This isn’t just a technical preference; it’s a foundational choice that affects your data’s security, your online privacy, and your vulnerability to certain threats. Microsoft has been nudging users toward its online account for years, but is it the safest choice for everyone? Let’s break down the real-world security and privacy trade-offs between a Microsoft account and a local account. ...

Windows 11 Account Choice: A Security and Privacy Guide How to pick the right account type for your needs—and still set it up. Introduction When you set up a new Windows 11 PC, one of the first decisions you face is a deceptively simple one: should you sign in with a Microsoft account or create a local account? Microsoft heavily encourages the former, seamlessly integrating you into its ecosystem. But for users mindful of cybersecurity and personal privacy, the choice isn’t so straightforward. This guide will walk you through the security and privacy trade-offs of each option and provide clear, current instructions for setting up your preferred choice, even as Microsoft makes it more challenging. ...

Your Windows 11 Account Choice Matters for Security and Privacy When you set up a new Windows 11 PC or reinstall the OS, you’re presented with a pivotal choice: sign in with a Microsoft account or create a local account. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s a foundational decision affecting your data privacy, security profile, and control over your own device. Microsoft heavily promotes its online account, but the local option persists for a reason. Recent updates have even made choosing the latter more difficult, making it essential to understand the trade-offs. ...

A Statewide Alert: How to Spot and Avoid Fake Texting Scams If you’ve recently received a text message demanding urgent action or threatening a missed delivery, you’re not alone. In early March 2026, the Philadelphia Courts issued a formal, statewide consumer fraud alert warning the public about an active wave of fake texting scams. These messages are designed to look legitimate, often impersonating courts, shipping companies, or banks, with the sole purpose of stealing personal and financial information. This guide breaks down the alert into practical steps you can take to protect yourself. ...

The Scams Are Evolving—Here’s What You Need to Watch For Last month, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a public webinar to outline the latest fraud trends. While the specific tactics change, the goal for scammers remains the same: to trick you out of your money and personal information. Staying a step ahead requires knowing what these new schemes look like. ...

Microsoft Account or Local Account: A Security and Privacy Guide for Windows 11 When setting up a new Windows 11 PC or reinstalling the OS, you’ll eventually face a critical choice: sign in with a Microsoft account or create a local account. It’s more than a simple login decision; it defines the relationship between your device, your data, and Microsoft’s ecosystem. With recent shifts in how Windows 11 handles setup, understanding the security and privacy trade-offs is essential for protecting your digital life. ...

Navigating the New Scam Landscape: Key Insights from the FTC’s 2026 Webinar National Consumer Protection Week is designed to empower you with knowledge, and this year, the FTC used the occasion to shine a spotlight on the scams that are increasingly finding their way into our inboxes, text messages, and phone calls. The landscape is constantly shifting, but the agency’s recent webinar distilled the latest trends into a clear warning: sophisticated impersonation and emotional manipulation are the new norm. Understanding these tactics isn’t about fostering fear; it’s your first and best line of defense. ...