Security & Privacy
How to Clear Cookies and Cache in Chrome and Safari
Clear browsing data in Chrome on a computer or Android, and in Safari on iPhone and Mac, to fix website problems and protect your privacy.
Security & Privacy
Passwords, two-factor authentication, passkeys and simple privacy settings.
8 guides · Checked against official sources
Latest security & privacy guides
Security & Privacy
How to Create a Strong Password You Can Actually Remember
Long beats complicated. Here's how to build strong, memorable passwords, why reuse is the real danger, and which accounts to fix first.
Security & Privacy
Password Managers Explained: Are They Safe, and How Do You Start?
A password manager creates and remembers a unique password for every account. Here's how they work, whether they're safe, and how to set one up in an afternoon.
Security & Privacy
How to Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Router in 15 Minutes
Your router protects every device in your home. These seven settings, from changing the admin password to turning on updates, take about 15 minutes.
Security & Privacy
What Are Passkeys? The Password Replacement, Explained Simply
Passkeys let you sign in with your face, fingerprint or phone PIN instead of a password, and they can't be phished. Here's how they work and how to start.
Security & Privacy
Email Hacked? What to Do in the First Hour (Step by Step)
Strange sent messages, password reset alerts, or locked out completely? Here's the order to work in to recover a hacked email account and lock it down for good.
Security & Privacy
Your Data Was in a Breach. Here's What to Do, in Order
Got a breach notice or a leaked-email alert? Here are the steps to take today, this week and from now on, starting with the ones that matter most.
Security & Privacy
How to Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (and Which Type to Pick)
Two-factor authentication stops most account takeovers, even when your password leaks. Here's what it is, which method is safest, and where to switch it on.
Simple ways to keep your accounts and devices secure
Good security doesn't have to be complicated. A few settings, like long unique passwords, two-factor authentication and automatic updates, stop most account takeovers before they start.
Our security guides are practical and calm. Each one is checked against guidance from agencies like CISA and the FTC and against the official help pages of the services involved.
The five security basics that matter most
- A long, unique password for every account, stored in a password manager.
- Two-factor authentication or passkeys on email, banking and social media.
- Automatic updates on your phone, computer, apps and router.
- Recovery phone numbers and emails that are current and belong to you.
- Backups of photos and important files, kept somewhere other than your device.
Security & Privacy: frequently asked questions
What is the single most important security step?
Secure your email account with a long, unique password and two-factor authentication. Whoever controls your email can reset the passwords to most of your other accounts.
Are passkeys better than passwords?
For most people, yes. Passkeys can't be reused or typed into a fake website, so they resist phishing. Use them wherever they're offered, and keep a password manager for everything else.
How do I know if my information was in a data breach?
You can check your email address at haveibeenpwned.com. If it appears in a breach, change that password and any others where you reused it, and turn on two-factor authentication.