Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the first thing I should do if I think my account has been compromised?
If you suspect an account has been hacked, act immediately. First, try to log in and change the password. If you cannot get in, the thief may have already changed it. Contact the company’s fraud department right away by phone. For a financial account, they can freeze the account to prevent further losses. Next, report the identity theft to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov. They will provide a personalized recovery plan.
2. Are password managers really safe to use?
Yes, reputable password managers are very safe. They use strong encryption to protect your stored information. The risk of a major password manager company being hacked is far lower than the risk of you reusing a weak password that gets stolen from a less secure website. Using a password manager is one of the best digital security practices you can adopt.
3. Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi at a library or coffee shop?
It is generally safe for casual browsing, like reading the news. However, you should never log into your bank, make a purchase, or enter any other sensitive information while on a public Wi-Fi network. These networks are often unsecured, meaning a nearby criminal can potentially see your activity. If you must conduct private business, it is much safer to use your smartphone’s cellular data connection.
4. My bank sent me a text message with a link. How do I know if it is real?
You should always assume it is a scam. This is a common phishing tactic called “smishing” (SMS phishing). Banks and other financial institutions will rarely, if ever, send you a link in a text message and ask you to log in or provide information. If you receive such a message, delete it. If you are concerned, call your bank using the official number on the back of your card to ask if they tried to contact you.
5. I am not very tech-savvy. Isn’t it easier to just write my passwords down in a notebook?
Writing passwords down can be a risky strategy. If the notebook is lost or stolen, a thief gets the keys to your entire digital life. If you choose this method, never label the notebook “Passwords” and do not store it in an obvious place. A password manager is a more secure modern solution, but if you are uncomfortable with that, a securely stored physical list is better than using the same weak password everywhere.
