Protect your information

Here’s how to protect your information online: Don’t reply to messages that ask for personal information. Even if the message looks like it’s from a friend, family member, or a company you know — or says something bad will happen if you don’t reply. Chances are, it’s a fake and sent to steal your information. Get a trusted adult to help you report the message as junk or spam.

Check what information an app wants access to — before you download it. Some apps request permission to access information or features they don’t need, like your contact list, camera, storage, location, and microphone. Ask a trusted adult for help reading the app’s privacy policy to see how your data will be used and if it will be shared. Then decide whether that word game really needs to access your photos.

Protect your accounts

You keep lots of personal information in your online accounts. Here are some steps to take to keep other people out of your accounts.

Create strong passwords. The longer your password, the harder it is to crack. Use at least 12 characters with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a passphrase of random words to make it more memorable. But don’t use common phrases, song lyrics, or movie quotes that are easy to guess.

Keep them private. Don’t share your passwords with anybody, not even your best friend or someone you’re dating.

Be picky about security questions. Try to choose ? security questions only you can answer. Skip questions with answers someone could fnd online — like your zip code, birthplace, or mother’s maiden name. If you can’t avoid those questions, get creative! Treat them like passwords and use random and long answers. Just be sure you remember your answers.

Use multi-factor authentication. Many accounts offer extra protection to your accounts by using “multi-factor authentication” — requiring something in addition to just a password. Multi-factor authentication combines something you know (like a password) with something you have (like a passcode generated by an app) or something you are (like a fingerprint).

Change passwords quickly if there’s a breach. If a company tells you there was a data breach where a hacker could have gotten your password, change the password you use with that account right away. Change it for any account that uses a similar password, too.

Protect your devices

The best way to enjoy being online? Making sure your devices are safe and secure. Start here: 

Set security software to update automatically for all of your devices, internet browsers, and operating system. This helps you protect against new security threats.

Don’t click links or open attachments. If you get an unexpected text, email, or message online that tells you to click a link or open an attachment, don’t do it! Even if it’s an offer for free stuff. Links and attachments may hide viruses or spyware that could mess up your phone, computer, or tablet.

Password-protect your devices. It’ll help keep your photos, messages, and accounts from falling into the wrong hands.

Keep them in a safe place. Whether it’s your phone, laptop, or tablet, don’t leave it in public — even for a minute.

*Learn more at consumer.ftc.gov.