Why is this page text-only?

To view this site's flashiest features, please ensure that JavaScript is enabled and use the latest Flash Player. If you don't enable JavaScript or install Flash you will still find the site useful.

Topics

Learn Experts' Top Tips for Computer Security

Games

Test Your Cyber Smarts with Interactive Quizzes

Videos

Watch Videos about Online Safety

Topics

Computer Security

The internet gives you access to information, entertainment, financial offers – frankly, countless products and services. At the same time, it can leave you open to online scammers, identity thieves, and more. Learn experts' top tips for computer security. Read about Computer Security

Broadband

Broadband refers to high-speed Internet access available through services like digital subscriber line (DSL), cable, fiber optic, wireless, or satellite. Learn about the types of services that are available, and the questions to ask to get the best deal for your needs – whether you shop, play games, make phone calls, watch movies, listen to music, or use other applications. Read about Broadband

Cross-Border Scams

The internet has opened access to a world of goods and services. Learn how some unscrupulous people are using it to commit cross-border thievery through foreign lottery offers, money offers, and check overpayment schemes. Read about Cross-Border Scams

Email Scams

Most people agree that getting "spam" is annoying. Spam – unsolicited sales pitches -- also can be costly, with offers for bogus products and fraudulent promotions. Learn to spot 10 common spam scams and what to do if one shows up in your inbox. Read about Email Scams

Identity Theft

Identity thieves can steal your money and ruin your credit rating. Learn how to protect your identity, what to do should it be stolen, and how to minimize the damage quickly by putting a fraud alert on your credit report. Read about Identity Theft

Internet Auctions

Internet auction sites expand your access to markets for buying and selling merchandise. Learn how to navigate online auctions and recognize potential snags, including late shipments, bogus escrow services, and check overpayment scams. Read about Internet Auctions

Investing Online

While the internet features investment opportunities, the rules say, "caveat investor." Learn more about the relationship between risk and reward, and hackers, scammers, and identity thieves who use investment opportunities to wreak havoc on your personal finances. Read about Online Investing

Laptop Security

Your laptop is your desk-on-the-go, helping you work no matter where you are. Learn how to keep your laptop out of the hands – and off the laps -- of a stranger. Read about Laptop Security

Malware

Criminals sometimes use malware – programs like viruses and spyware – to get into your computer. Once it's there, they use it to steal information, send spam, and commit fraud. Learn the signs of malware and how to reclaim your computer and the information it stores. Read about Malware

Online Shopping

Shopping online… it's easy, fast, and convenient. Learn how to identify disreputable vendors or fraud artists that may be setting up shop – and how to minimize your chance of a shopping mishap. Read about Online Shopping

P2P Security

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing enables people to share files online through an informal network. P2P can give you access to lots of information, but also can up your exposure to viruses, spyware, illegal material and more. Find out how to minimize your risks when using P2P. Read about P2P Security

Phishing

When fraudsters send spam or pop-up messages, they're casting a wide net in hopes of getting people to divulge their personal and financial information. Learn how to spot a phishing message, how to avoid getting "hooked," and what to do if – oops -- you realize you've been phished. Read about Phishing

Social Networking Sites

Social networking sites are big. And while these sites can increase your circle of friends, they also can increase your exposure to people with less-than-friendly intentions. Learn how to help your kids – and other family members – socialize online safely. Read about Social Networking Sites

Spyware

Criminals can install stealth software on your computer that lets them steal your identity and do other damage. Learn what spyware is, how to tell if it's on your computer and get rid of it, and how to avoid it altogether. Read about Spyware

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)

VoIP is a way to make and receive phone calls using a broadband internet connection instead of a traditional phone line. Read about the pros and cons of making the switch – and some questions to ask – as you weigh your options. Read about VoIP

Wireless Security

Wireless internet access offers convenience and mobility. Learn how to keep your wireless network and the computers on it more secure using encryption and other techniques. Read about Wireless Security

Games

AuctionAction

Congratulations! You're the next contestant on AuctionAction, the game that puts your online auction know-how to the test. Play Auction Action

Beware of Spyware

Don't let spyware sneak onto your computer to give others a peek at information you enter online. Get wise to the spyware guise by taking this quiz. Play Beware of Spyware

Friend Finder

Compete with our contestants for a spot on the Friend Finder All-Star List. Earn your spot by showing you're savvy when it comes to making friends online. Play Friend Finder

ID Theft FaceOff

Your identity's been stolen! Luckily, this time you just need to correctly answer some questions on protecting your identity to get it back. Play ID Theft FaceOff

Invasion of the Wireless Hackers

Hackers hunting for vulnerable wireless networks are closing in. Stop the hack attack with correct answers to these wireless security questions. Play Invasion of the Wireless Hackers

Invest Quest

Get a glimpse of your future as your investing intelligence is put to the test. Play Invest Quest

Mission: Laptop Security

You've already lost one laptop, Agent Smith. Your job's on the line if it happens again. Make wise choices this time, and it's mission accomplished. Play Mission: Laptop Security

Online Lineup

Are you a shrewd online shopper who can spot a risky offer? Peruse our sales pitches to find out. You decide who gets your business and who gets the boot. Play Online Lineup

P2P Threeplay!

Dare you take on the Great and Powerful P2P Master? A game of tic-tac-toe awaits anyone willing to test their peer-to-peer file-sharing smarts. Play P2P Threeplay!

Phishing Scams

Phishers are looking to lure you with bogus emails and pop-ups that seem safe. Will you take the bait or live to swim another day? Play Phishing Scams

Spam Scam Slam

Three rounds. Three strikes. Make it through this game, and it's clear — you're on to spam scams and not likely to get slammed by the next one. Play Spam Scam Slam

The Case of the Cyber Criminal

A techie spy and his cunning crew are out to get your personal information. Stop them cold by proving you're ready to protect yourself online. Play The Case of the Cyber Criminal

Videos

Phishy Home

A phisher pays an unexpected visit to someone's home. Watch other videos

Phishy Office

A phisher shows that phishing can happen when you least expect it — even at the office. Watch other videos

Phishy Store

A phisher visits a clothing store in hopes of getting a shopper's financial information. Watch other videos

Show of Hands:
What Do You Think?
You use your sister's name as your password, since it's so easy to remember. Is it secure?
This Just In!

Shop safely this holiday season.
Follow theseā€¦

Federal partners in OnGuard Online include the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Homeland Security, the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.