A A

Guide to Internet security

Tips and advice to help you stay safe on the Web

Last updated: March 2013

Find Ratings

Security software

Computers

Tablets

Cell phones

Featured

Protect your personal data

Keep your phone safe
39 percent of smart phone users don't secure their phones
Don't ignore a data breach letter
Don't get phished
How to create a strong password (and remember it)
Online-shopping safety tips
Hack-proof your passwords
Take our phishing quiz

Privacy

Expert panel on privacy
Test your app-titude: Would you download these 5 apps?
Keep Wi-Fi snoops off your smart phone
FTC settles COPPA charges against social network
Online-privacy panel debates social-media issues
Consumers worried about companies sharing their data
White House unveils online privacy initiative

Malware

How safe is your home computer?
Beware of fraudulent USPS package alerts
AARP warns of gift-card scam e-mails
FTC cracks down on tech-support scams
Phony malware-removal sites

Social networks

Instagram's new terms of service broaden its ability to use your content
Facebook & your privacy
Profile-pruning and unfriending on the rise in social networks
Consumers Union urges stronger privacy protection
7 things to stop doing now on Facebook

Identity theft

Most ID theft victims don't know their rights
Beware of scams during Hurricane Sandy cleanup
Identity theft again tops annual list of consumer complaints
New ID fraud study: Good news

Find Ratings

Security software

Security software Ratings

View and compare all Security software ratings.

Security software Buying Advice

Types of Security software
Security software Features

Computers

Computers Ratings

View and compare all Computers ratings.

Computers Buying Advice

Types of Computers
Computers Features

Tablets

Tablets Ratings

View and compare all Tablets ratings.

Tablets Buying Advice

Types of Tablets
Tablets Features

Cell phones

Cell phones Ratings

View and compare all Cell phones ratings.

Cell phones Buying Advice

Types of Cell phones
Cell phones Features

E-mail Newsletters

FREE e-mail Newsletters!
Choose from safety, health, cars, and more!

Already signed-up?
Manage your newsletters here too.

Electronics & Computers News

Tiny Satechi BT speaker boosts sound from mobile devices

Smart phones, tablets, and laptops do lots of things well, but providing great sound quality usually isn't one of them. The small speakers in many of these devices produce audio that you could ch...

Portable desktops don't make great tablets—at least, not yet

You're forgiven if an ad for "the world's most portable desktop" confuses you. But don't be surprised if claims like that pop up more frequently, because computer manufacturers are beginning to m...

Q&A: Is it OK use rechargeable batteries until they are almost run down?

Q: My children have many small electronics that operate on rechargeable batteries (MP3 players, laptops, handheld video game consoles). They play them until right before the charge runs out. They...

Consumer Reports and other groups call for a 'kill switch' to fight phone theft

With smart-phone theft reaching epidemic proportions, a coalition of more than 50 law enforcement agencies, scholars, consumer advocates—including Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consu...

5 great summer apps

Whether you're taking an epic vacation or staycationing close to home, the right apps can help make your summer more fun, and safer, too. We found five that we love. Pocket (free, iOS and Android...

More news