Yonkers, NY − As some of the most intimate aspects of life take place through mobile devices and online services, Consumer Reports (CR), the research, testing, and advocacy organization, is introducing a new tool to help people safeguard their personal information.  

CR Security Planner provides personalized recommendations and expert advice to stay safer online — everything from how to keep social media accounts from being hacked, lock down devices such as smartphones and home security cameras, avoid scams, and reduce tracking by websites.

“Our goal with CR Security Planner is to provide people with easy-to-use, personalized advice that meets their individual needs.” said Ben Moskowitz, Director of the Digital Lab at Consumer Reports. “Our experts are here to make privacy and security simple; CR Security Planner is free, and no company will ever exercise influence over the products or services we recommend.”

CR Security Planner is part of CR’s ongoing work to help advance consumers’ digital rights, and increase understanding of how technology affects everyday lives. It was previously managed by the Citizen Lab, an interdisciplinary research group that focuses on the intersection of technology and global security.

"With Security Planner, our aim from the beginning was to create an accessible, expertly reviewed, and regularly updated guide to help users take immediate steps to improve their digital hygiene,” said Ron Deibert, director of the Citizen Lab. “With Security Planner in the hands of Consumer Reports, we can rest assured that it reaches the widest possible audience and is shepherded by an independent organization with expertise and integrity."

For more information, visit https://securityplanner.org. And for more information about other products and services from CR, visit https://www.consumerreports.org/membership.