What to do (and avoid) after you’ve been scammed
If you’re not careful, the hours after a scam can lead to more lost money or stress.
By Heather KellyPosting kids online is risky. Here’s how to remove their images.
A photo of a child posted online can end up in the hands of strangers, added to massive databases without consent, or altered with AI to bully and blackmail.
By Heather KellyGoogle is rolling out new protections for our location data
The company’s Timeline in Google Maps offers a detailed look at where you’ve been. Soon, you’ll have more control over that data.
By Chris VelazcoGoogle starts deleting dormant accounts Dec. 1. Here’s how to save yours.
Google is deleting accounts that haven’t been used in two years, from Gmail to Google Drive and more. Here’s how to back it up and avoid panic in the future.
By Heather KellyChatbots are so gullible, they’ll take directions from hackers
“Prompt injection” is a major risk to large language models and the chatbots they power. Here’s how the attack works, examples and potential fallout.
By Tatum HunterTwo quick wins to upgrade your digital security
These two tweaks will significantly upgrade your online safety in less than 10 minutes.
By Shira OvidePolice love Google’s surveillance data. Here’s how to protect yourself.
Novel ways of using Google’s search and location data are helping police. But privacy advocates say it’s violating Americans’ constitutional rights.
By Shira OvideWorried about the 23andMe hack? Here’s what you can do.
A hacker offered to sell information on 23andme’s millions of users, calling out Jewish people specifically. Here’s how to ask the company to delete your data.
By Tatum HunterDelete your digital history from dozens of companies with this app
Americans finally have some privacy rights. Permission Slip makes telling companies to delete or not sell your data simple. Really.
By Geoffrey A. FowlerYour Instagrams are training AI. There’s little you can do about it.
The new Meta AI chatbot and image generators are just the latest examples of how Big Tech is taking your conversations, photos or documents to teach their AI.
By Geoffrey A. FowlerCarmakers can collect — and sell — too much data about you, watchdog says
Modern cars, equipped with the latest electronic gadgets that can record data automatically, are a “privacy nightmare,” the Mozilla Foundation report said.
By Andrew JeongMake sure you download the latest iPhone security update
Apple disclosed -- and closed -- security exploits that could put some high-profile users at risk. Keeping your phone’s software up to date can help.
By Chris VelazcoWhat the E.U.’s sweeping rules for Big Tech mean for your life online
The European Union’s Digital Services Act put additional limits on Big Tech to protect users online. But does it only help people across the pond?
By Chris VelazcoAre you smarter than a scammer? Play this game.
Scams are everywhere, and scammers are relentless. Think you know how to best avoid falling for a scam? Take our quiz and find out.
By Heather KellyClear vs. TSA PreCheck: What’s better for price and privacy?
Here's how ClearPlus and TSA PreCheck stack up for price, privacy and saving time at the airport.
By Tatum HunterHow to tell if a gadget is secure? Look for this new government seal.
Baby monitors, thermostats and smart TVs are security and privacy nightmares. The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark promises to help you ID the good ones — if industry doesn’t water down the standards.
By Geoffrey A. FowlerYour printing service might read your documents. Here’s what to know.
Some printers and printing services are snooping on your documents. Here's a quick guide to printer privacy for people in a rush.
By Tatum HunterThe dos and don’ts of using home security cameras that see everything
Home security cameras are supposed to keep us safe, but also bring new privacy and security risks into our homes. Here's how to use them safely.
By Heather KellyThe truth about WhatsApp’s and Apple’s privacy promises
WhatsApp and Apple are each buying ads to brag that they’re keeping your personal information private. Are they telling you the truth?
By Shira OvideDon’t get hacked on Facebook. Do these 6 things now.
If you think you're safe from hackers and scammers on Facebook, you're wrong. Here's how to protect yourself.
By Heather Kelly