Learn
Secure your devices, one short step at a time
Plain-language guides for the phones, computers and accounts families actually use: what to tap, what it looks like, and why it matters. Free for anyone.
What we recommend
A few trustworthy tools, free or already paid for. No upsells.
Antivirus (Windows)
Microsoft Defender
Free, built into Windows
The antivirus already in every Windows PC. It scans files as they arrive, blocks known malware and updates itself through Windows Update. Macs have their own built-in equivalent (XProtect).
Good
- Nothing to buy or install
- Well rated by independent testers
- Updates automatically
- No upselling or data selling
Keep in mind
- Only protects Windows PCs
- Switches itself off if another antivirus is installed, so check it's the one in charge
Safe browsing for the whole house (DNS)
Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 for Families
Free
A free DNS service that refuses to look up known malware and phishing sites (1.1.1.2), or malware plus adult content (1.1.1.3). Set it once on your router and every device is covered.
Good
- Covers every device, including TVs and smart gadgets
- One setting, no software to install
- Free, fast, no account needed
Keep in mind
- No dashboard or logs: you can't see what was blocked
- Browsers with their own secure DNS can bypass it unless you set them too
- Some internet-provider routers don't allow changing DNS
- Blocks sites by category; it won't catch every scam
Password manager
Bitwarden
Free (Premium is optional)
Remembers a different strong password for every site and fills it in on every device and browser. All-Apple families can use Apple's built-in Passwords app instead.
Good
- Free plan has no limit on passwords or devices
- Works on Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android and every major browser
- Open source and independently audited
- Stores passkeys too
Keep in mind
- You must remember one strong master password; lose it and support can't recover your vault
- Built-in authenticator codes and emergency access need Premium
- Takes an afternoon to move your accounts in
Backup (Windows)
OneDrive PC folder backup
Free for 5 GB; 1 TB per person with Microsoft 365 Family
Keeps your Desktop, Documents and Pictures folders in your Microsoft account, so a dead, stolen or ransomware-hit PC doesn't take your files with it.
Good
- Built into Windows
- Files available on any device
- 30-day recycle bin; with Microsoft 365, whole-OneDrive restore and ransomware recovery
Keep in mind
- 5 GB free isn't enough for most photo libraries
- It's syncing, so deletions sync too (the recycle bin is your safety net)
- Only covers the folders you choose
Backup (iPhone, iPad, Mac)
iCloud Backup
5 GB free; iCloud+ from 50 GB for most families
Backs up your iPhone and iPad every night to iCloud automatically. On a Mac, pair iCloud Drive with Time Machine for a true backup.
Good
- Automatic: runs overnight while charging
- Restores a new phone to exactly where you left off
- Built in, nothing to install
Keep in mind
- The free 5 GB fills up fast, so most families need iCloud+
- Only backs up when the phone is charging, locked and on Wi-Fi
- Macs need Time Machine (an external drive) for a full backup
AI, safely
What AI chatbots are good and bad at, how to keep your information private, and the scams to watch for.
What AI chatbots are, and what they're not
The honest pros and cons of tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini and Claude.
8 min
What never to type into an AI chatbot
Treat every chat as something a stranger might one day read.
6 min
Turn on the privacy settings in your AI apps
Stop your chats being used to train AI, where the app lets you.
10 min
Spot AI-powered scams: voice clones, deepfakes and perfect phishing
A family safe word and one habit, verifying through a second channel, beat most of them.
8 min
Kids and AI: age limits, controls and conversations
Use the controls that exist, but talking helps more than banning.
8 min
Check what AI tells you
Confident isn't the same as correct. Here's how to check an AI answer.
6 min
Windows PC
Back up your PC's folders to OneDrive
Desktop, Documents and Pictures copied to the cloud automatically.
10 min · essential · auto-checked
Check Defender's virus definitions are current
Antivirus is only as good as its latest list of threats. Make sure it's updating.
3 min · essential · auto-checked
Keep Windows updating automatically
Security fixes only help once they're installed.
5 min · essential · auto-checked
Make sure Microsoft Defender is protecting this PC
Windows already includes good, free antivirus. This checks it's switched on.
5 min · essential · auto-checked
Turn on encryption and save your recovery key
A stolen laptop shouldn't mean stolen files.
10 min · recommended · auto-checked
Mac
Back up your Mac
Time Machine is a real backup; iCloud Drive keeps files synced. Ideally use both.
15 min · essential · auto-checked
Turn on automatic updates on your Mac
Let macOS install security fixes by itself.
5 min · essential · auto-checked
Turn on FileVault
Encrypts your Mac's disk so a stolen Mac doesn't give away your files.
10 min · recommended · auto-checked
Turn on the Mac firewall
Blocks unwanted incoming connections, which matters most on public Wi-Fi.
3 min · recommended · auto-checked
Understand your Mac's built-in malware protection
Macs have antivirus built in. Keep it updating and you rarely need more.
5 min · recommended · auto-checked
iPhone & iPad
Turn on Find My iPhone
Locate, lock or erase a lost phone from any browser.
3 min · essential
Turn on Stolen Device Protection
Stops a thief who learned your passcode from taking over your Apple Account.
3 min · essential
Turn on automatic updates on your iPhone
Security fixes install overnight, without you having to remember.
3 min · essential
Turn on iCloud Backup
Your iPhone copies itself to iCloud every night, so a lost or broken phone doesn't mean lost photos.
5 min · essential
Use a strong passcode with Face ID or Touch ID
The passcode is what protects everything on the phone.
5 min · essential
Android
Install updates and keep Play Protect on
System updates plus Google's built-in app scanner.
5 min · essential
Set a strong screen lock
A PIN or password plus fingerprint or face unlock.
5 min · essential
Turn on Backup by Google One
Your apps, messages, photos and settings copied to your Google Account.
5 min · essential
Your accounts
Lock down your Microsoft account
Passkey or two-step verification, up-to-date recovery info, and a look at recent sign-ins.
10 min · essential
Run Google's Security Checkup
A guided review of your Google Account's sign-in, devices and recovery options.
10 min · essential
Secure your Apple Account
Confirm two-factor authentication and add a recovery contact.
5 min · essential
Passwords
Home network
Block malware sites for the whole house with Cloudflare DNS
One router setting blocks known malware (and, optionally, adult) sites on every device.
15 min · recommended · auto-checked
Make your browser use the family filter too
Stop Chrome, Edge or Firefox from quietly bypassing the router's protection.
10 min · extra
Replacing old devices
Decide what to replace, and what can wait
Old devices don't all need replacing this month. Start with what faces the internet; contain the rest.
10 min · recommended
Put smart-home gadgets on a guest network
A separate Wi-Fi for cameras, TVs and plugs keeps a hacked gadget away from your computers and phones.
15 min · recommended
Replace your router without reconnecting everything
Give the new router the same Wi-Fi name and password, and every device reconnects by itself.
30 min · recommended
Retire an old device safely
Sign out, erase it, and recycle it, so your accounts and photos don't leave with it.
15 min · recommended