Total Defense

Security & Safety Resource Center

Learn about today's current internet threats and how to stay safe and secure.

Security Tip of the Day

Daily tips to create awareness of cyber threats and empower Total Defense users to be safer and more secure online with our security tips and resources..


May 2024
05.02.24

Ditch the password—unlock your PC with your face

Sick of typing passwords all the time? Windows Hello can help! It lets you sign in to your Windows PC with your face, fingerprint, or even iris scan. No more scrambling to remember complex passwords.

Plus, it’s more secure than a regular password. Hackers can guess passwords, but they can’t steal your face! Windows Hello uses special hardware to recognize you, so it’s super safe.

Here’s how to get started:

  1. Open Settings on your Windows PC.
  2. Click on “Accounts” and then “Sign-in options.”
  3. You’ll see different options for Windows Hello. Just choose the one you like – face recognition, fingerprint, or PIN.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to set it up. It’s really easy!

Now you can unlock your PC with just a glance or a tap! Isn’t that cool?

05.01.24

Suspicious email? Don’t click! Here’s how to spot a phishing scam

Ever get an email that just feels…off? Maybe it’s from a friend but the tone seems strange, or it has an urgent request out of the blue. Hold on! These could be phishing scams. Here’s how to stay safe:

  • Weird = Warning Sign: Unfamiliar email addresses, strange wording, or unexpected attachments are all red flags. Don’t click links or open attachments!
  • Second Guess, Then Delete: When in doubt, delete it! You can always check with the sender directly (by phone, not email) if you’re unsure.
  • Contact the Source: If the email claims to be from a bank, credit card company, or other service, reach out to them directly. Don’t use phone numbers or links in the email – find their official contact information.

Phishing for Information:

Scammers use phishing emails to trick you into revealing personal information like passwords or credit card details. They might:

  • Fake Familiarity: Pretend to be someone you know, like a friend or colleague.
  • Urgency Creates Hurry: Pressure you to act fast, leaving no time to think clearly.
  • Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers: Promise amazing deals or threaten consequences to grab your attention.

Don’t trust everything you see in your inbox. If an email seems suspicious, delete it and contact the sender directly through a trusted channel. Stay safe out there.