Resources

Need more help?

Beyond this course, here's where to turn for hands-on help or to report a scam.

If you're in South Florida, TechEase pairs you with a trained volunteer for free, patient, one-on-one tech mentorship.

A family member, friend, or neighbor who's comfortable with technology can often help you double-check something suspicious before you act.

The Internet Crime Complaint Center collects reports on scams and cybercrime to help investigators track patterns.

ic3.gov

The Federal Trade Commission tracks fraud reports and shares them with law enforcement nationwide.

reportfraud.ftc.gov

Whether it's about something in the course or you'd like to work with TechEase, send us a message directly.

Plain-language glossary

Common terms, explained simply

Malware: Short for "malicious software" — any program designed to harm your device or steal information. Ransomware and viruses are both types of malware.
Ransomware: Malware that locks or encrypts your files and demands payment to restore access.
Phishing: A fake email, text, or call that pretends to be from a trusted source to trick you into sharing information or clicking a link.
Two-factor authentication (2FA): A second login step — usually a code sent to your phone — that protects your account even if someone steals your password.
Password manager: An app that creates and remembers strong, unique passwords for every website, so you only need to remember one master password.
Backup: A copy of your files stored somewhere separate from your main device, so you can recover them if something goes wrong.
VPN (Virtual Private Network): A tool that encrypts your internet connection, adding a layer of privacy — especially useful on public Wi-Fi.
Two-step verification: Another common name for two-factor authentication (2FA).