IT Education Center
Plain-language guides to help Virginia residents and businesses stay safe, make smarter technology decisions, and get more out of their devices.
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Online Scam Prevention Guide
Learn to recognize tech support scams, phishing emails, fake alerts, gift card fraud, and more — plus exactly what to do if you've been targeted.
- 8 common scam types explained
- Universal red flag checklist
- Prevention habits for computer, phone & email
- 6-step emergency action plan
- Where to report scams in Virginia
Password & Account Security
How to create strong passwords, use a password manager, and enable two-factor authentication on your most important accounts.
- Why reusing passwords is dangerous
- Free password manager recommendations
- Setting up 2FA step by step
- What to do if your account is hacked
Home WiFi & Router Security
Simple steps to secure your home network, choose the right equipment, and fix common WiFi problems — no technical background needed.
- How to change your router password
- Guest network setup for visitors
- Signs your WiFi has been compromised
- Mesh WiFi vs. range extenders explained
Backup & Data Protection
The 3-2-1 backup rule explained, what to back up, how often, and which services are worth paying for — so you never lose irreplaceable files.
- Cloud vs. local backup — pros and cons
- Free backup tools that actually work
- Protecting against ransomware
- How to recover deleted files
Buying a New Computer
What specs actually matter, what's just marketing, and how to choose the right laptop or desktop for your specific needs and budget.
- Laptop vs. desktop — which is right for you
- Specs that matter (and ones that don't)
- Brands we recommend and why
- Setup checklist for a new computer
Smartphone Safety for Seniors
A friendly, jargon-free guide to staying safe on your phone — covering settings, apps, privacy, and how to spot dangerous messages.
- Privacy settings worth turning on
- Apps that are safe vs. apps to avoid
- Spotting fake text message scams (smishing)
- What to do if your phone is stolen
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