IT & Online Safety Resources
Practical help for protecting your accounts, avoiding scams, and solving everyday technology problems.
Find the next step.
Choose a situation below for trusted tools and clear guidance—at home or at work.
Cybersecurity & scam help: what happened?
Choose the closest match. You do not need to know the name of the scam to get started.
First steps for common situations
Work through one step at a time. If a message sent you here, open these links from this page instead of following the message’s instructions.
I sent money to a scammer
- Call your bank, card company, or payment service using its official number. Ask if the payment can be stopped or disputed.
- Use the FTC’s payment-specific recovery guide.
- Report it to FTC ReportFraud. For an internet scam, also report it to FBI IC3.
Be cautious of anyone who promises to recover your money for a fee.
I’m being sexually threatened or exploited online
Threats to share intimate images, demands for sexual content or money, and intimate images shared without consent can be reported. This can happen to adults, too. You deserve help without judgment.
- If you are in immediate physical danger, call 911. Otherwise, stop responding and do not send money or more images. Tell someone you trust.
- Keep messages, usernames, links, dates, and payment details. Do not forward or download sexual images of anyone who was under 18 when they were made.
- Report online extortion to FBI IC3. You can report there even if you already contacted local police. IC3 accepts reports and may refer them for investigation; filing does not guarantee an investigation or response. Report the account or image to the platform, too.
- If you were 18 or older when the image was made, StopNCII.org may help participating platforms detect and remove it. If the image was made when you were under 18, use NCMEC Take It Down or report at NCMEC CyberTipline.
For confidential support with intimate-image abuse, visit the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative Safety Center or call 1-844-878-2274.
My email or social media account was hacked
Go directly to the provider’s app or website to recover it. Once you regain access, change your password, enable two-factor authentication, and check recovery details and email forwarding. Follow the FTC account recovery guide.
I want to freeze my credit or someone used my identity
A credit freeze is free. You must request one separately from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Start with the FTC credit-freeze guide. If someone used your identity, IdentityTheft.gov helps you create a recovery plan.
I want to secure my bank account
Open your bank’s official app or call the number on your card. Review transactions, enable alerts and two-factor authentication, and report anything unfamiliar promptly. Read the CFPB guidance on unauthorized transactions.
I clicked a link or allowed someone into my computer
Stop communicating with the person. If they remotely accessed your computer, disconnect it from the internet and contact someone you trust for technical help. From another device you trust, contact your bank if you shared payment details and change passwords for affected accounts. See the FTC’s next steps.
I am worried about a deed or mortgage scam
Contact your lender using its official number. Check your property records with your county recorder and ask whether free recording alerts are available. Read the FTC’s information on title fraud and mortgage scams. Seek legal help promptly if you find an unauthorized transfer.
Cybersecurity tools & reporting sites
Open the link that matches your goal. These links lead to government agencies or the named tool’s official website.
Report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission.
Open FTC ReportFraud →File a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Open FBI IC3 →Report threats, sextortion, or other cyber-enabled crimes to the FBI.
Open FBI IC3 →For images made as an adult: StopNCII. For images made as a minor: NCMEC Take It Down.
Open StopNCII → · Open Take It Down →Get a personal recovery plan.
Open IdentityTheft.gov →Paste a website address into VirusTotal. A clean result does not guarantee safety.
Open VirusTotal URL check →Get Malwarebytes’ free scanner from its official site.
Open Malwarebytes →Start with the FTC’s plain-language password and sign-in guide.
Open FTC account guide →General IT & internet help
Practical starting points for internet connections and everyday technology. CTRL-A’s internet sourcing service is for businesses.
Source business internet service
See which providers report service at your business address with the FCC Broadband Map. CTRL-A can help check actual availability and compare business plans, including speeds, service terms, installation, equipment, and backup connection options.
Want help choosing? CTRL-A can help your business source and compare internet service, then coordinate with the provider you choose.
Already chose a provider? Send us the provider, plan, and proposed installation date. We can coordinate the installation, plan the cutover, configure your network, and verify service afterward.
Ask CTRL-A about business internet →Check your internet speed
Run a test near your router, then in the room where you have trouble. Save the results to discuss with your provider.
Run Cloudflare’s speed test →Secure your home Wi-Fi
Learn how to change default settings, choose strong Wi-Fi security, and keep your router updated.
Read the FTC Wi-Fi guide →My internet stopped working
Check whether other devices are affected, look at your provider’s outage information, and contact the provider using its official app or bill. Restarting equipment may help, but do not reset it to factory settings without guidance.
Cybersecurity basics
Start with the accounts and devices you use most. Small, repeatable steps make a difference.
Protect your accounts
Use a different strong password for each important account and turn on an extra sign-in step.
Read the FTC account guide →Keep devices safer
Turn on automatic updates and learn how to spot suspicious messages.
Explore CISA Secure Our World →Protect your business email domain
Use the FTC’s small-business cybersecurity resources to learn about phishing, email impersonation, and vendor security.
Explore FTC business cybersecurity →How can I remove my personal information from the internet?
Data-removal services can help request removal of personal details such as your home address and phone number from supported data brokers and people-search sites. Information can reappear, and removal does not erase stolen credentials from a breach.
EasyOptOuts is a paid personal-data removal service. CTRL-A is a referral partner and can help you get started.
Ask CTRL-A about data removal →Know whether your backups can restore your data
Ask what is backed up, how often, who receives failure alerts, and when a restore was last tested. Include business email and cloud files in the discussion.
Need help securing your accounts, protecting business devices,
or improving your network?
Need help putting these resources into practice?
Explore support and protection for your business: