Security basics
Guides for account security, two-factor authentication, VPN, and encryption. Clear verification steps.
Common issues
Start here
Best entry points for this topic.
- Enable two-factor authentication Enable two-factor authentication on major services — email, banking, social media — using an authenticator app or hardware key.
- How to set up a password manager Set up a password manager (1Password, Bitwarden, or similar) to store and autofill passwords securely across devices.
- How to set up a VPN Set up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for privacy on public Wi‑Fi, remote access to your home network, or to use region-restricted services.
- Fix a VPN that will not connect A VPN client that fails to connect or times out. This guide helps you confirm internet works without VPN, check the VPN client and credentials, rule out firewall blocking, try split tunnel or different server—or escalate to VPN support when needed.
- Fix a VPN that drops A VPN that connects but drops or disconnects repeatedly. This guide helps you check the underlying network, try a different server, adjust split tunnel or keep-alive, rule out firewall interference—or escalate to VPN support when needed.
All guides
Troubleshooting
- Fix a browser that says connection not secure A browser warning such as "Your connection is not private" or "Connection not secure." This guide helps you check system clock, clear cache, rule out antivirus or proxy interception, and know when to proceed cautiously or back away.
- Fix a VPN that drops constantly A VPN that connects but drops every few minutes or constantly. This guide helps you confirm the underlying network is stable, try a different server, enable keep-alive, rule out firewall or network switching—or escalate to VPN support when needed.
- Fix an encrypted drive that will not mount An encrypted drive (BitLocker, FileVault, LUKS, or VeraCrypt) that will not mount or decrypt. This guide helps you confirm the password, check for TPM or recovery key issues, rule out hardware or driver problems, and know when to escalate.
- Fix antivirus that blocks a program Antivirus (Windows Defender or third-party) blocks or quarantines a program you trust. This guide helps you add an exclusion, restore from quarantine, or allow the app—or contact IT when the antivirus is managed.
- Fix API key that does not work An API that rejects requests because the API key is invalid, expired, or misused. This guide helps you verify the key, check permissions and format, rotate it if needed, or contact support when required.
- Fix BitLocker that will not decrypt BitLocker asks for a recovery key but the password or key does not work—wrong password, TPM change, or recovery key not found. This guide helps you find and enter the recovery key, reset the password, or use the key from your Microsoft account—or call support when needed.
- Fix FileVault that will not decrypt FileVault asks for a password or recovery key but it does not work—wrong password, key not found, or firmware password blocks input. This guide helps you find and enter the recovery key, reset the password, or use the key from iCloud—or call support when needed.
- Fix JWT that expired An app or API that rejects requests because the JWT (JSON Web Token) has expired. This guide helps you refresh the token, check clock sync, or obtain a new token—or contact support when needed.
How-to
- How to check if email was breached Check whether your email address appears in known data breaches using Have I Been Pwned or similar tools, and what to do if it was exposed.
- Set up antivirus on Windows Turn on and configure Windows Defender (built-in antivirus) or install a third-party antivirus so your PC is protected from malware, viruses, and threats.
- Set up two-factor authentication for email Enable two-factor authentication on Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and other email providers using an authenticator app or SMS so your email is protected even if the password is stolen.