Cassie writes: I received an email from the Hotmail Maintenance Department requesting personal information verification. The message included a PDF file. Is this a scam? Yes. This is one of many types of email cybercrime, also called phishing . Cybercriminals often use the Microsoft name to try...

To help stay safe on your travels this summer, we recommend these Internet safety and privacy tips. Make sure your laptop or tablet has up-to-date antivirus and antispyware software installed. Windows 8 includes antivirus protection that’s turned on by default. If your computer isn’t...

Microsoft releases security updates on the second Tuesday of every month. Skip the details and go to Microsoft Update to download the latest updates. This bulletin announces the release of 10 security updates for Windows, Internet Explorer, .NET Framework, Microsoft Lync, and Microsoft Office ...

Today the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) posted details about the May security updates. On Tuesday, May 14 at approximately 10 AM Pacific Time Microsoft will release 10 bulletins. The easiest way to get the updates when they're available is to turn on Windows automatic updating . You can...

Although Microsoft was founded 38 years ago this month, don't fall for a widespread scam that offers free “Xbox points” for wishing the company a happy birthday. Online offers that seem too good to be true probably are. Learn more about common scams that use the Microsoft name . One way...

The latest volume of the Security Intelligence Report (SIR) highlights the importance of using antivirus software . Antivirus software helps protect your computer from malicious software (malware) and can be downloaded or installed inexpensively or at no charge. Still, according to the SIR v14 findings...

Today the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) posted details about the April security updates. On Tuesday, April 9 at approximately 10 AM Pacific Time Microsoft will release 9 bulletins. The easiest way to get the updates when they're available is to turn on Windows automatic updating . You...

On April Fools' Day you might have fun being the recipient or the instigator of a harmless prank or two, but it's good for you to know about online pranks we’ve seen that are far from harmless. Phone scams. Cybercriminals don’t just email you or post on your social networking site anymore...

Outlook.com (formerly Hotmail ) is the newest version of free webmail from Microsoft. More than 60 million people have signed up for it since we released the beta version last summer. Whether you make the transition from Hotmail to Outlook.com now or wait to be automatically upgraded, you can keep...

Microsoft releases security updates on the second Tuesday of every month. This bulletin announces the release of 7 security updates. Download the March security updates Watch a video about the updates To get more information about security updates and other privacy and security issues delivered...

If you use Outlook.com or Hotmail and think your account has been hacked , you should act right away to help protect your Microsoft account . If you can still access your Microsoft account, sign in and immediately change your password. For Outlook.com, go to the Password and Security section; for...

From social networking to changing the channels on your TV, there are mobile apps for nearly everything you want to do. But when you install a mobile app, you need to exercise as much caution as when you download software for your computer. No matter what kind of phone you have, install apps from...

Microsoft releases security updates on the second Tuesday of every month. This bulletin announces the release of 12 security updates. Download the February security updates for Microsoft .NET Framework, Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Windows. Watch a video...

We’ve seen an increase in scam email messages that promise recipients they have won some kind of prize or a lottery. These unsolicited messages will often claim that the prize is sponsored by Microsoft or another well-known company. They request personal information that cybercriminals can use...

Today Microsoft released a security update for Internet Explorer. To help protect your computer, visit Windows Update to download and install the update and ensure that you have automatic updating turned on. Watch a video about this update. For technical details, see Microsoft Security Advisory...

Microsoft releases security updates on the second Tuesday of every month. The bulletin announces the release of 7 security updates. Download the January security updates for Microsoft .NET Framework, Microsoft Developer Tools, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Server Software, and Microsoft Windows....

Today the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) posted details about the January security updates. On Tuesday, January 8 at approximately 10 AM Pacific Time Microsoft will release 7 bulletins. The easiest way to get the updates when they're available is to turn on Windows automatic updating ....

Perhaps you're making wise plans to lose weight, exercise more, or quit smoking in 2013? While you’re at it, you can follow our resolution recommendations to help protect your privacy and safety online. Make sure all your passwords are strong , and change them regularly. Use long phrases...

From the latest scams and fraud to how, when, and why to update your computer, here are the stories that you viewed and clicked on the most this year. Download security update for Internet Explorer . In September, Microsoft released a security update for Internet Explorer. To help protect your computer...

Calling all teens! Here's your chance to create something fun that can help others. Start by reading the eligibility requirements and prize information in the official rules . Then have a look at the online safety materials from Microsoft for ideas to do one of the following: Stage a skit or...

Microsoft releases security updates on the second Tuesday of every month. The bulletin announces the release of 7 security updates. Download the security updates for Microsoft Windows, Word, Windows Server, and Internet Explorer. Watch a video about the updates . To get more information about...

Holiday shopping is in full swing and so are the scams. The following tips can help you stay safe when you shop online. Use a modern browser. Internet Explorer 9 and Internet Explorer 10 (available with Windows 8) include the SmartScreen filter. SmartScreen helps protect you from fraudulent shopping...

Today the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) posted details about the November security updates. On Tuesday, November 13 at approximately 10 AM Pacific Time Microsoft will release 6 bulletins that will address issues in Windows, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office, and Microsoft .Net Framework...

The newest operating system from Microsoft has several security features designed to help protect you and your family online. You can monitor your children’s Internet use, block or allow access to certain websites, and choose which games or apps your kids can access. Learn more about how to...

Many respondents to a recent Microsoft survey expressed concern about trickier scams that are happening on social networks. The Microsoft Malware Protection Center recently blogged about one of these new scams that claims to offer a free Costco gift card to all Facebook users. But don’t click...