@Lula
I used to use Free AVG years ago and it was quite good. But then it started with all the annoying messages about upgrading to the paid version so I got rid of it. I used to use Kaspersky because that was quite good and I could get it quite cheap, but I just use the free one that comes built into Windows now... it does a good enough job.
They are there mainly to protect you from viruses though. Unless you download files from dodgy websites, you should be pretty safe. Most scams now are people phoning you or text messages on your phone.
Email addresses can be used to scam you by basically sending you emails trying to trick you into visiting paying them with any number of different scams. Same os your phone number... you might get a text message saying you owe the ATO money or they owe you money, or you owe money for driving through a toll road. There's lots of them, but most of the try to trick you into thinking they owe you money, or you owe them money.
Basically NEVER give any personal information to anyone that contacts you if you're not 100% sure of who they are and trust them 100%... not matter who they say they are. If they same they are from the government, then thank them, hang up and call whatever department they said they were from and ask if it was real if you have any doubts, but it's highly likely it was a scam. If the government or your bank or anyone like that needs to contact you, they'll generally send you a letter. Never use a number, web address, or email address they give you... look it up yourself. If someone contacts you and offers a service, while trying to convince you that you need it and they're trying to help you, it's most likely a scam.
Basically, if you're unsure... or even pretty sure but it seems like it could possibly be a scam... ask how they are and how to contact them back, then go and ask someone what they think. If they really don't want you asking for someone's opinion or advice, then they're definitely trying to scam you.
As far as passwords, just use strong passwords... 8 letters or more and include numbers, capital and lower case letters, some punctuation and not real words or names. So if your birthday is the 17th or you were born in 1970.... dont have passwords like lula17 or lula70 for example... they can be easy to guess.
I know I've just dumped a lot of information on you, but it's pretty simple...
1) If it seems suspicious it probably is.
2) If you don't know who is contacting you, ask for their details and say you'll contact them back... if they're legitimate, they'll be perfectly happy for you to do that. If they're scammers, they'll try to talk you out of it.
3) If they try to scare or intimidate you into believing them, they're scammers.
4) If they say they owe you money or you own them money, they're scammers. If it was legitimate, you will get a letter in the mail from them.
5) Never give out passwords, personal information of any kind to anyone.
6) If you're still not 100% sure, ask them to send you something in writing through the post. If they refuse. they're scammers.
So just follow these golden rules.
So you're more likely to be scammed from a random phone call, email or text message these days. Any of the free antiviruses are okay, but will likely bug you about upgrading to the paid version. for example, Avast, Avira, AVG. Also the free built in Microsoft Defender/Security. That wont bug you because it doesn't have a paid version. Most of those you should be able to get for the iPad as well, except the Microsoft one... that's Windows only.
I hope that all is a bit helpful for you... it is quite a lot of information but just remember the key points.
And don't worry about asking me, I'm happy to help and it's never a bother for me, so please don't feel that way about asking me.
