Cyber Security Month

Tips to protect yourself, and your loved ones, from online scams

Don’t be afraid to say no:

• Request the information in writing.
• Hang up.
• Don’t reveal personal information over social media.

Do your research:

• Double-check that the organization you’re dealing with is real before you take any other action.
• If you’ve received a call or other contact from a family member in trouble, talk to other family members to confirm.

Don’t give out personal information to anyone you’re not familiar with

Beware of upfront fees when you’re told you have “won” something:

• There are no prize fees or taxes in Canada. If you won something, it’s free.

Protect your computer:

• Have up-to-date virus protection.
• Don’t let a stranger remote in (take control over) your computer.

Be careful who you share images with:

• Turn off your webcam or any other camera connected to the internet when you’re finished using it.

Protect your online accounts:

• Create a strong password using upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Use a phrase that you know but is hard to guess.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (this means it requires a password and another way to verify your identity like a special code sent to your phone by e-mail or text message).

Protect yourself from spoofing (fraudsters pretending to be someone they’re not):

• Never click on links received via text message or e-mail.
• When visiting a website, always verify the URL and domain to make sure you are on the official website (e.g., www.shannex.com is our official website; www.shannex.ca is not)