With the all-too-frequent stories of theft of personal data from major corporations, we may feel powerless to protect our privacy… but we can still take steps to ensure a minimum of protection.
Passwords!
Having good passwords, different ones, for all accounts, on all devices… we can’t say it enough! We recently wrote an article on the subject, a quick read here that’s sure to help! As a reminder :
Don’t give your passwords to others
Don’t write your passwords on a post-it note stuck to your computer screen
Don’t write your passwords on a post-it note stuck under your keyboard… or anywhere else 😉
Have indevincible answers to security questions, but ones you’ll remember
Whenever possible, activate double authentication (e.g. with Google, your bank account)
E-mails
If you receive an e-mail asking you to validate personal information (credit card numbers, social insurance numbers, etc.), don’t reply! Your bank, government or other important institution will never ask you for this kind of information by e-mail. Ignore it, or call them directly to verify its veracity… making sure you call from a secure number (the one on the back of your card, for example, or on their website). Many fraudulent e-mails are as close as you can get to the real thing.
Social networks
Be careful about the information you share…
Don’t accept just anyone as a “friend” on Facebook
Review your security settings… you might be surprised to find that just about anyone can view your profile.
Always use secure Internet connections, and don’t give out personal information to just anyone, and only when it’s really essential! Always be on your guard. If in doubt about the origin of a communication, consult the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website. You’ll find plenty of information on the types of fraud and how to protect yourself.
« The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is Canada’s central agency responsible for collecting information and criminal intelligence on complaints from Canadians about fraud, mass marketing (e.g. telemarketing), letter fraud (e.g. West Africa), Internet fraud and identity theft fraud. »
