Any device that connects to the Internet can be exposed to potential online threats. That’s why it’s important to take simple steps like these to help protect yourself:
Learn more about protecting your digital footprint and protecting older adults online.
A social engineering scam uses psychological manipulation to get people to do things or give out confidential information. It can be done on the Internet, over the telephone or in person. For example:
The goal is to trick you into sharing passwords, PINs, banking or credit card details. Once the scammer obtains the desired information, they can use it for fraud, such as identity theft, industrial espionage and other criminal activities, or simply to disrupt the normal course of business.
Your browser is an important part of your computer’s security. Keep your browser and security systems (anti-virus software, firewalls, etc.) up to date.
Practice good browsing habits
Learn more about navigating safely on the Internet.
Social networks are a great way to stay connected with others, but cybercriminals can use the information people share to launch an attack. Using personal information gathered from a social media site to construct a highly personalized attack (spear-phishing) increases the chances that the subject will fall for the deception.
Keep security top of mind when engaging online and follow these tips for enhanced social media security:
Learn more about protecting your social media interactions.
Risks for children using the Internet
Without filtering and monitoring, your children could accidentally see or share unsuitable content online, or be drawn into inappropriate conversations/exchanges, such as cyberbullying.
Enable parental controls wherever possible to help filter your child's Internet experience.
Internet safety for children
Guide your children to safe, trusted websites. Teach them not to give out their real name, age, address or phone number online.
Ask your kids to show you what they are doing online, and discuss their Internet experiences with them.
Don’t allow your children to use computers unsupervised.
Teach your kids to think carefully and critically about Internet “friends” and information.
Learn which sites your children want to use and decide which are safe to visit and with whom they can chat or email.
Children should:
Learn more about protecting your kids online.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is the use of e-mail, websites, instant messaging, chat rooms, social-networking sites or text messaging to damage someone’s reputation and feelings of self-worth.
Learn about cyberbullying and what to do about it by visiting Public Safety Canada’s Cyberbullying page.
Cybertip.ca: Help protect children from exploitation
Cybertip.ca is Canada’s national tip line for reporting online sexual exploitation of children. It also provides tips on keeping kids safe on the Internet.
Visit Cybertip.ca or call 1 866 658-9022.