THE FOUR CORNERSTONES OF INTERNET SECURITY

Friday, December 1, 2023

While the internet offers incredible opportunities and convenience, it also comes with its fair share of security dangers. These four cornerstones of internet safety can help you keep your information secure online.

Secure passwords

Always use secure passwords and never reuse old passwords. If criminals obtain your username and passwords from one site, they will try the same information on other popular sites using the same credentials. Never share your PIN and never share your online banking details.

Always type website log in addresses manually or use a safe bookmark

Never follow an email link to a log in page. It may be a phishing email page tricking you into logging into spoofed login page. It may look real but it’s not.

Financial information should be shared on secured home Wi-Fi Only

Assume that everything you do over public Wi-Fi is being watched, especially on mobile devices. If you need to conduct online financial transactions in a public setting always turn off Wi-Fi and turn on Cellular Data. Always assume that public Wi-Fi networks could be recording your actions.

Enable and install all updates and patches

Patches are software and operating system updates that address security vulnerabilities within a program or product. Updates for your mobile device and computer remove vulnerabilities and keep your identity and passwords protected.

Navigating the internet safely requires constant vigilance, adopting security best practices and staying informed about emerging threats.

If you know, or think you have been a victim of internet scams, phishing or cyber-attacks or your banking information has been compromised, contact your financial institution immediately and report it to local authorities.

You can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Center at 1-888-495-8501.