Cyber Security Awareness Month: October 2024.
Join us this October by participating in Cyber Security Awareness Month. The theme this year is “Generation Cyber Safe: Because online security knows no age.” The initiative emphasizes that online security is vital for all Canadians and encourages participation through free resources.
Over five weeks, the campaign will cover:
- Securing Accounts: Focus on multi-factor authentication, password management, and online privacy.
- Using Tools: Highlight tools like antivirus software and VPNs for online protection.
- Staying Socially Safe: Identify threats like phishing and AI-generated content.
- Proactive Safety: Discuss secure storage, training, and incident response plans.
- Sharing Knowledge: Encourage passing on cyber safety tips to others.
The campaign includes virtual workshops on online safety and privacy, reinforcing the message that cyber security is a collective responsibility that’s easier than many realize.
Read More: Government of Canada
Week 1 of Cyber Month: The Most Secure Generation.
Online security is crucial for all Canadians, regardless of their birth year, which is why this year’s week one theme, “Generation Cyber Safe,” emphasizes the unique strengths we each have in staying safe online. This generation is defined by a commitment to personal security and creating a safer internet for everyone.
In the first week, focus is on improving account security, with topics including:
Limiting Information Sharing: Find out how reducing the personal information you share online can help protect your accounts from cyber criminals.
Strong Passwords and Passphrases: Learn to create secure, unique passwords (at least 12 characters) and passphrases (at least 15 characters with random words) to protect your accounts.
Password Managers: Discover how password managers can simplify the process of managing strong passwords, making it easier to stay secure.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Understand the importance of MFA, which adds an extra verification step beyond your password to enhance account security.
Credential Stuffing: Recognize this automated attack that uses stolen credentials across multiple sites and the importance of unique passwords to prevent it.
Read More: Government of Canada
Tips for safely giving and receiving digital gifts.
When buying digital gifts, it’s crucial to purchase from reputable stores or distributors and to avoid third-party sellers unless they are trusted. Be wary of social media marketplaces where verifying item legitimacy can be difficult. Ensure that the website is secure by looking for signs of spoofed sites, such as unrealistic deals, typos in the URL, poor-quality images, and an insecure URL (http instead of https).
Monitor your credit card statements during the holidays and report any suspicious activity promptly.
Also, be cautious of phishing messages, especially around the holidays, where cyber criminals may impersonate loved ones or legitimate stores to steal personal information. Look out for signs like unfamiliar senders, too-good-to-be-true offers, and suspicious requests for personal information. If you suspect a phishing attempt, delete the message and avoid clicking on links or opening attachments. For concerns about phishing scams, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Read More: Canada.ca
