Take the Get Cyber Safe Challenge

Cyber security is simplest when you break it off into byte ByteA unit or measure of digital information, consisting of eight binary digits (bits) processed together; usually enough to store a single letter or digit. -sized pieces. Challenge yourself to take small steps every day to make your accounts and devices more secure. Here's a checklist you can use to get started.

Week 1: Strong passphrases

Learn how to create a strong passphrase

Visit GetCyberSafe.ca to get tips on creating a strong passphrase PassphraseCombination of random words you select to secure an account or device. , like using 4 or more words and 15 or more characters.

Make sure all your accounts use a strong and unique passphrase

Go through each of your accounts (even the ones you don't use often) and upgrade UpgradeAn improved or more modern version of hardware or software. any weak or repeated passwords to stronger, unique passphrases.

Doing all of this in one day might not be possible for everyone. Start with one passphrase and take a great step towards #GettingCyberSafe. One challenge checked off for the day! Keep changing one password PasswordCombination of letters and numbers you select to secure an account or device. per day or per week, and you'll be done in no time.

Use a password manager

Store your new passphrases in a password manager so you never forget them. Make sure to secure the manager with its own strong passphrase.

Week 2: Multi-factor authentication

Make a list of your most important accounts

Make note of all the accounts that hold personal information about you, like your first name, address or any financial information.

Decide what authentication factors work for you

Depending on what you need to secure, different multi-factor authentication (or MFA) options might be available, like fingerprint or text authentication AuthenticationA process or measure used to verify a user’s identity. .

Turn on MFA

Go through your important accounts and devices and enable MFA wherever possible. You can likely find it under Privacy Settings.

Week 3: System updates

Update all your devices

Yes, all of them. Run  check for updates on any device you have that's connected to the internet - from your phone to your smart fridge.

Doing all of this in one day might not be possible for everyone. Start with one device per day or week, and you'll #GetCyberSafe in no time!

Turn on automatic updates

Check the settings on your devices and enable automatic updates wherever you can. Schedule them for times when you're not using your devices, like overnight.

Uninstall unused applications and software

Software SoftwareA computer program that provides instructions which enable the computer hardware to work. System software, such as Windows, Linux or MacOS, operate the machine itself, and applications software, such as spreadsheet or word processing programs, provide specific functionality. you don't use can be compromised and put you at risk. Uninstall UninstallTo remove an application or file from a computer. any apps and software you haven't used in a while.

Week 4: Securing your Wi-Fi

Change your router's default password

Don't stick with the password your router RouterA network device that is used to establish and control the flow of data between different networks. came with. Create a new, unique password or passphrase to secure your Wi-Fi Wi-FiWi-Fi refers to a set of wireless communication protocols that can transmit traffic to Wi-Fi enabled devices within a local area. A Wi-Fi enabled device such as a laptop or tablet can connect to the internet when within range of a wireless network connected to the internet. An area covered by one or more Wi-Fi access points is commonly called a hotspot. connection.

Create a guest network

Create a separate network NetworkSeveral computers that are connected to one another. with a unique password that you can use for any visitors or smart devices who want to connect to your Wi-Fi.

Move your router to a secure location

Keep your network devices as close to the centre of your home as possible to prevent people outside from connecting to it.

Bonus: Install Canadian Shield

Canadian Shield is a free Domain Name Domain nameA name owned by a person or organization and consisting of an alphabetical or alphanumeric sequence followed by a suffix indicating the top-level domain: used as an internet address to identify the location of particular web pages (e.g. .gc, .ca). System (DNS) firewall FirewallA security barrier placed between two networks that controls the amount and kinds of traffic that may pass between the two. This protects local system resources from being accessed from the outside. from the Canadian Internet Registration Authority that blocks malware MalwareMalicious software ("malware") designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system, without the owner's consent. Common forms of malware include computer viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, and adware. It can: • Intimidate you with scareware, which is usually a pop-up message that tells you your computer has a security problem or other false information. • Reformat the hard drive of your computer causing you to lose all your information. • Alter or delete files. • Steal sensitive information. • Send emails on your behalf. • Take control of your computer and all the software running on it. and keeps your data private online.

Crossed everything off your list?

Get more tips to secure your accounts and devices at:

GetCyberSafe.ca

Catalogue number: D96-39/2021E-PDF | ISBN: 978-0-660-39105-2