Meet the Cyber Security All-Stars

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Whether it’s baseball or cyber security, teamwork is important. Get Cyber Safe is here to help by coaching you with useful resources to help you avoid online threats. With our roster of tools ready to join your cyber security line-up, you’ll be less likely to hit a virtual strikeout.

The Cyber Security All-Stars – multi-factor authentication (MFA), passphrases and password managers, secure Wi-Fi, updates, and virtual private networks (VPNs) – are ready to combine with Get Cyber Safe to make your cyber security a home run.

Ready to meet the team?   

 

Passphrases and password managers

We put our next All-Stars, passphrases and password managers, together because when you use them both, you can unlock ultimate cyber security. Like a team captain, a strong passphrase is the backbone of secure accounts. Your passphrases should always be unique, made up of four or more random words and be 15 characters or longer.

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Passphrase All-Star

About

A strong passphrase is the first line of defence for your accounts and your digital identity. Combine this card with a password manager and unlock ultimate cyber security.

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A strong passphrase should:

  • Contain 4 or more random words
  • Be at least 15 characters long
  • Be unique for each account

Getcybersafe.ca - Canada

A password manager is a tool that you can use to keep all your passwords and passphrases secured. Many password managers can generate random, secure passwords to use. Not only does this make it easier for you to remember your passwords, it also keeps them safe (since they’re even more valuable than that championship winning playbook). Remember — you should never save your login information in your browser or anywhere else that isn’t a secure password manager.

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Password manager All-Star

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Password managers store all your passwords in a secure location. Many of them can also generate strong and unique passwords for each account you have. Combine this card with strong passwords and unlock ultimate cyber security.

Stats

  • 41% of Canadians use the same password for multiple accounts - something a password manager can help you avoid.

Source: Communication Security Establishment, Get Cyber Safe Tracking Survey, EKOS Research Associates, 2020

Getcybersafe.ca - Canada

Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an additional layer of security to your activity online – like a helmet would protect you in baseball. MFA requires two or more different authentication factors to access a device or account. By using these extra authentication factors, like an SMS code or fingerprint, you can prevent hackers from accessing your accounts or devices, even if they manage to steal your password. For more information on why MFA is an essential part of your cyber security lineup, check out this blog post about MFA and why it’s essential for cyber security.

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Multi-Factor authentification All-Star

About

Multi-factor authentification (MFA) is an extra layer of security that can include security questions, SMS codes and facial recognition.

Stats

MFA can protect you from:

  • 100% of automated bots
  • 95% of phishing scams
  • 76% of targeted attacks

Source: New research. How effective is basic account hygiene at preventing hijacking, Google Security Blog, 2019

Getcybersafe.ca - Canada

Secure Wi-Fi

Having a secure Wi-Fi network prevents threats to your network and connected devices. Like a batter in a game of baseball, it is your last line of defence against a strike (or against a cyber threat). Make sure to change the default password for your Wi-Fi network and always keep the connected software and devices up to date.

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Secure Wi-Fi All-Star

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A secure Wi-Fi network prevents other people from using your internet and secures your devices and data from potential cyber threats.

Stats

  • 28% of Canadians don't change their default password on their Wi-Fi. If you have a new network router, change the password immediately!

Source: Communication Security Establishment, Get Cyber Safe Tracking Survey, EKOS Research Associates, 2020

Getcybersafe.ca - Canada

 

Virtual private networks (VPNs)

A VPN creates a secure connection between two points, like your laptop and router. Think of it like an umpire who ensures your internet experience is fair and without improper interference. For example, a VPN can secure your online shopping so hackers can’t intercept your info. VPNs can be browser extensions, apps or a part of your router. If you’re using public Wi-Fi or another network you’re not sure about, a VPN is one All-Star you’ll want by your side.

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VPN All-Star

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A virtual private network (VPN) is a secure connection between two points, usually a device and a network, such as your laptop and a Wi-Fi router. A VPN is important any time you aren't connecting to your secure home network, like when you're using public Wi-Fi.

Stats

  • Only 51% of of Canadians use encryption software like VPNs, so make sure to spread the word about this All-Star!

Source: Public Safety Canada, Survey of Internet Users Regarding Cyber Security, EKOS Research Associates, 2018

Getcybersafe.ca - Canada

Updates

Updates are so important that they’ve also earned a spot on the Cyber Security All-Stars roster. Updates don’t just keep your devices operating at peak speed and efficiency. They also install the latest security features. If you want to make sure you never let a miss an update, enable automatic updates on all devices and software. This erases the need for constant reminders and ensures you’re staying safe from the latest threats, just like to changing up your secret hand gestures so your opponents don’t steal your signals.

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Software updates All-Star

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Software updates are great way to ensure that your software has the most recent security features installed. It's important to keep all your devices up to date by enabling automatic updates or setting time aside to update manually.

Stats

  • 14% of smartphone users never update their operating system at all - make sure to put this All-Star to use!

Source: Public Safety Canada, Survey of Internet Users Regarding Cyber Security, EKOS Research Associates, 2018

Getcybersafe.ca - Canada

 

Conclusion

There are lots of threats you can encounter online, but you don’t have to face them alone. If you combine good security practices with the Cyber Security All-Stars, you’ll create the ultimate cyber security lineup and cover all your bases to protect yourself from online threats.

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