Strengthen your cyber security weak spots

More than 1 in 4 Canadians don't feel prepared to face cyber threats ⁱ

44% of them say you can never really protect yourself online ⁱ

Well, they're wrong.

You can take steps to protect yourself online - and we can help you.

Are your passwords keeping you protected?

Having a strong password PasswordCombination of letters and numbers you select to secure an account or device. is one of the most important ways to improve your cyber security. If you don't have a unique and complex one (for each account), your putting your data at risk.

30% of Canadians don't use complex passwords ⁱ

41% of Canadians use the same password for multiple accounts ⁱ

Don't do that.

Instead, strengthen your password game

Use unique passphrases and/or passwords with letters, numbers and special characters

Store your complex passwords and passphrases in a password manager

Never share them with anyone else

Is your cyber security shallow?

Good cyber security has layers - of authentication AuthenticationA process or measure used to verify a user’s identity. , that is! Especially for your most sensitive accounts, like ones with financial or personally identifying information.

53% of Canadians use multi-factor authentication Multi-factor authenticationA tactic that can add an additional layer of security to your devices and account. Multi-factor authentication requires additional verification (like a PIN or fingerprint) to access your devices or accounts. Two-factor authentication is a type of multi-factor authentication. , also known as MFA ⁱ

79% of Canadians receive security codes by text message, also known as SMS ⁱ

57% of Canadians use biometrics, like fingerprints ⁱ

41% of Canadians use authentication apps ⁱ

Though it's only one layer of your cyber security, it's a big one! MFA can block up to 99.9 % of attacks on your accounts. ⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱ

If MFA is not enabled on your accounts, minimize this window and do it right now

Are you sending the right message?

Texting and emailing are great ways to stay in touch with the people and things we love. But they can also open the door to unexpected threats.

Only 44% of Canadians have researched how to tell if an email is a scam ⁱ

And yet...

76% are concerned about identity theft Identity theftThe crime of impersonating someone and using their private information, usually for financial gain. ⁱ

29% are concerned about phishing PhishingAn attempt by a third party to solicit confidential information from an individual, group, or organization by mimicking or spoofing, a specific, usually well-known brand, usually for financial gain.  scams ⁱ

26% have been victimized by an email scam ⁱ

Know how to spot a scam so you can message safely.

Look out for:

• Urgent or threatening language
• Unusual requests for sensitive information
• Spelling or grammar errors and unprofessional graphics

Get more tips to secure your accounts and devices at GetCyberSafe.ca