The Nova Scotia RCMP is asking people to take time to review online safety practices.
The amount of time spent online can leave people vulnerable to cybercrime such as identity theft, hackers and scammers.
Here are the RCMP’s top ten tips to help you stay ‘cyber safe’ the next time you log on, shop, e-mail or tweet:
1. Use strong passwords. Choose strong, long and unique passwords for your devices and online accounts and change them frequently. Use different passwords for different programs and devices. Don’t choose options that allow your device to remember your passwords.
2. Keep software up to date. Install updates for apps and your devices’ operating systems as soon as they are available.
3. Disable remote connectivity. Some devices are equipped with wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth, that can connect to other devices. Disable these features when they’re not in use.
4. Be social media savvy. Check your security settings and make sure your social networking profiles (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) are set to private. Be careful what information you post online – once it is on the Internet, it is there forever!
5. Guard your mobile device. Never leave your mobile device unattended in a public place and lock your device when it’s not in use.
6. Know your apps. Be sure to review and understand the details of an app before downloading and installing it. Delete any apps you don’t use regularly to increase your security.
7. Use anti-virus software. Install anti-virus software to prevent viruses from infecting your computer. This software should be updated regularly.
8. Protect your wireless network. Make sure your router has a strong password and don’t broadcast who you are through its name, such as “the Smith Family” or “123 First Street.”
9. Protect your e-identity. Be cautious when giving out personal information or financial information on the Internet. Make sure that websites are secure (e.g. when making online purchases) or that you’ve enabled privacy settings (e.g. when accessing/using social networking sites).
10. Avoid being scammed. Always think before you click on a link or file of unknown origin. Don’t feel pressured by unsolicited emails and when in doubt, verify the source. Never reply to emails that ask you to verify your information or confirm your user ID or password.
If you are a victim of cybercrime, report it immediately to police and other appropriate organizations, such as banks, credit agencies and credit card companies.
For more information, visit Get Cyber Safe, the Government of Canada’s online cyber security resource, at http://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca .
