The reality of technology
We connect through digital tools, and when it comes to immigration, connection is more crucial than ever. But, as with every innovation, new technologies come with downsides. While digital advances provide opportunities to stay in touch with loved ones, build knowledge, advance learning, engage in entertainment, and, most of all, foster a sense of community in a new home, there is also a dangerous side to technology with many invisible threats. It is those threats that we will address so you can be prepared and focus on what matters as you start your life in Canada.
Cybersecurity is the measures we take to keep our privacy and security in a digital world. Often, we don’t see the importance of cybersecurity or adopt techniques to stay safe until something goes wrong. We’re going to break it down so that it’s easy to understand and even easier to integrate safe practices as you settle into Canada. After all, technology should support you, not add to your worries. Stick with us to learn more.
Why are newcomers the target of digital threats?
When you arrive in Canada, you’ll need to get identification cards. As well, you’ll want to obtain bank and/or credit cards, and you’ll probably want a cell phone to stay in touch with loved ones and make other day-to-day calls. To research jobs, access maps, learn more about your city and neighbourhood, and benefit from resources for newcomers, you will need an internet connection, which may lead you to connect in public spaces. These things are vital and provide access to critical personal information. The key — doing so securely.
Cybercriminals prey on the vulnerabilities of new Canadians as they adjust to new customs and practices in an unfamiliar environment. These cybercriminals are focused on obtaining personal information, and they’re clever about how they do so. Criminals often pretend to be family members, government officials, or professionals, such as financial counsellors or lawyers, in an attempt to gain your trust. Whether it’s a tricky text message or email, a phone call, or a job offer, cybercriminals use scenarios that can induce panic or fear and promote impulsive reactions. But when you learn about these types of threats, it’s easier to take a step back and recognize when you are potentially being tricked. And, by the way, this doesn’t just happen to new Canadians; many long-standing Canadian citizens have also been victimized for the same reasons with the same criminal tricks.
What is digital safety?
Digital safety means staying safe online, spotting common scams, and protecting your personal information.
Here are some of the common online tactics used by criminals:
- Scams and fraud: involve deception for financial and personal gain
- Extortion (blackmail): a crime where someone forces or threatens someone to give them money, property, services, or information
- Cyberbullying or online harassment: bullying that takes place through digital platforms or online devices
- Exploitation: taking advantage of someone’s vulnerability or lack of power for benefit, often through coercion, force, or manipulation.
One of the more common issues is that a cybercriminal will target specific information. They are focused on obtaining your name, birthdate, address, email, or phone number, Social Insurance Number (SIN), bank and credit card information, or health and employment records.
But not all requests for personal information are crimes. It’s inevitable that you will share some information online. Take, for instance, an online purchase. In this case, you will likely enter your address and credit card information. So how do you know when it’s unsafe versus when you’re in the clear? The key is to ask yourself (before sharing any personal details online), is this information really needed – and is the source trustworthy? A simple pause can make a profound difference.
Understanding your risks
You can protect yourself by avoiding common red flags:
- Unexpected emails, texts, social media, messages, or calls
- Messages from senders you don’t know or weren’t expecting
- Requests for personal or sensitive information
- Someone using fear, pressure, threats, or urgent language to get you to do something
- An offer or promise that seems too good to be true
- Requests to click on suspicious links or download attachments
If the internet is a foe, it’s also a friend, and while you want to be aware, it’s not helpful to become afraid. You can search online to verify an organization or their contact information. You can also carefully check a URL. Secure websites usually begin with https://. Remember how resourceful criminals are. They try to create a sense of urgency and pressure so that you act and give up information. They may act like a friend or family member, but you can combat their tactics by having a secret password in your immediate network. If your word is ‘pineapple,’ you might ask, “What fruit are you going to pick up on the way home?” One of the most effective buffers, as mentioned, is to take a moment of pause. It can give you clarity and calm.
Protecting your children
It can be difficult to disconnect your children from their screens. As playing games, watching videos, messaging friends, or using devices are increasingly part of everyday life, how do you educate your children about the risks of online use? Develop your child’s insight by regularly discussing digital safety and various cyber situations, whether at the dinner table, in the car, or while on the go. If you foster their independence and confidence in their intuition, they are more likely to make good decisions in difficult situations.
Also consider that posting on social media can feel to your child like a private activity. It makes them feel connected to their friends and comfortable in their own digital world. But it’s crucial that children and teens think about the risks of being online as well. It’s helpful to have conversations about the permanence of information that you put online, as well as what counts as personal information. You can’t be over your child’s shoulder at all hours, but you can help them understand the risks, be aware of the red flags, and take pride of ownership of their media and digital engagement in the online environment.
How can you create a cybersecure environment?
Secure your accounts
- Use strong passwords or passphrases. Combine letters, numbers, and symbols
- Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA), which is an extra layer of protection
- Limit your settings on social media
- Ask your bank to activate fraud alerts
Secure your internet connections
- Use a secure Wi-Fi network at home with a strong password
- Turn on your device’s firewall in the security or network settings
- Turn off Bluetooth when not using it, especially in public places
- When using public Wi-Fi, connect through a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Secure your devices
- Lock your phone or laptop with a password, PIN, or biometric ID like a fingerprint
- Use the built-in security features on your device to help detect and block threats
- Keep your devices updated with the latest software for better protection
- Back up important files in case your device is lost or compromised
- Avoid letting others use your devices unless you fully trust them
Be smart on social media
- Share only limited personal information online
- Be cautious with friend or follow requests from people you don’t know
- Double-check information before believing or sharing it
- Use official sources when researching important topics like immigration, jobs, or government services
Looking to get more great tips? Visit getcybersafe.ca
What to do if you spot fraud?
Let’s face it. Fraud happens. Don’t blame yourself; if you have a plan in place, you can take action and reduce the impacts. Here are some steps you can take to secure your privacy.
- Start by contacting your bank. You can set up account monitoring and fraud alerts.
- If your bank information has been compromised, you can ask the bank to freeze your accounts.
- Change your passwords and enable MFA (multi-factor authentication).
- If you have been the victim of a serious cybercrime, contact your local police.
- If you have been the target of scam or fraud, you can report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- To do so, visit, https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.
Don’t dwell on the incident, but take the important lessons forward to ensure your ongoing safety, and take the opportunity to educate friends and family on how to protect themselves.
In today’s online world, the many benefits you enjoy can be eroded by a single criminal act. As you have read, there are some simple steps you can take to increase your digital safety and reduce your chance of becoming a victim. This will allow you to focus on what is important and safely explore the opportunities that Canada has to offer.
To learn more about staying cybersecure as a newcomer, visit https://cybersecurecatalyst.ca/newcomer-resources-general/