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Cyber security knowledge shared across generations will ensure every Canadian has the right tools to keep themselves and their devices safe and secured. Cyber security is a shared responsibility, and it is much simpler than all people realize the importance of staying cyber safe. The Government of Canada has designated October as Cyber Security Awareness Month. As an internationally recognized campaign held each October, it highlights the importance of cyber security. The campaign teaches Canadians simple steps to protect themselves and their devices while online.
Get Cyber Safe is a Government of Canada public awareness campaign led by the Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE), with advice from its Canadian Centre for Cyber Security.
The theme for #CyberMonth2024 is “Generation Cyber Safe: Because online security knows no age.”
Online security affects all Canadians, regardless of when they were born and that is why every generation is part of Generation Cyber Safe. This Cyber Month celebrates the unique strengths every generation has when it comes to staying safe online and sharing information on how each generation can use their qualities to help others, too.
As a first line of defence, using strong and unique passphrases helps protect people from falling victim to online threats like credential stuffing. Credential stuffing is a type of cyber attack in which cyber criminals use previously stolen login credentials, such as usernames or email addresses and passwords, from one website and then “stuff” these credentials into the log-in pages of other websites and systems until matches are found. Cybercriminals take advantage of the fact that many users reuse their credentials across various platforms.
Every generation needs the right tools to succeed, especially when it comes to staying safe online. Important tools that can help protect from common online threats include anti-virus protection, automatic updates, using a virtual private network (VPN), securing your network, and cyber security awareness training.
One thing all generations have in common is the need to stay connected and in current times that means maintaining an online presence. When it comes to being online, however, some threats come with staying social and one of those is ‘fake news’ or disinformation. Online disinformation is designed to trigger an emotional response so people are more likely to share it. If it raises the eyebrows, it should raise questions. Disinformation can be hard to spot, but there are some red flags. Emotional red flags include content that makes a bold statement on a controversial issue, an extraordinary claim, something that seems too good to be true, or contains a message like “You won’t believe this!” If something online really hits a nerve, it is wise to consider doing a quick fact-check before sharing it with others. Reliable fact-checking tools include MediaSmarts Fact Search, AFP Fact Check, and Snopes. A reverse image search using TinEye or Google lens can reveal if an image has been altered or copied from elsewhere on the internet. Fake news stories can be posted on fraudulent websites that are made to look legitimate, check websites ending in “.ca” at https://www.cira.ca/ca-domains/whois, and websites ending in “.com” at https://www.whois.com/whois/
If fact-checked online content is discovered to be false, do not share it. Countering disinformation can be as simple as that. Just by not sharing false content people can help to stop the spread of online disinformation.
One of the most fulfilling things any generation can do is pass on their knowledge. When it comes to Generation Cyber Safe, it means sharing what you know with your friends, family, and colleagues so they can stay safe online too. There are four easy ways to stay safe online: using strong passwords (like a phrase that includes special characters), turning on multi-factor authentication, recognizing and reporting phishing, and keeping software updated.
The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence said in a published communique, “While it may feel like cyber security is something only IT professionals need to worry about, it really takes a collective effort to keep Canada safe from cyber threats. Small changes to your habits online can make a big impact when it comes to keeping everyone cyber-safe in an increasingly connected cyber ecosystem. As cyber criminals and their tactics grow more sophisticated and make it harder to identify the good from the bad, Cyber Month reminds people from all generations how they can protect themselves and others, too.
Cyber Month is a chance to brush up on fundamentals – like practicing good password etiquette and turning on multi-factor authentication – and to learn about new and evolving threats – like AI-generated phishing messages. There’s something for everyone to learn so that we can all keep Canada safe from cyber threats.”
On October 21 at 12:30 pm an online webinar, Navigating Online Privacy and Security, digs deeper into securing accounts, keeping devices safe from malware, and preventing and dealing with cyberstalking. A link to the Zoom event registration page is https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_egoHBv1OTjiL4CyVBNRrCA#/registration
Get Cyber Safe is a national public awareness campaign created to inform Canadians about cyber security and the simple steps they can take to protect themselves online. Check out resources at https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en
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