Tips to help protect your privacy online

Think before you share on social networks

Avoid sharing too many personal details with large numbers of people. Refrain from posting vacation pictures telling everyone your house is empty and you are gone for two months!

Adopt good security

Install antivirus and security software and keep this software updated. Take some time to learn about the security and privacy settings of your Internet browser and keep it up to date.

Find more information on how to Protect your Privacy Online.

Prevent unauthorized access to devices

Use automatic lock features and complex, hard-to-guess passwords to protect your mobile devices.

Prevent eavesdropping

Secure your home Wi-Fi and avoid using public hotspots for transactions that involve sensitive personal information such as banking.

Pay attention to app permissions

Before you can download a new app on your phone it likely wants you to give it permission to access information on your device such as location, contacts, device ID, camera or media files. Before you click “I agree,” make sure you understand why the company is seeking access and what it plans to do with any information it collects.

Find more information on Protecting personal information on your mobile devices.

Be ultra-careful with your Social Insurance Number

Avoid sharing your Social Insurance Number (both online and in person) unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Shopping or banking online

Look for the lock icon, HTTPS protocol or green highlighting in the address bar. While not foolproof, these are all signs a site is likely secure.

Find more information on how to prevent identity theft online