Staying cyber healthy

While you are taking steps to protect yourself and your community from COVID-19, make sure you also take care of your cyber health.

Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the health crisis and our increased reliance on cyber technology to continue to work, learn, shop and connect with friends and loved ones.

The RCMP has received several reports on cyber threats and fraud related to COVID-19.

Following these simple tips will help you stay cyber-healthy

  • Beware of unsolicited emails, phone calls or texts, especially related to COVID-19
  • Don't click on any suspicious links or attachments in emails or texts
  • Don't be pressured into providing personal information or money
  • Follow up with individuals, companies or charities using verified contact information that you find on their official website
  • Government of Canada departments and agencies don't request personal information by email or text or send unsolicited emails asking you to click on a link to access a service or confirm information
  • Use strong passwords or passphrases that contain letters, numbers, and symbols
  • Use different passwords for different web accounts
  • Secure social media accounts by reviewing privacy settings
  • Protect your Wi-Fi with a password and don't share it with anyone outside your household
  • Have anti-virus software installed and keep your operating system up to date

Report cybercrime or fraud

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and the National Cybercrime Coordination Unit are working together to combat cyber threats and fraud, including those linked to COVID-19. By reporting cyber threats and fraud you can help.

If you are aware of or have been the victim of fraud or cybercrime, contact your local police and report online to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Fraud Reporting System.

More information

For more detailed information on how to stay cyber-healthy, visit the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security's resource page on staying cyber safe during COVID-19 isolation.

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