1. You aren’t using the name of a pet or family member. For many, it’s important to have a password that’s easy to remember. Inevitably, that means people lean on readily available options such as the name of a pet, family member or favourite sports team.The problem is that this information is relatively easy for someone to find. Just think, for example, of the number of times you’ve posted photos on social media that included a reference to your dog’s name.That means that, with information so readily available, it’s also going to be easy for a cyber criminal to track it down and use it to guess your password.Make it more difficult for cyber criminals to guess your password and you’ll be more likely to keep your accounts safe.

2. You’re using a passphrase instead of a password. For many, developing passwords is as simple as choosing a word to use. And for good reason. One-word passwords are simpler to remember. The problem is, though, that “simple to remember” equates with “easy to guess” in the world of cyber crime.The more cyber secure option? Go with a passphrase instead of a password. A passphrase is a mix of random words that only you would think to combine. Ideally, each passphrase would be at least four words and at least 15 characters long. One way to do this is to look around and create a passphrase out of the first four words you see. If you were trying to create a passphrase at a coffee shop, for example, you might end up with the following words:

   • Mug
   • Book
   • Laptop
   • Phone

   The resulting passphrase is entirely unique to you – it would be next to impossible for anyone else to guess it.

3. Your password is unique to the account/device you are using. Many people, for the sake of simplicity, choose to use the same password for multiple accounts and devices. The problem is that if a cyber criminal can guess your password on one account or device (or they can get it from another means) then they can then gain access to all your accounts. That’s why a cyber security best practice is to develop a unique password for every account. It might be harder to remember, but it’s the best way to foil any cyber criminals trying to gain access to your information. Finding it difficult to remember all the passwords? Then consider using a password manager. It keeps all your passwords safe in one place so you don’t have to remember all of them.
4. You’re using one of Get Cyber Safe’s strong password “tricks”. One of the best strategies for developing a strong password is to develop something so unique that only you would know it. One “trick” we recommend: Think of a memorable sentence that only you would think of. For example: The Best Month For Basketball Is In June. Then capitalize certain characters and add numbers. In the above case, you might end up with the following: TbmfBiiJ2733 There! You’ve got a unique password that only you could remember.
5. You haven’t shared your password with anyone This last one is pretty straightforward, but it is also perhaps one of the most important.Never, ever, ever, ever, EVER share your password with anyone. Not your friends. Not your teacher. Not even with your family members.Never.

When you’re with family or friends and the topic of scams comes up, most people will confirm that they recently received a suspicious phone call, email or text message. We are all familiar with these scams, which have become daily annoyances. But does everyone in your life know how to protect themselves from scammers and be scam smart? Maybe you can help! There are a variety of scams and frauds happening in Canada – with new ones invented daily. Scammers attempt to imitate government departments and agencies, such as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), to gain access to your personal and financial information. Some of these attempts are easy to identify, and usually contain unusual and suspicious requests or demands. Others are more believable and look legitimate by copying wording and format styles used by government agencies. Something that might be easy for you to identify as a scam, might not be as easy for a friend or family member. So, what can do you? Talk about it!

Protect the files that matter most. We store our most important, often irreplaceable, files on our computers and phones. Duplicating and securely storing those files prevents us from losing them. Backing up your data keeps it protected in any number of unforeseen circumstances, from accidentally erasing files to a total system failure in which your files and documents are destroyed. Secure your important data.

• Keep your files organized. Organize files and documents using folders and sub-folders instead of leaving them scattered around your desktop.
• Back up what matters. Back up any files you want to protect, like family photos or financial documents. You don’t need to back up applications, utilities, or your operating system (OS) — those can be reinstalled later. Choose the back up solution that’s right for you. There are different options you can use to back up your files.
• Cloud storage saves your files, documents and photos to a remote database. A cloud storage service may come standard with the operating system (OS) of your computer or device. Find out if your device does automatic backups to a cloud by searching for it in your OS’ system preferences or settings menu.
• External hard drives are devices that can be connected to your computer or device to save a copy of files, documents and photos. Connect your external hard drive regularly to back up files. Remember to disconnect it when the backup is complete.
• External storage can also be done on a USB key, CDs or DVDs. For extra peace of mind, consider backing up your files on two different storage devices. Remember, backing up your files and documents externally can help you recover them if they become damaged or compromised.
• Set a back-up schedule. Some external hard drives come pre-installed with auto-back-up software that regularly backs up everything for you. If not, set a reminder for yourself to back up your data at least once a week.