Advice and Tips for Avoiding Internet Fraud

[Vidéotron]

In today’s environment, when most of us spend many hours on the computer for telework or entertainment, it’s important to remember best practices to avoid fraud and traps online.

Good practices in telework

Daily teleworking is something new for many of us. While your employer may have provided you with the basic principles to follow when working from home, here are some important reminders:

• Use strong and different passwords for each service that requires authentication, such as business tools, banking institution, Windows session, online stores, smartphones, etc.
• Delete your navigation history each time you end a session.
• Save your work on your employer’s certified tools and directories.
• Only use file-sharing applications your employer has approved (e.g., Google Drive, One Drive, Dropbox).
• Use a virtual private network (“VPN”) to access desktop software and tools.
• Check the availability of updates regularly and install them on your computer.
• Secure your wireless network, including changing the password of your home’s router or Wi-Fi terminal.

  How to secure your Videotron router?

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• Don’t share your work computer with family or friends.
• Report any security incidents to your employer, such as access to a malicious website or a virus on your workstation.
• Lock your work computer when you stop using it.

  You can also refer to this comprehensive list of advice for home workers published by the SANS Institute, a leader in the field of cybersecurity.

Common online pitfalls

You, your children and your family members are probably using the Internet more often than usual to learn, communicate and for entertainment during the lockdown period. Below are some tips on how to avoid falling into the many traps laid by online fraudsters, who unfortunately proliferate in times of crisis!

• Beware of chain emails: Don’t forward these messages to your contacts, as they are used to collect addresses and then send spam or worse, infect your computer with a virus.
• Don’t open attachments or systematically click on links: Although the email may appear to be from a government agency, these messages usually never contain attachments or links. The same rule applies to messages that seem to originate from a mail service or online store. These messages are usually phishing attempts and are based on practices that apply equally to email, SMS and telephone calls. Be vigilant!

  How to protect yourself from phishing?

• Make backup copies regularly: If you get a glitch despite all your precautions, you can still retrieve your valuable data.

By following this good advice, you’ll make sure you can safely enjoy the many great features available online during this period of social distancing!