Stay safe online

Canadians use computers and mobile devices to get things done online, but there are a few simple things you should do to protect your personal information.

Install anti-spyware to keep others from gathering information about your online habits or making unauthorized changes to your computer
Install anti-virus software to protect your data from viruses and malware

Before you enter personal or financial information into a website make sure it is safe and legit.

You can do this in most web browsers by checking the yellow lock icon on the status bar. If the lock is closed, then the site uses encryption to help protect any sensitive, personal information. If you have an up-to-date browser (which we recommend you always do), look for the green bar.

Look carefully at what it claims and think about whether it makes sense
Never click links within an email messages unless you are sure of the destination
Check the branding, language and spelling to judge whether it seems legitimate
Call the company and make sure the email came from them

Links in phishing email and text messages often take you to phony sites that encourage you to transmit personal or financial information. Even if the address bar displays the correct address, don't risk being fooled – con artists can display a fake URL in the address bar on your browser.
Consider reporting phishing to the Government of Canada Spam Reporting Centre at spam@fightspam.gc.ca
Report additional specifies such as resulting malware infection online at fightspam.gc.ca/src