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Canadians’ online behaviour can put them at moderate to high risk of cyber attacks: RBC Cyber Safety Index

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2 years ago

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Using public Wi-Fi, reusing passwords, and providing personal information are the top three risks Canadians take online

TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2024 /CNW/ – Despite awareness of cyber best practices, many Canadians are still putting themselves at risk online, according to a new RBC survey, which found that two-in-five Canadians (38%) qualify as moderate to high-risk potential for becoming victims of cyber-attacks.

RBC’s new Cyber Safety Index reviewed how often Canadians engage in certain behaviours online. While the majority practice at least some good cyber hygiene, less than half say they always use all of the recommended online safety behaviours, which include keeping their software and operating systems updated (71%), using two-factor authentication/verification on online banking accounts (67%), enabling privacy and security settings on all devices (65%) and limiting who follows them on social media (63%). Less than a third (30%) always or often use virtual private networks (VPN) when surfing public Wi-Fi; or password generators to create secure, random passwords for online accounts (28%), leaving considerable room to improve across the board.

“The responses to our Cyber Safety Index show that while many Canadians are aware of things they can do to be safer online, there’s still opportunities for them to change behaviours and close that risk gap,” said Adam Evans, chief information security officer at RBC. “At RBC, we’re focused on providing Canadians with the practical tips and education they need to take control of their online safety and mitigate risks in an ever-evolving digital world.”

Canadians still taking cyber risks

On the flip side, many Canadians are also participating in risky online activities that could further increase the potential of exposure to cyber-attacks. Within the past year, over three-quarters (77%) have knowingly or accidentally engaged in at least one risky online behaviour, with the most commonly reported being using public Wi-Fi (49%). Others include consenting to share their personal information when asked (27%), clicking on pop-up ads (19%), visiting unsecure websites (18%) and ignoring privacy settings on social media platforms (13%).

Furthermore, over a third (35%) agree they have used the same password(s) across multiple platforms, and nearly as many are more concerned about missing out on exclusive events/activities than disclosing personal information online (32%), and/or have interacted with unsolicited texts or social media messages (31%).

Top safety concerns 

Despite these results, the vast majority of Canadians said they are concerned about being victimized by online fraud (80%), identity theft (84%), corporate data breaches (79%), being hacked (84%), and/or experiencing unauthorized access to their online accounts (87%), in line with last year. However, significantly fewer feel safe engaging in social media activities (69%; -7 pts) compared to 2023.

Fortunately, a growing proportion of Canadians (85%; +3 points) say they are comfortable learning new ways to protect their online information compared to last year, underscoring the importance of ongoing education and support to help them navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively.

RBC has articles and guides for Canadians on its Be Cyber Aware website, including the following tips:

Limit the information you share on social platforms. Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know, and even if the privacy settings on your accounts are enabled, try to limit what you share online to avoid scams like spear-phishing.Keep your financial information safe. Never log in to online banking using a link sent through email, text message, or social media. Instead, type the address into your browser. Clear your browser’s memory cache regularly to improve security.Be vigilant when shopping online. Look for the little padlock icon to the left of the URL bar and ensure the website you’re visiting has an address that begins with “https.” Read reviews before you buy to ensure they’re legitimate and trustworthy businesses.Create long, strong passwords. Always use the maximum password length allowed and aim for at least 16 characters. Longer is better, like “passphrases” made of randomly chosen words, that can be easy to remember and hard for someone else to guess.

To learn more, visit rbc.com/cyber.

About the RBC Study
These are the findings of an Ipsos poll conducted on behalf of RBC. The survey was conducted in English and French. A sample of 1,894 Canadians over 18 was surveyed online via the Ipsos I-Say panel from May 3 to 7, 2024.

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 100,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 18 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet.

For more information, please contact:
Kiara Famularo, Communications, RBC, 437-217-7044

SOURCE RBC

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Eqvista Launches Company-Sponsored Tender Offers, Expanding Private Market Liquidity Capabilities

Published

28 minutes ago

on

October 19, 2026

By

New tender offer capabilities connect equity management with real-time valuation data covering approximately 65,000 private companies with a combined estimated value of $9 trillion, laying the groundwork for future secondary marketplace capabilities.

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Eqvista, a leading equity management and valuation platform serving more than 25,000 companies, today announced the launch of company-sponsored tender offer capabilities, enabling private companies to organize structured liquidity events directly within their equity management platform. The launch also marks a step toward Eqvista’s planned secondary marketplace capabilities.

As companies stay private longer, employees and early investors face limited opportunities to sell their shares. Meanwhile, organizing liquidity events involves complex decisions around pricing, participant eligibility, approvals, and ownership changes.

Eqvista brings these processes together through a company-controlled tender offer workflow, supported by its equity management infrastructure and Eqvista Real-Time Company Valuation® technology.

“With Eqvista, private companies can help their employees and early investors turn their shares into cash, rewarding them for their contributions to the company,” said Tomas Milar, Founder and CEO of Eqvista. “We already help companies manage ownership and understand their value. Bringing tender offers into the same platform is a natural next step toward connecting equity management, valuation, and liquidity.”

Company-Controlled Tender Offers

Eqvista’s new capabilities allow companies to manage tender offers while maintaining control over participation, transaction terms, and ownership changes.

Key features include:

Cap table integration: Automatically record completed ownership changes.Participant controls: Define eligible buyers and sellers and offer windows.Allocation rules: Set transaction limits, pro rata allocations, and priorities.Integrated approvals: Manage approval requirements and rights of first refusal.Valuation-informed pricing: Reference Eqvista Real-Time Company Valuation® data when evaluating transaction pricing.

By integrating these processes, Eqvista aims to reduce the administrative complexity of organizing liquidity events while helping companies maintain control over their shareholder base.

Building Toward a Secondary Marketplace

Building on its company-sponsored tender offer capabilities, Eqvista plans to expand into secondary marketplace infrastructure designed to support structured, company-approved liquidity programs. By connecting ownership records, real-time valuation data, and private share transactions within one platform, Eqvista aims to make private market liquidity more accessible while allowing companies to maintain control over participation and ownership changes. Further details will be announced as development progresses, subject to applicable regulatory requirements.

Learn more about Eqvista’s Company-Sponsored Tender Offers.

About Eqvista

Eqvista is an equity management and valuation platform building infrastructure for private markets. Trusted by more than 25,000 companies worldwide, Eqvista combines equity management, in-house valuation expertise, and AI-powered technology to help private companies manage ownership and understand their value. Eqvista Real-Time Company Valuation® technology covers approximately 65,000 U.S. private companies representing an estimated $9 trillion in combined value.

Contact Information
Jakub Vele
Head of Marketing
424978@email4pr.com
+1 (415) 375-4963

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eqvista-launches-company-sponsored-tender-offers-expanding-private-market-liquidity-capabilities-302911472.html

SOURCE Eqvista

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Eqvista Launches Company-Sponsored Tender Offers, Expanding Private Market Liquidity Capabilities

Published

28 minutes ago

on

October 19, 2026

By

New tender offer capabilities connect equity management with real-time valuation data covering approximately 65,000 private companies with a combined estimated value of $9 trillion, laying the groundwork for future secondary marketplace capabilities.

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Eqvista, a leading equity management and valuation platform serving more than 25,000 companies, today announced the launch of company-sponsored tender offer capabilities, enabling private companies to organize structured liquidity events directly within their equity management platform. The launch also marks a step toward Eqvista’s planned secondary marketplace capabilities.

As companies stay private longer, employees and early investors face limited opportunities to sell their shares. Meanwhile, organizing liquidity events involves complex decisions around pricing, participant eligibility, approvals, and ownership changes.

Eqvista brings these processes together through a company-controlled tender offer workflow, supported by its equity management infrastructure and Eqvista Real-Time Company Valuation® technology.

“With Eqvista, private companies can help their employees and early investors turn their shares into cash, rewarding them for their contributions to the company,” said Tomas Milar, Founder and CEO of Eqvista. “We already help companies manage ownership and understand their value. Bringing tender offers into the same platform is a natural next step toward connecting equity management, valuation, and liquidity.”

Company-Controlled Tender Offers

Eqvista’s new capabilities allow companies to manage tender offers while maintaining control over participation, transaction terms, and ownership changes.

Key features include:

Cap table integration: Automatically record completed ownership changes.Participant controls: Define eligible buyers and sellers and offer windows.Allocation rules: Set transaction limits, pro rata allocations, and priorities.Integrated approvals: Manage approval requirements and rights of first refusal.Valuation-informed pricing: Reference Eqvista Real-Time Company Valuation® data when evaluating transaction pricing.

By integrating these processes, Eqvista aims to reduce the administrative complexity of organizing liquidity events while helping companies maintain control over their shareholder base.

Building Toward a Secondary Marketplace

Building on its company-sponsored tender offer capabilities, Eqvista plans to expand into secondary marketplace infrastructure designed to support structured, company-approved liquidity programs. By connecting ownership records, real-time valuation data, and private share transactions within one platform, Eqvista aims to make private market liquidity more accessible while allowing companies to maintain control over participation and ownership changes. Further details will be announced as development progresses, subject to applicable regulatory requirements.

Learn more about Eqvista’s Company-Sponsored Tender Offers.

About Eqvista

Eqvista is an equity management and valuation platform building infrastructure for private markets. Trusted by more than 25,000 companies worldwide, Eqvista combines equity management, in-house valuation expertise, and AI-powered technology to help private companies manage ownership and understand their value. Eqvista Real-Time Company Valuation® technology covers approximately 65,000 U.S. private companies representing an estimated $9 trillion in combined value.

Contact Information
Jakub Vele
Head of Marketing
424978@email4pr.com
+1 (415) 375-4963

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eqvista-launches-company-sponsored-tender-offers-expanding-private-market-liquidity-capabilities-302911472.html

SOURCE Eqvista

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Technology

Eqvista Launches Company-Sponsored Tender Offers, Expanding Private Market Liquidity Capabilities

Published

28 minutes ago

on

October 19, 2026

By

New tender offer capabilities connect equity management with real-time valuation data covering approximately 65,000 private companies with a combined estimated value of $9 trillion, laying the groundwork for future secondary marketplace capabilities.

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Eqvista, a leading equity management and valuation platform serving more than 25,000 companies, today announced the launch of company-sponsored tender offer capabilities, enabling private companies to organize structured liquidity events directly within their equity management platform. The launch also marks a step toward Eqvista’s planned secondary marketplace capabilities.

As companies stay private longer, employees and early investors face limited opportunities to sell their shares. Meanwhile, organizing liquidity events involves complex decisions around pricing, participant eligibility, approvals, and ownership changes.

Eqvista brings these processes together through a company-controlled tender offer workflow, supported by its equity management infrastructure and Eqvista Real-Time Company Valuation® technology.

“With Eqvista, private companies can help their employees and early investors turn their shares into cash, rewarding them for their contributions to the company,” said Tomas Milar, Founder and CEO of Eqvista. “We already help companies manage ownership and understand their value. Bringing tender offers into the same platform is a natural next step toward connecting equity management, valuation, and liquidity.”

Company-Controlled Tender Offers

Eqvista’s new capabilities allow companies to manage tender offers while maintaining control over participation, transaction terms, and ownership changes.

Key features include:

Cap table integration: Automatically record completed ownership changes.Participant controls: Define eligible buyers and sellers and offer windows.Allocation rules: Set transaction limits, pro rata allocations, and priorities.Integrated approvals: Manage approval requirements and rights of first refusal.Valuation-informed pricing: Reference Eqvista Real-Time Company Valuation® data when evaluating transaction pricing.

By integrating these processes, Eqvista aims to reduce the administrative complexity of organizing liquidity events while helping companies maintain control over their shareholder base.

Building Toward a Secondary Marketplace

Building on its company-sponsored tender offer capabilities, Eqvista plans to expand into secondary marketplace infrastructure designed to support structured, company-approved liquidity programs. By connecting ownership records, real-time valuation data, and private share transactions within one platform, Eqvista aims to make private market liquidity more accessible while allowing companies to maintain control over participation and ownership changes. Further details will be announced as development progresses, subject to applicable regulatory requirements.

Learn more about Eqvista’s Company-Sponsored Tender Offers.

About Eqvista

Eqvista is an equity management and valuation platform building infrastructure for private markets. Trusted by more than 25,000 companies worldwide, Eqvista combines equity management, in-house valuation expertise, and AI-powered technology to help private companies manage ownership and understand their value. Eqvista Real-Time Company Valuation® technology covers approximately 65,000 U.S. private companies representing an estimated $9 trillion in combined value.

Contact Information
Jakub Vele
Head of Marketing
424978@email4pr.com
+1 (415) 375-4963

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eqvista-launches-company-sponsored-tender-offers-expanding-private-market-liquidity-capabilities-302911472.html

SOURCE Eqvista

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