Connect with us

Technology

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

Published

2 weeks ago

on

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

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

BRYTESIGHT Celebrates Five Years of Empowering Innovation in Technology Consulting

Published

11 mins ago

on

October 13, 2024

By

BRYTESIGHT, a trailblazing technology and design consulting company, is elated to announce its five-year anniversary and new website launch.

FLOWER MOUND, Texas, Oct. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — BRYTESIGHT, a trailblazing technology and design consulting company, is elated to announce its five-year anniversary. Since its inception in 2019, BRYTESIGHT has delivered cutting-edge solutions that have revolutionized buildings one project at a time.

Over the past five years, BRYTESIGHT has carved a niche as a leader in comprehensive full-service technology consulting and design.

Over the past five years, BRYTESIGHT has carved a niche as a leader in comprehensive full-service technology consulting and design. As the go-to technology consultant, BRYTESIGHT provides design, procurement, implementation oversight, and project management for facility and construction projects.

“There isn’t another company out there like BRYTESIGHT, in terms of the expanse of our expertise and service capabilities,” said Billy Assell, CEO. “BRYTESIGHT is dedicated to continuously staying on top of the most innovative approaches to technology to ensure success is maximized and potential is reached.”

BRYTESIGHT has been committed to fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability. By embracing emerging technologies and staying ahead of trends, the company has consistently delivered solutions that ensure clients’ critical technology needs are fully understood and holistically integrated within the overall design and intent of their facilities. BRYTESIGHT’S diverse portfolio showcases a range of successful projects, including some high-profile clients like Vestis, the Big 12 Conference, and the University of Missouri.

“Most of our clients and partners are very anxious about technology because they aren’t as familiar with it, and it’s always changing,” said Randy Shaw, Sales Director. “We give people peace of mind that our bright-minded team has the technology expertise today, to best position your business and your real estate projects for a successful tomorrow.”

As part of the anniversary celebrations, BRYTESIGHT has launched a new website showcasing the team, their services, and some of their top projects over the past five years. Head to brytesight.com to learn more.

Based out of Flower Mound, Texas, BRYTESIGHT is a comprehensive full-service technology consultant and design firm serving companies not only in the US but internationally as well!

Media Contact

Kara Brown, BRYTESIGHT, 1 888.207.3449, kara.brown@brytesight.com, https://brytesight.com/

LinkedIn

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/brytesight-celebrates-five-years-of-empowering-innovation-in-technology-consulting-302274404.html

SOURCE BRYTESIGHT

Continue Reading

Technology

NASA Welcomes Estonia as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory

Published

11 mins ago

on

October 13, 2024

By

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — While in Milan for international meetings, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson was among the witnesses as Estonia signed the Artemis Accords and became the 45th nation to join the United States and other signatories agreeing to the safe, transparent, and responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

The signing ceremony took place ahead of Italy hosting the 75th International Astronautical Congress beginning Monday, Oct. 14, where government and space officials from signatory countries will discuss advancing implementation of the Artemis Accords, among other topics.

“We welcome Estonia’s signing of the Artemis Accords, which will open the door for more international collaboration,” said Nelson. “This decision also strengthens our family of nations, united by a common cause, and builds on our commitment to explore space for the benefit of humanity under the sound principles of the accords.”

Erkki Keldo, Estonia’s minister of economy and industry, signed the Artemis Accords. Rahima Kandahari, deputy assistant secretary for the U.S. State Department and Lisa Campbell, CSA (Canadian Space Agency) president, also participated in the event.

“Estonia is well known as the leading country in e-governance, and it is a great honor for us to enter a next level in space exploration,” said Keldo. “We are more than interested to share our knowledge with the global space community to make future collaboration in space exploration a success for humankind. I am sure that joining the Artemis Accords will open attractive opportunities to Estonian enterprises too, to share their valuable knowledge and competences.”

In 2020, the United States and seven other nations were the first to sign the Artemis Accords, which identified an early set of principles promoting the beneficial use of space for humanity. The accords are grounded in the Outer Space Treaty and other agreements including the Registration Convention, the Rescue and Return Agreement, as well as best practices and norms of responsible behavior that NASA and its partners have supported, including the public release of scientific data. 

The commitments of the Artemis Accords and efforts by the signatories to advance implementation of these principles support the safe and sustainable exploration of space. More countries are expected to sign in the coming weeks and months.

Learn more about the Artemis Accords at:

https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-accords/  

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-welcomes-estonia-as-newest-artemis-accords-signatory-302274574.html

SOURCE NASA

Continue Reading

Technology

CollectorZown.com Celebrates Milestones and Exciting Upcoming Events: Meet Marcos at New York Comic Con, Join the YouTube Celebration, and Prepare for STATUECON 2025

Published

11 mins ago

on

October 13, 2024

By

CollectorZown.com is excited to announce their participation at New York Comic Con from October 17-20, 2024, where Marcos will be at booth #3405 with Premium Collectible Studios to connect with fans and showcase new collectibles. The company recently surpassed 10,000 subscribers on their YouTube channel and is celebrating with a special giveaway, alongside a collaboration with the All Things Art YouTube channel for a Penguin Premium Format Statue giveaway. Planning is already in progress for STATUECON 2025, set for August 7-10, 2025, promising another memorable event for collectors.

SAINT JOSEPH, Mich., Oct. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — CollectorZown.com, a leading online retailer of high-quality collectibles and statues, is thrilled to announce a series of exciting events and milestones as the company continues to grow its presence within the collecting community. With appearances at major conventions, new milestones on YouTube, and planning well underway for their signature event, STATUECON 2025, the team at CollectorZown is more committed than ever to bringing the best of pop culture collectibles to their fans.

Marcos, the passionate co-founder of CollectorZown, will be attending New York Comic Con from October 17-20, 2024, at booth #3405. Marcos will be teaming up with Premium Collectible Studios (PCS) to showcase an incredible selection of collectible statues and figures.

Meet Marcos from CollectorZown at New York Comic Con

Marcos, the passionate co-founder of CollectorZown, will be attending New York Comic Con from October 17-20, 2024, at booth #3405. Marcos will be teaming up with Premium Collectible Studios (PCS) to showcase an incredible selection of collectible statues and figures. This booth will be a must-visit for collectors and fans eager to see some of the most impressive pieces available from Premium Collectible Studios (PCS). Marcos is looking forward to connecting with the collecting community, sharing insights about upcoming releases, and hearing directly from fans. Be sure to stop by booth #3405 to meet Marcos, get a close look at the latest PCS offerings, and talk all things collectibles!

YouTube Success and Celebratory Giveaways

CollectorZown has recently reached a major milestone—surpassing 10,000 subscribers on their YouTube channel! This accomplishment reflects the dedication of both the team and their loyal community of collectors. To celebrate, CollectorZown is hosting a special giveaway with some fantastic prizes. Fans can find all the details and enter the giveaway by visiting https://www.collectorzown.com/pages/YouTube-10k-Giveaway. In addition, CollectorZown is partnering with the popular YouTube channel *All Things Art* to celebrate breaking 100k subscribers with a Penguin Premium Format Statue giveaway. This collaboration promises to bring even more excitement and opportunities for fans. More information on the giveaway can be found on the All Things Art channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfFhk30pqaE.

Planning Underway for STATUECON 2025

CollectorZown is also excited to announce that planning for STATUECON 2025 is already well underway. This highly anticipated event, set to take place from August 7-10, 2025, will bring together collectors, creators, and fans from around the world for a celebration of the art and passion behind collectible statues. STATUECON has become a key date on the calendar for the collecting community, offering exclusive previews, interactive panels, and a chance to connect with fellow fans and industry experts. Marcos and the entire team at CollectorZown are looking forward to welcoming fans to another unforgettable experience at STATUECON 2025.

About CollectorZown.com

CollectorZown.com is a premier destination for collectors, offering an extensive range of high-quality statues, figures, and limited-edition collectibles from beloved franchises. With a deep passion for the art of collecting and a commitment to exceptional customer service, CollectorZown has built a vibrant community of fans and collectors. Through their hands on approach, exclusive releases, and engaging content, the company aims to provide fans with access to the collectibles they love while fostering a welcoming community for all.

For more information about CollectorZown, their upcoming events, or their latest collectibles, visit www.collectorzown.com or follow them on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@CollectorZown.

Media Contact

Marcos Matijevic, CollectorZown, 1 2483904537, collectorzown@gmail.com, www.collectorzown.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/collectorzowncom-celebrates-milestones-and-exciting-upcoming-events-meet-marcos-at-new-york-comic-con-join-the-youtube-celebration-and-prepare-for-statuecon-2025-302274547.html

SOURCE CollectorZown

Continue Reading

Trending