Tips from TELUS Wise
Help keep yourself and your family safe in our digital world by following these online safety and privacy tips.
Use anti-virus, anti spyware, and firewall security solutions and remember to back up your data regularly.
Staying up to date helps ensure you're protected against the latest threats.
You can make your password stronger by using the first letters of a phrase, instead of a word. For example: ICARMP2* for “I can always remember my password 2*”. You can even use a passphrase for added security.
Suspicious attachments/links, requests for personal information, typos and grammar errors are good indicators for a potentially harmful email.
Program your phone so it automatically locks after a period of inactivity. Don’t forget to set and change passwords regularly.
Use an app to lock, track or remotely erase the information on your phone if it is lost or stolen (for example, Find my Phone on iPhones, or Find my Device on some Androids).
Only grant location access to apps that need to know your location, such as GPS or maps. Social media and many other apps can operate without location information.
Downloading apps from Apple’s App Store or Google Play and researching apps before downloading them can help protect phones from malware and viruses.
Wi-Fi can be an easy way for hackers to access personal information. If you do use free Wi-Fi in a public place, limit your activity to browsing only. Never share personal or financial information over public Wi-Fi.
Hackers can potentially access information on Bluetooth enabled devices. Only enable connections with trusted devices and/or turn Bluetooth off if it’s not required.
Manage your phone’s power consumption by turning off unneeded features and turning down adjustable features:
- Dim your screen
- Turn off Bluetooth when it’s not in use
- Turn off Wi-Fi when it’s not in use.
Ensure you have emergency contacts stored on your phone. Make sure your contact numbers are stored on your kids’ phones.
Frequently back up the information you store on your smartphone, in case it is lost, stolen or breaks.
Use the manufacturer’s approved method to reset your device to factory settings before recycling it. Performing a security wipe is a secure way to delete your personal data, passwords, files, and emails. Remember, manually deleting your information may not be as thorough as resetting the device.
Some apps and social networking sites allow its developers to access your personal information like your contact list, location or photos. Read and update permission and privacy settings to control how your information is used and who is able to see it.
Set up a Google Alert for your name at google.com/alerts so you are notified via email when your name appears online.
Sharing too much information such as your date of birth, address, and vacation details can increase your risk.
What you post, like and share on social media can have real consequences. Posting pictures of yourself or tagging others in inappropriate situations can hinder careers and dreams.
Only connect with people online who you know face-to-face.
Don’t click on offers that sound too good to be true.
How witnesses react to cyberbullying can make a big difference. You can comfort the target privately, report the behaviour to the service provider, or seek help.
Leaving social media accounts, apps or games open when not in use leaves you vulnerable to security and privacy risks.
42% of Canadian youth have experienced cyberbullying, and 60% have witnessed it in the last 4 weeks. Respect yourself and others in both your digital and physical world.
Turn devices off when they are not in use, especially devices with camera/mic functionality.
Understand what data is being collected and how it is used; manage privacy settings so you share only what you intend to and what you are comfortable with.
Keep devices on a separate “guest” network, protecting your personal network in the event of a hack.
Set time in your calendar every three to six months to check your privacy and permission settings, change passwords, review and verify your ‘friends’ lists, and deactivate accounts you no longer use.
Only use the payment app that comes with your device (e.g. Apple Pay or Android Pay).
Look for the lock symbol and the ‘S’ in “https” in the address bar.
Don't shop on public computers or Wi-fi, and always decline the option to save your credit card information.
Look for a privacy statement, physical address, phone number and return policy on the website, and look for positive reviews from other customers.
It's important to understand the consequences of taking and sharing intimate photos. Sharing intimate images of a person without their consent is a form of cyberbullying and is illegal.
Keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road with these tips:
- Keep your phone out of sight, out of mind.
- Put it on silent or turn it off.
- Rely on a passenger to handle your phone.
- Check messages and program GPS before you drive.
- Pull over safely if you must use your phone.
Photos taken from most smartphones include a geo-tag (exact location details where the image was taken). Turn off this feature to enhance your privacy when sharing photos online.