Security in a Digital World
One of the consequences of the digital revolution is that it has become easy
to share and transmit information. While this in a positive result of the
use of technology, there is also a negative side in that it also threatens
our personal security. Incidences of identity theft are increasing as are
security breaches in institutions that we entrust with our private information.
Our personal computer can even be taken over by viruses and other evasive
programs and gain access to information we have stored there. What can a person
do to protect themselves?
Social Insurance Number: This is a very important number that will open the door to your personal information. You should be very careful who you give this number to. In general you only need to provide knowledge of your SIN number to your employer, some government agencies like Revenue Canada, and to your bank to obtain loans and services. It should never be used as ID at businesses or given out over the phone.
For information on Canada's social insurance number program go to this link on the Government of Canada web site. Information that everyone should know.
Passwords and Logins
There are many places online that require passwords to be able to access services. Before you can gain access to many sites you are often required to fill out a form that gives personal information and choose a login and password. When this occurs the information is usually given on a secured page. If a page is secure you should see an icon of a lock or something similar at the bottom of the page. Of course nothing is totally secure, so you are taking a chance and you should always be aware of the type of information that you are providing.
Choose a password that is difficult to trace to you. You should not use things like your initials, birthday or other details that easily point to you. Passwords should contain a combination of numbers and letters and should generally be six or more symbols long. It is also a good idea to regularly change your passwords. Check out these general tips for choosing passwords and logins.
Pin Numbers
Pin numbers are similar to passwords and are used to access things like electronic banking, telephone calling cards, and sometimes credit cards. A pin number should only be known to you and should not be given out to anyone. It is a good idea to change your pin number from time to time, especially if you think someone may have knowledge of it.
Privacy of Information Act
Did you know that every agency that asks for personal information from you is required by law to inform you of exactly how that information will be used. You have a choice on how this information is used can request that your information is not to be used for any purpose other than that for which it is given. Be very careful of giving any information over the phone or Internet. Make sure you know who is getting the information and that your information is secure.
SHRED IT!!
If you are getting rid of papers that have any personal information on it, you should make a habit of shredding it so that is will not get in the hands of people who might misuse it. This includes any papers that have account numbers on it, or has personal information.
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Page Last Updated:
April 12, 2006 11:03 AM
