Staying safe online

Finding ways to stay safe online is more important than ever. Cybersecurity attacks are on the rise, but so are unique and innovative ways to secure our online presence. Learn more below.

Cyberbullying, online harassment, phishing, fraud and other cybercrime are on the rise. The invention of ChatGPT and other AI are helping to make these crimes more sophisticated and increasingly harder to spot. The best defence against cybercrime is education – when you have the knowledge and tools to be an active participant in your own digital safety.

Education and awareness are key to staying Cybersafe. Read IT's Top 10 Cybersecurity tips on how to keep yourself safe while online.

Originally created to assist women dealing with domestic abuse and cyberstalking, the creators want you to know that this guide is written for “everyone, everywhere” and that “its principles can be used irrespective of gender, location or situation.” It is available in nine different languages and is full of advice on how to secure your online presence.

The Government of Canada’s “GetCyberSafe” campaign has many helpful resources related to securing your devices, connections, and accounts. Watch videos on topics like malware, read the basics of keeping your phone secure, or complete the “GetCyberSafe Checkup”.

One particularly helpful resource is their glossary of terms, where you can develop a better understanding of technical terms and phrases!

The Government of Canada’s Justice Department also has a resource called, “Stalking is a Crime Called Criminal Harassment” and the Department of National Defense also has a list of safety tips for individuals who think they are being cyberstalked.

This website includes several step-by-step guides on topics like, “Checking your smartphone or tablet for spyware”, “Gmail and Google – checking for suspicious logins” and “WhatsApp security tips.”

This resource asks you what devices you use, and what your concerns are, before recommending step-by-step “Action Plans” that can help. One resource includes a step-by-step plan for “Removing Stalkerware.”

This link includes several other TEDTalks on the topic of “The harmful effects of online abuse.” While these TEDTalks may not have any tips or advice on how to stay cybersafe, they share some real-life experiences of online abuse and why it is so important that we look out for others – in-person or online.

Do you have a great resource on cybersafety that you’d like to recommend? Email us at conduct@ucalgary.ca.