Cyber security is a hot topic. If you’re not sure how it affects you, we have curated some practical resources to get you started!
Cyber isn't only about IT. It only takes seconds to access an unprotected device and months to fix it. Some of the damage done may be irreparable. We all play an active role in shaping and sustaining our nation's cyber resilience. As public servants, we have the added responsibility of practicing consistent cyber safe behaviour to help protect government data and systems.
Top 3 threats to public servants
These are the things you'll want to be most aware of as you work. The more you know, the easier it will be to protect yourself.
- Phishing messages can be an email, text, or phone call from a cyber criminal who is pretending to be someone they are not.
- Not updating or upgrading your devices can leave gaps in security. Schedule auto updates to ease your mind.
- Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but also open to cyber criminals. Turn your Wi-Fi off when not in use, and always use a firewall.
Foundational resources
In many cases, protecting yourself from being the victim of a cyber threat requires only a short commitment to learn more and to change a few key behaviours.
- Upgrade your software by enabling auto updates or scheduling them in the evening.
- Protect your data while working remotely by reading Protecting Privacy in a Remote Work Environment. (2 minute read)
- Protect the data you work with and your personal information by reading Outsmarting Social Engineering. (6 minute read)
How to protect yourself
GetCyberSafe.ca is a national public awareness campaign created to inform Canadians about cyber security and the simple steps they can take to protect themselves online.
Share these fun links with your team! They have short tips, downloads, quizzes, and videos:
- Learn how to stay safe online: Secure your accounts
- Learn how to stay safe online: Secure your devices
- Learn how to stay safe online: Secure your connections
- Creating a strong password
Going deeper with discussions on cyber security
If you want to dig deeper into cyber security, consider these excellent resources:
- Innovate on Demand Podcast: Trust in Relation to Cyber Security
Learn from Aaron Shull, Managing Director and General Counsel at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, about the element of trust in relation to cyber security. - CSPS Virtual Café Series: A Conversation on Cyber Security with Melissa Hathaway and Scott Jones
Learn about the implications of events like the 2014 Sony Pictures hack and Stuxnet, the consequences of paying versus not paying a cyber ransom, and what the most important steps people and organizations can take so that they do not become a victim of a cyber threat.
Courses
Self-paced | Security Awareness (COR310) (3 hours, online course)
Virtual classroom | Cyber Security in the GC for Non-IT Employees (DDN231)
(7.5 hours, fee through the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security Learning Hub)
Virtual classroom | Cyber Security in the GC for Home and Telework (DDN232)
(4 hours, virtual classroom, fee through the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security Learning Hub)
Virtual classroom | Cyber Security in the GC and Online Exposure (DDN233)
(4 hours, virtual classroom, fee through the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security Learning Hub)
Job aids to download
- Get Cyber Safe | Fact sheet: Phishing
- Get Cyber Safe | Ransomware PDF
- Canadian Centre for Cyber Security | Cyber Hygiene PDF
- Canada Revenue Agency| Be Scam Smart
