Section 1: Protecting Devices and Information
Resources on this page
You will find resources related to the following topics:
- Internet safety
- Understanding two-factor authentication/multi-factor authentication (2FA/MFA)
- Understanding malware and how to avoid it
It can be easy to overlook online safety. Every day, people across Canada are falling victim to scams that compromise their information, or viruses that infect their devices. There are a variety of resources listed below, from detailed courses and tutorials to short informational videos. Consider sharing these with your co-workers and/or clients!
Internet Safety (general)
First off, here are some links to free tutorials on Internet safety. The Khan Academy offers a six-module course, which includes topics such as cyber attacks and user authentication methods. Similarly, Goodwill Community Foundation has a series of tutorials on various topics such as how to create strong passwords and how to adjust your social media privacy settings.
If you are interested in helping your newcomer clients learn about web safety, you can refer them to NorQuest College’s free WebSafe course or Reception House Waterloo Region’s safety videos, which are available in multiple languages. You can also use this lesson from Google’s Applied Digital Skills series to practise creating passwords and learn the best ways to keep them safe: Create and Safeguard Passwords.
Two-Factor Authentication/Multi-Factor Authentication (2FA/MFA)
A growing trend in online security is the use of two-factor or multi-factor authentication, sometimes abbreviated as 2FA or MFA. An example of this is when you log in to your bank on your computer and the bank texts a verification code to your phone. The idea behind 2FA/MFA is that additional security can be achieved by combining two or more of the following factors:
- Something only you have
- Something only you know
- Something only you are
With the online banking example, this would break down as: 1) your phone (something only you have); 2) your banking password (something only you know). If you use biometrics, such as face ID, to unlock your phone, all three factors are involved because your face counts as something only you are.
For a more detailed explanation of 2FA/MFA, see Microsoft’s description here.
Still not convinced to use 2FA/MFA? Check out this video from Tom Scott, who makes a compelling argument for its use:
Malware
Viruses are a security threat for all computer users. Chances are, your IT department has installed anti-virus software on the computer you use for work. However, there are still steps you can take to ensure your computer does not get infected, or to recognize when it does.
It might help to begin with this short video (less than 3 minutes long) that explains the various types of malware and what they can do to your computer:
In addition to running anti-virus software, there are a number of things you can do to help prevent your computer from being infected:
| 1. Keep up to date. Make sure you are using the most up-to-date software versions and run updates when prompted. |
| 2. Don’t download. If something looks suspicious—for example, a type of software you’ve never heard of—don’t download it! |
| 3. Don’t open. Email attachments are common vehicles for malware. If you don’t recognize the sender, don’t open it. |
| 4. Avoid pop-ups. Use a pop-up blocker in your browser, and only allow pop-ups on certain sites as needed. |
| 5. Avoid certain sites. Simply visiting a malicious website can launch an attack on your computer. Look for signs of secure sites, such as a padlock in front of the URL. |
Worried your computer has been infected? This five-minute video will show you some of the most common signs of malware.
References & Resources
GCF Global. (n.d.). Internet safety. https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetsafety/
Google. (n.d.). Applied digital skills: Create and safeguard passwords. Google for Education. https://applieddigitalskills.withgoogle.com/c/middle-and-high-school/en/create-and-safeguard-passwords/create-and-safeguard-passwords/introduction-to-create-and-safeguard-passwords.html
Kaspersky. (2016, March 21). Malware: Difference between computer viruses, worms and trojans [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8mbzU0X2nQ&ab_channel=Kaspersky
Khan Academy. (2022). Life skills: Internet safety. https://www.khanacademy.org/college-careers-more/internet-safety
MalwareFox. (2021, May 6). 10 signs of malware on computer | How to know if you’re infected? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPSHlEbI8JI&ab_channel=MalwareFox
Microsoft. (2022). What is: Multifactor authentication. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/what-is-multifactor-authentication-e5e39437-121c-be60-d123-eda06bddf661
NorQuest College. (2022). WebSafe. https://www.norquest.ca/about-us/research-and-innovation/research-projects/websafe.aspx
Reception House Waterloo Region. (n.d.). Digital literacy [Video series]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCev97bOHM9WVxYF7CbqxaFw/playlists?view=50&sort=dd&shelf_id=1
Scott, T. (2020, August 3). Why you should turn on two factor authentication [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGRii5f_uSc&ab_channel=TomScott
