How Can I Protect Myself and My Organization?

Here are some tips and best practices the next time you go to the online checkout:

• Research retailers to ensure legitimacy
• Create a unique and strong passphrase for online accounts
• Use two-factor authentication where possible
• Use a safe form of payment (e.g. credit cards) from major financial institutions that guarantee reimbursement for fraudulent transactions
• Check your credit card statements frequently for any unexpected purchases
• Use a virtual credit card number or a separate card with a low spending limit if you are unfamiliar with the website (i.e. banks offer temporary cards with set amounts to limit the damage that can take place on your real card)
• Read the website’s privacy policies, return policies, and other information
• Limit the amount of personal information you use on the website (e.g. do not give your social insurance number)
• Use websites that start with HTTPS, as they use encryption policies to protect your information
• Use websites that display a green lock (i.e. encrypts website traffic) in the address bar