Survey - Cyber fraud wears down Canadians

Most Canadians report weekly encounters with Cyber scams

A concerning trend in cyber fraud has been highlighted by an Interac survey, where 86% of Canadians expressed exhaustion from continuous fraud attempts, with 53% facing scams weekly. This issue spans all age groups and regions, stressing the widespread challenge of cyber fraud in Canada.

To enhance cybersecurity, particularly in remote and hybrid work settings, individuals and businesses must adopt vigilant practices. The "Stop, Scrutinize, Speak Up" method is crucial, urging people to pause and critically assess suspicious activities online.

Effective cybersecurity measures include -

• Careful examination of URLs and email senders to verify their legitimacy.

• Implementation of multi-factor authentication for enhanced security.

• Regular password changes incorporating strong, complex passwords.

• Consistent use of secure VPN connections, especially when accessing organizational networks.

• Updates to network devices with the latest security software and protocols.

• Usage of only authorized and recognized apps on work devices.

Adopting these practices will significantly improve security for Canadians, safeguarding personal and professional data against increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks.

By fostering a culture of awareness and prevention, Canadians can effectively combat the fatigue and vulnerability brought on by persistent cyber fraud.