Nine Real-World Steps to Protect Yourself Online

Like you, people of all ages are leading more and more of their lives online these days. This includes keeping in touch through social media and using digital technology to make purchases and manage money. So recent media coverage of hackers attacking the systems of financial institutions, retailers and businesses has made “cybersecurity” a relevant topic for all of us.

That’s why RBC Wealth Management wants to encourage you to be proactive about protecting the privacy of your information and ensuring the security of online transactions.

Toward that end, consider taking the following steps:

Computer/laptop. Enable automated updates for your web browser, operating system and virus/malware/firewall software. Use up-to-date versions of Java, Flash and Adobe. Once you finish conducting online transactions or visiting secure websites, log off and close your browser.

Credit cards. Review your financial statements and look for unauthorized purchases and withdrawals. Never give your credit card number over the telephone to an unsolicited caller. Notify your creditors immediately if a card is lost or stolen. Cancel all inactive credit cards. And get out the shredder for “preapproved” credit card applications.

Credit reports. Learn the difference between putting credit files on monitor, alert and freeze. Also have minor children’s names searched by the credit bureaus.

Data breach awareness. Have text or e-mail alerts set up to receive notifications each time there is a transaction.

Mobile devices. Make sure your smartphone or tablet has a security passcode. Never assume a public Wi-Fi hotspot is secure. When using public Wi-Fi, send information only to sites that are fully encrypted (i.e., starting with “https”) and avoid using mobile apps that require personal or financial information.

Passwords. Avoid using the same password for more than one account, change passwords regularly and never share them with others. (Password management applications are available to help you remember them.) Use combinations of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Enable two-factor authentication on key accounts that allow it.

“Phishing.” Beware of e-mails asking for personal information, such as credit card, account or social security numbers. Reputable companies or government agencies never ask for this information online. Do not provide information or click any links. Forward the e-mail to the fraud division of the real company or agency — then send the notes to your spam folder.

Skimming. Watch out for bogus credit/debit card readers that may be attached to ATM machines, gas pumps and other places where you make self-service transactions.

Social media. Review the privacy settings that control who sees and reads what you do on all platforms you use. Also read the privacy policy for each platform.

Your identity and personal information are valuable to you — so do your part to help stay safe while you are enjoying the freedom and benefits of living in our online world.

Learn more about Privacy & Sercurity.

Important disclosure information about Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and RBC Capital Markets, LLC