So much of our life and work has moved online and now it’s more important than ever to ensure that the people we care about are aware of how to protect against online fraud and scams. Here are a few tips:

1. Assist less tech-savvy relatives:
   • Assist older adult relatives or those who aren’t so cyber savvy to ensure that good cyber security protocols are in place. Be generous with your time if possible to help set up strong unique passwords, secure their home wi-fi, and educate about the perils of accidently downloading malware.
   • Download and print a copy of the the CBA’s Cyber Security Toolkit With a cyber hygiene checklist and tips on how to spot common scams, it provides the basics of how to protect against online scams. The CBA also publishes a Fraud Prevention Toolkit for Older Adults with tips tailored for seniors.
2. Guide new social media users:
   • New social media users will benefit from knowing how to protect your online identity and privacy online.
3. Help out a small business:
   • If you know someone who has a small business, encourage them to download a copy of the CBA’s Cyber Security Toolkit for Small Businesses. The Toolkit can help small business owners and managers understand cyber security threats and how to protect their business and employees from cyber crime.

Free cyber security resources and training

The CBA and its member banks offer free fraud prevention resources to keep you, and your friends and family cyber safe:

• The CBA has information about various types of fraud and tips on how consumers can protect themselves at: cba.ca/fraud. You can determine where to start by reviewing the CBA’s cyber security and fraud prevention learning guide.
• Canadians can sign up to receive Fraud Prevention Tips by e-mail at cba.ca/fraudpreventiontips.
• Fraud prevention resources and tutorials are available at cba.ca/financialwellness and at the following links:
  
  
  
  • BMO’s recommendations on how you can protect yourself
  • CIBC’s recommendations on working together against banking fraud
  • Laurentian Bank’s security and protection advice
  • National Bank’s online security and fraud prevention page
  • RBC’s advice on protecting yourself from fraud and identity theft
  • Scotiabank’s common scams page
  • Sun Life’s security page
  • TD’s privacy and security page
• Through the CBA’s Your Money Students program, volunteer bankers provide money management seminars to local high school student and discuss how to keep their money safe and avoid scams. More information about Your Money Students can be found at cba.ca/students.
• The CBA offers a free fraud prevention seminar for seniors as part of its Your Money Seniors financial literacy seminar program. More information about Your Money Seniors can be found at cba.ca/seniors.