Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 99 Think ahead. Imagine who might see any texts or pictures you send or forward with your device. Before you send a text or forward a picture, think about how the person receiving it–or the person who sent it to you–might feel. Get an eraser. Software is available for nearly every mobile device that lets you track a device, disable it or wipe its memory remotely. Use this immediately if your device is lost or stolen. If you get a new device, make sure the old one has had its memory fully wiped before selling it, giving it away or throwing it out. (Your device’s manufacturer should have this information on their website.) Be secure. Set your Web accounts to use only secure connections by going to the “https” version of the site. Be cautious. Do research on an app before you download it to make sure it’s reliable and doesn’t contain any undesirable content. Don’t follow links sent in emails or text messages. Turn off what you’re not using. Bluetooth, WiFi and other ways of connecting devices can all be targeted by hackers; turn them off when you’re not using them. Also, set all Bluetooth-enabled devices to “nondiscoverable” so they don’t appear to other Bluetooth users around you. Don’t expose your data. Never send any sensitive information, buy anything online, or do online banking when using a public hotspot. These are very vulnerable to hacking. Set spending limits. To make online purchases, use prepaid or low-limit credit cards to keep from spending too much. If you share a device with someone else, make sure that your credit card information is out of the device’s memory each time you finish an online purchase. Teach small children that purchases in games cost real money and that they need to ask for permission before buying anything. For children and teens, get a plan that either sets hard limits for texting (so that once they reach their limit they can’t send texts, instead of paying an increased price) or get an unlimited texting plan. Don’t multitask. Never use a mobile device while you’re driving, cycling, or walking. When you’re working, set your device out of reach so you won’t be tempted to check it. Establish “no phone zones” in your home–in bedrooms, for instance, or at the dinner table. Start talking. Before a child or teen begins using a mobile device, make sure you have a conversation about these issues. Reassure them that they should come to you if anything happens and that you won’t “freak out” and take away the device. Cyber Security Consumer Tip Sheet CIRA is proud to sponsor Media Awareness Network and the important work they do on behalf of Canadians. For more information: See Cyber Security Consumer Tip Sheet from the Canadian Internet Registry Authority (CIRA) and MediaSmarts available at www.cira.ca and on the MediaSmarts website at www.mediasmarts.ca, as well as other digital literacy resources. ...continued from page 97
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