Lesson 4.8: Spam, Scams & Phishing



Explore

On this page, you will learn more about protecting your digital privacy.


Too good to be true

Read this CBC article "8 advertising claims too good to be true ". Discuss with a friend or family member.


  • Install anti-spam, anti-virus, and firewall protection on your computer and electronic devices and keep them updated.
  • Anti-spam software can scan email before it is received. An anti-virus program protects against malicious software. Firewall protection helps control traffic to and from your computer.
  • Your family can get this software from a reputable security software company. Don't accept offers from pop-up ads or random phone calls.

  • Make sure you are on the right network. Before you connect, check the name of the network with the host (coffee shop, library, etc.).
  • Always enable your firewall before you surf by going to the Preferences section of your browser and finding the Security tab.
  • If you can, enable the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or HTTPS setting of a website to increase security. Find these options under "privacy" or "account" in the site.
  • Always exchange sensitive data over a secure HTTPS site. If the "S" disappears, log out immediately. It's a better idea to avoid doing online banking or exchanging sensitive information while on public Wi-Fi networks.

  • Use a primary e-mail address for your trusted personal and school or work contacts.
  • Create a secondary e-mail address for use in online activities, such as filling out forms or joining communities.
  • If posting your e-mail address to a website, do not use the '@' symbol. Instead, use a format such as "jane at myDomain dot com". This will help prevent spambot software from extracting your e-mail address.
  • Don't buy something that is advertised in a message you receive from a sender you don't know.
  • Never reply to a suspicious message or click on "remove" or "unsubscribe" link in a suspicious spam message.
  • Never open an attachment or a link in a suspicious message.
  • You can report spam to the Government of Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation site: fightspam.gc.ca


What would this clairvoyant see about you?

Spam

Spam is the use of electronic messaging systems to send unsolicited, bulk messages. Spam messages may contain deceptive content, support illegal activities, and may also be used to deliver electronic threats such as spyware and viruses.

Government of Canada Anti-Spam Legislation, 2012
Scam

A scam is an attempt to trick someone, usually with the intentions of stealing money or private information.

Scams and Schemes, Common Sense Media, 2012
Phishing

Phishing is an attempt to obtain personal information for identity theft or other sensitive information such as credit card numbers or bank account details for fraud. For example, an e-mail message may appear to be from the receiver's bank asking them to visit a website to confirm account details, but instead directs them to a false website where the personal information is collected.
Government of Canada Anti-Spam Legislation, 2012

  1. Test your knowledge by taking the FightSpam Quizon Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation page.
  2. Go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre's website and read over the List of Scams. Then look at the Royal Bank of Canada's suggestions for protecting your information. Share them with your friends and family.
  3. Go over the Cyber Security Consumer Tip Sheet created by the Canadian Internet Registry Authority and Media Smarts.
  4. Go to the MyWorld site to practise your skills in an interactive way.