RBC introduces new Phishing Resource Centre to help protect against online threats

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and RBC is helping to raise awareness of online threats, while at the same time educating consumers on how to protect themselves, through the introduction of a new Phishing Resource Centre at www.rbc.com/security/phishing.html.

“Everyone needs to be more vigilant when conducting business via the web, and through education and awareness people can take simple steps to protect themselves against online threats,” said Jim O’Donnell, senior vice-president and chief information security officer, RBC. “RBC is continually educating clients through tools and practical tips on our web site and one of the ways is through our new Phishing Resource Centre.”

Phishing scams try to trick consumers into disclosing personal or financial information such as credit card or account numbers, passwords and social insurance numbers, for the purpose of financial fraud or identity theft. The Phishing Resource Centre is designed to offer practical, step-by-step advice on how to recognize, report and protect against this form of online fraud.

Here are ten useful tips on how to help protect yourself against online threats:

1. Protect your personal information. Be aware of current online ploys that try to get you to provide personal and/or financial information. Do not respond to unsolicited e-mails or phone calls that ask for confidential information.


2. If you don’t know the source of an e-mail or if it looks suspicious, do not open it. Never click on a link or attachment in an e-mail that you suspect may be fake.


3. Remember to log off. Ensure that you always properly log off and close your browser. This will prevent others from being able to view this information later.


4. Safeguard your PINs and passwords. Never share your passwords and use ones that are difficult to guess, preferably ones that include a mix of letters and numbers. Change your passwords frequently.

5. Be wary of pop-up windows. Avoid clicking any buttons within a suspect pop-up window, as that may result in downloading unwanted software. Just click CLOSE (usually an x) located at the top right hand corner of the window.


6. Keep your computer healthy. It is very important to check the websites of your operating system and web browser vendors for software “patches” and updates in order to protect against software vulnerabilities.


7. Use antivirus software. Antivirus software can protect you from potentially damaging viruses that can enter your computer without your knowledge. You should always use up-to-date antivirus software and one that is capable of scanning files and e-mail messages for viruses.


8. Use personal firewalls. A firewall creates a barrier between your computer and the rest of the Internet. It can help to protect against malicious attacks and block certain types of data from entering your computer.


9. Use anti-spyware. Anti-spyware will help to protect your computer against unwanted software from being installed without your knowledge. Anti-spyware also helps protect against slow performance.


10. Use anti-spam software. Spam is a growing source of computer viruses. Use up-to-date anti-spam software along with your antivirus software. If you receive spam, remember this: don’t try, don’t buy and don’t reply. Just delete it.