Meridian takes computer security very seriously. We take strong measures to protect the confidentiality of your personal information on our systems. However, as a member, you also play a very important part in your online security. By following the safe computing tips below, you'll be helping safeguard your personal information while online. It's simply a good habit to get into.
1. Protect your Account Numbers and Passwords — When entering account numbers and passwords for Web Banking applications, be sure that no one is observing you type in your password. This applies to all places where you are asked for a password. When at an ATM machine or Point-of-Sale terminal, use your hand or body to shield your PIN from would-be snoopers. When making a purchase with your Debit Card, don't let the card out of your sight, not even for a moment.
Here are some common-sense tips for protecting your account numbers and passwords:
- Change your password every three to six months, or as soon as you believe it's no longer secret.
- Choose passwords that contain a combination of letters and numbers.
- Never give your password to anyone over the phone, not even to us.
- Don't save your password in a file on your computer.
- Don't write your password down and leave it next to your computer or in your wallet.
- Don't throw away any papers or documents that contain your account numbers or passwords — shred them!
- Don't use your browser's option to "Remember your password" unless you have exclusive access to your computer.
- Avoid obvious passwords that can be easily guessed, such as birthdates, nicknames, family names, phone numbers, street addresses, etc..
2. Avoid Banking on Public Computers — Avoid doing your banking on computers in Internet cafés and libraries. These computers have been known to contain spyware programs that capture everything you type, including account numbers and passwords.
3. Clear your Browser's Cache — Your browser stores copies of the pages you view online in order to speed up your web experience. Clear your browser's cache after each Web banking session. This will prevent someone else from using the "Back" button to access your personal banking information. Shutting down your browser will also clear your browser's cache.
4. Use Anti-Virus software — When online, computer viruses, trojans, and spyware can surreptitiously download to your computer in the form of e-mail attachments or free software downloads from Web sites. Some viruses have the ability to modify programs, delete files, and erase the contents of hard drives. Trojan can do the same, and may also capture keystrokes, including passwords and other secret information. Anti-virus software detects viruses and cleans your machine before they spread to other computers. Popular anti-virus software, like Norton AntiVirus and McAfee VirusScan, even offer automatic updates that keep your system updated with the latest virus pattern files.
5. Use Anti-Spyware Software — Spyware can conduct activities on your computer without your knowledge or consent. Any of these intrusions can damage your computer irreparably and seriously compromise the privacy of your personal information.
6. Keep your software up to date — Make sure you keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware software up to date. Many of these programs have an automatic update feature. Take advantage of this feature whenever possible to minimize the amount of involvement required by you. Remember, new viruses are being discovered all the time, so it's important to keep your software up to date.
7. Use a Firewall or a Router — A firewall can protect you and your family against offensive material and potential hackers by creating a separation barrier between your computer and the outside world. Firewalls work by monitoring all traffic between your computer and the Internet, blocking unauthorized access to your computer, and allowing through only what you want to allow through. A router makes it more difficult for other computers to get direct access to your computer. Many, if not most, routers come with firewalls already built in.
Firewalls are extremely important if you connect to the Internet through a high-speed DSL (digital subscriber line) service from your phone or cable company. Keep in mind that the longer you're on the internet, the greater the opportunity hackers have to launch attacks against your computer. This is because dial-up services establish different network addresses each time they connect. "Always on" services, as they are sometimes known, maintain the same network address throughout the entire length of the session, which could be weeks or months, depending how often you shut down your computer. This presents potential hackers with a stationary target and a longer period of time to launch their attacks.
8. Use a Secure Browser — Always use a browser that supports at least 128-bit encryption when accessing secure Web sites. Most browsers now come with 128-bit encryption, which offers the highest level of encryption generally available today. It provides the best protection when transmitting sensitive data over the Internet.
Encryption is the process of converting information into a more secure format for transmission. The plain text is converted to scrambled code while being transmitted, and then decrypted back to plain text at the receiving end of the transmission.
Always take advantage of software updates so that your browser and operating system have the latest security updates to help reduce your vulnerability.
9. Disable File Sharing when not in use — File sharing is a feature of Windows that allows other computers to access files on your computer over a network. Microsoft has provided instructions on how to disable file sharing in Windows Help (Click Start, Help, then choose the "Index" tab and type "file sharing, disabling"). This is a particularly good idea, especially if you don't turn off your computer and leave it "always on".
10. Do not Divulge Personal Information in an E-mail — Never send sensitive information in an e-mail. E-mail is not a secure medium.
Identity Theft
Every year, thousands of people become victims of identity theft.
Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information without your knowledge or consent for the purpose of committing fraud or theft. It's one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada, in large part because the Internet has made it easier to gather your personal information.
It can all start when a criminal gains access to your personal information. Your name, date of birth, address, credit card, Social Insurance Number (SIN) and other personal identification numbers can be used to open credit card and bank accounts, redirect mail, establish cellular phone service, rent vehicles, equipment, or accomodation, and even secure employment.
It's a crime, pure and simple, and it's becoming more prevalent.
9 Tips to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
- Don't give out any personal information to anyone before finding out how it will be used and whether it will be shared.
- Be aware of your billing cycles. Follow up with the billing company if a bill doesn't arrive on time.
- Protect your mail. Place your mail directly in a post office collection box; don't leave it for pick up or give to someone else to deliver. Remove mail from your maibox promptly after delivery. If you're moving, ensure your mail is forwarded to your new address without interruption.
- Use passwords on your credit card, bank and phone accounts. Avoid easy-to-guess passwords, like your mother's maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your SIN, or your phone number.
- Minimize the number and type of ID you carry around with you.
- Don't give out personal information over the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet, unless you have initiated the contact yourself or know who you're dealing with.
- Store your personal information in a safe place, and tear or shred receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements and credit offers you receive through the mail.
- Give you SIN only when absolutely necessary. Use other types of ID whenever possible.
- Don't carry your SIN card around with you; leave it in a safe place.
Recognizing the Signs of Identity Theft
There are many other signs besides the ones listed below, but these should give you a good indication of what to watch out for.
- A lender informs you that they have received (or approved/declined) your application for credit, but you didn't apply for any.
- You begin to receive credit card statements or other bills in the mail in your name which you didn't apply for.
- Your credit card statement fails to arrive as expected or you notice that not all your mail is being delivered.
- A collection agency calls to inform you they are collecting on a default account in your name that you didn't apply for.
if you are a victim of Identity Theft
If you believe you've become a victim of identity theft, or potential identity theft, take these important steps:
- Report your suspicions to police immediately. Ask for a copy of the police report so that you can provide proof of the theft to the organizations that you will have to contact later on.
- Contact PhoneBusters. PhoneBusters is a national anti-fraud call centre jointly operated by the Ontario Provincial Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. You can reach them at:
Toll Free: 1-888-495-8501
Fax: 705-494-4008
Toll Free Fax: 1-888-654-9426
Email: info@phonebusters.com - Complete the Identity Theft Statement available from the PhoneBusters Web site. The Identity Theft Statement helps you notify financial institutions, credit card issuers and other companies that the identity theft occurred, tell them that you did not create the debt or charges, and give them information they need to begin an investigation.
- Contact the fraud departments of each of the two major credit bureaus:
Equifax Canada : 1-800-465-7166
TransUnion: 877-525-3823.
- Have a "Fraud Alert" notation added to your credit report to reflect the identity theft.
- Document the steps you take and the expenses you incur to clear your name and re-establish your credit.
- Cancel your credit cards and get new ones issued.
- Close your bank accounts and open new ones. Establish a mandatory password or code word for all future access.
- In case of passport theft, advise the Passport Office.
- If you suspect someone is diverted your mail, contact Canada Post.
- If you suspect someone is using your SIN to get a job, contact Human Resources Development Canada at:
Social Insurance Registration
PO BOX 7000
BATHURST NB E2A 4T1
E-mail: sin-nas@hrdc-drhc.gc.ca
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