ARCHIVED - Minister Blaney speaks with seniors about staying safe online
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OTTAWA, October 31, 2013 — Today, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Orléans, met with seniors to discuss the importance of cyber security, and to highlight some of steps that Canadians can take to make themselves and their families safer online.
“Seniors are becoming more and more active online, representing the fastest growing group of Internet users,” said Minister Blaney. “Older Canadians are finding the Internet to be an invaluable tool to keep informed, manage finances, and stay in touch with friends and family – but there are risks that every senior, and every Canadian, should know about.”
The Minister emphasized some of the measures that seniors can take to make sure their online experience is safe and enjoyable, ranging from ensuring their computers have up-to-date anti-virus software to using strong passwords.
“The main message of Cyber Security Awareness Month is that every Canadian has a role to play in protecting our digital networks,” said MP Galipeau. “It is important that seniors stay alert and informed on how to remain safe when using computers and the Internet.”
Minister Blaney added that National Senior Safety Week, organized annually by the Canada Safety Council, begins November 6 and encouraged all seniors to visit www.GetCyberSafe.gc.ca for beneficial tips for seniors on staying safe online.
“Financial fraudsters target seniors because they usually have excellent credit and may not be as familiar with newer technologies, thereby making them more vulnerable online. Also, because of shame or embarrassment, seniors are not likely to speak up when they are defrauded,” said Jack Smith, President of the Canada Safety Council. “It is important for seniors to know how to protect themselves from financial fraud, and what to do if it happens to them.”
GetCyberSafe.ca has useful cyber safety tips for seniors including:
- How to protect yourself from scams or fraud
- Tips on computer security software and protecting your identity online
- Videos on topics like Secure Passwords and Phishing Scams
- And much more
For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.
Follow Public Safety Canada (@Safety_Canada) and Get Cyber Safe (@getcybersafe) on Twitter, and like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/GetCyberSafe)
For further information:
Jean-Christophe de Le Rue
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
media@ps-sp.gc.ca
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