Being vigilant about your online security is essential to guarding against cyber criminals. And, while RBC is committed to keeping your financial information safe and secure, there are simple steps you can take to proactively protect yourself.
A strong password is critical to protecting your online accounts. And, while we may find it tiresome to create and remember them, it is important to keep in mind that passwords are often the first defence against cyber criminals. They protect personal information, like bank accounts, health data, or private documents from falling into the wrong hands. But what makes a password strong?
Here are some simple steps you can take to strengthen your passwords:
There is never a reason for someone to ask you for your password. RBC will never ask you to confirm your password over email, text message, or on the phone. If someone claiming to represent RBC asks for your password, contact us right away.
Storing passwords in your Internet browser or using the autofill option can leave you susceptible to hackers. It is surprisingly easy for criminals to gain access to information stored in your browser, so disable the autofill feature and do not store passwords in your browser.
Enable two-factor authentication when possible. This means you prove your identity in two ways: a password plus some sort of biometric authentication like a fingerprint, adding an extra layer of security.
As technology continues to improve, so do potential threats. Here are some tips to help ensure a safe and secure online banking experience:
If a website doesnât look valid, play it safe. Do not sign in or enter any personal information. Instead, contact us .
Never login to online banking using a link sent through email, text message, or social media. Instead, type the address into your browser.
Always log off and close your browser when you finish your session. It's also good practice to clear your browser's memory cache regularly to improve security.
Donât reveal your login information to anyone, even if they claim to be a representative of RBC. We will never ask you for that information by email, text or phone.
ALWAYS use a trusted computer. Never use public Wi-Fi for banking activities.
Keep your software up to date. Software companies routinely improve the security of their programs, so be sure you are using the latest version.
Sign up for RBC alerts to stay up to date on important details of your financial life. Get notified when your account shows a large withdrawal or a balance below your set limit. Visit RBC Online Banking to learn more. If youâve downloaded the RBC Mobile banking app and enabled push notifications, youâll also get alerts on your mobile device.
Call us immediately if your card has been lost or stolen, or if you suspect fraud. Hereâs how you can contact us .
Check your bank and credit card statements regularly. Review your transactions frequently to see if there are any unauthorized charges. If there are, let us know.
Donât make online credit card purchases from public places. Public computers and networks are less secure, meaning there's a much greater chance that your credit card information can be stolen when you use it to make purchases.
Review the RBC Online Banking Security Guarantee to make sure that youâre protected when you bank online.
Think your card's been lost or stolen? First lock your card through the RBC Mobile app, then give us a call as soon as possible to cancel it and we will send you a new card.
Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but that convenience comes with security risks. Criminals can intercept any information that you send while using public Wi-Fi, such as passwords or online banking information. Donât assume that anything you send over free Wi-Fi networks is private or secure, even if using your own device.
Here are some things to consider to keep your mobile devices and private information safe on public Wi-Fi:
Avoid logging into any accounts with private or sensitive information while on a public Wi-Fi network.
Consider using a secure and encrypted Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Be aware of who is around you and who may be looking over your shoulder to see what youâre doing.
Remember that using a secure Wi-Fi connection doesnât mean you shouldnât take other online security precautions.
Lock your phone. Ensure that your phone can be unlocked only by a unique and complex passcode or by a fingerprint ID.
Only download applications from official app stores. Download your apps from Google Play or Apple App stores and avoid using third party platforms that could carry apps that automatically install malware on your phone.
Keep your software updated. Software companies routinely improve the security of their software, so always be sure you are using the latest software.
Online shopping is convenient, but it shouldnât come at the expense of safety. Here are some tips to help you shop safely online:
Check the Security of the Website Youâre Visiting Look for the little padlock icon on the left hand side of the URL bar and ensure the website youâre visiting has an address that begins with âhttps.â This is not a guarantee that the site is secure, but if those indicators are not there, use caution.
Read Reviews Online Before Buying Read reviews of retailers you are thinking of buying from and ensure theyâre legitimate and trustworthy businesses.
Email is one of the easiest ways criminals can target you, but there are ways to reduce the risk. Here are some tips:
Sharing personal or financial information over email is not recommended. Do not post your email address on public forums or give your email address to sites you donât trust.
Any email that is not encrypted is not secure. You should assume anything sent on unencrypted email is public.
Never click on an unknown link or open an attachment you werenât expecting, especially if itâs from someone you donât know. Hereâs more on how to spot phishing scams .
Do not reply to spam emails or click on the unsubscribe buttons in such emails. This notifies criminals that your email address is active.
Many people associate cyber crime with computer hacking, but a great deal of fraud comes from criminals piecing together information about users from various social channels â such as your name, date of birth, location, even your bank details. Here are some ways you can keep your social media account safe:
Donât Accept Friend Requests From People You Donât Know This can leave you open to scams like spear phishing, and reveals your personal information to complete strangers.
Never Share Personal or Banking Information on Social Media Platforms, Even in Private Messages Social media platforms may not be secure, and people may not be who they say they are.
Control Your Privacy Settings Social media platforms let you choose what information you reveal to friends and to the public. Ensure you have a firm grasp of what information is public, and review your privacy settings often.
Limit the Information You Share on Social Platforms Even if the privacy settings on your accounts are enabled, try to limit what you share online. For instance, sharing your location when on vacation could leave you vulnerable to burglary. And sharing details about your job publicly could leave you vulnerable to a spear-phishing attack.
While plenty of successful relationships begin online, not everyone using online dating is looking for love. Cyber criminals also use online dating sites, apps, and chat rooms to gain your trust and trick you into sending them money. Here are some tips to help you keep your heart and your money safe:
Ask a lot of questions to get to know the person
Never agree to transfer money on someone elseâs behalf. It could be a money laundering scam.
Think before you post — be especially careful about the amount and type of information you reveal about yourself to someone online.
If you suspect an online relationship is a scam, stop all contact immediately.
Call us right away, if you sent money or shared your financial information with the criminal.
Tax scammers leverage every means at their disposal to separate you from your cash â notices and offers in your inbox, on websites, over the phone or in a text message. They may offer âtax servicesâ that will steal your identity and your tax refund, lure you with offers of bigger write-offs, mock up websites and tax forms that look like the site or forms to fool you into giving criminals your personal or financial information.
There is more at risk than your money and identity. Here are some helpful tips on how to stay safe this tax season:
Don't respond to scare tactics. Contact the revenue agency â Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or Internal Revenue Agency (IRS) â directly to verify phone calls, electronic or paper messages.
Be suspicious if the âagentâ demands immediate payment by Interac e-transfer, Western Union, bitcoin, prepaid credit cards or gift cards from retailers such as iTunes or Amazon.
If you suspect you may be the victim of a tax scam or have been tricked into giving personal or financial information, contact us right away.
Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre toll free at 1-888-495-8501 1-888-495-8501 or visit their website , if you believe your personal information has been stolen and used for tax purposes.
If you believe your confidential information may have been stolen or obtained by a fraudulent party either online, by telephone or through any other means, call us immediately.
If you think you are a victim of identity fraud and you are an RBC client
If you have received a suspicious email or accessed a fraudulent RBC website