Cyber criminals know that the Covid-19 pandemic is an ideal time to take advantage and steal our data. Whether you suspect a hack or know without a doubt, that your devices have been compromised, take action immediately.
Signs that your data may have been stolen
-
Messages from a service, store or institution that there has been a breach
-
Inability to access your social media on any technology, or unusual information is appearing in your feed
-
Charges on your card that you didn’t make, or money has disappeared from your accounts
-
A “locked” message on your device with a demand for money before it will be unlocked
Act quickly to take control of your devices and data
Depending on the type of cyber crime or data breach you’ve discovered, there are a number of steps you can take to limit the damage.
The Canada Anti-Fraud Centre1 lists several steps, including:
-
Stay calm and collect your thoughts
-
Contact your financial institutions
-
Contact the police
-
Report the incident to other agencies and organizations
In addition to the above, consider contacting any technical support you have, and potentially seeking legal representation too.
Technical support
Immediately remove the infected device from your network by turning off its Wi-Fi and unplugging any cables attached to it. If you are unable to turn off the device’s Wi-Fi, consider turning off the router it uses.
Contact your business or personal tech support and tell them to immediately secure as much as possible, including other devices on the same network. Ask them to help you decide on and go through all next steps to pursue the scammers and/or protect your data.
Legal representation
Identity theft or other cybersecurity breaches could trigger legal issues for you. Keep detailed notes from the moment you discover the hack.
Guard your data with protective technology and anti-cyber crime practices
While scientists and governments are working to develop and distribute vaccines, cyberscammers are spreading fraud and misinformation. Protect yourself by developing good anti-cyber crime practices, and be sure to install (and maintain) protective technology. And whatever you do, stay calm and don’t click without checking.
For more:
Read Part 1 of our Cybersecurity series - Why you need better Cybersecurity now
Read Part 2 of our Cybersecurity series - How can I protect myself from Covid-19 cyber crime?
1 https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/scams-fraudes/victim-victime-eng.htm
BMO Private Wealth provides this publication for informational purposes only and it is not and should not be construed as professional advice to any individual. The information contained in this publication is based on material believed to be reliable at the time of publication, but BMO Private Wealth cannot guarantee the information is accurate or complete. Individuals should contact their BMO financial professional for advice regarding their personal circumstances and/or financial position. The comments included in this publication are not intended to be a definitive analysis of tax applicability or trust and estates law. The comments are general in nature and professional advice regarding an individual’s particular tax position should be obtained in respect of any person’s specific circumstances.
BMO Private Wealth is a brand name for a business group consisting of Bank of Montreal and certain of its affiliates in providing private wealth management products and services. Not all products and services are offered by all legal entities within BMO Private Wealth. Banking services are offered through Bank of Montreal. Investment management, wealth planning, tax planning and philanthropy planning services are offered through BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and BMO Private Investment Counsel Inc. Estate, trust and custodial services are offered through BMO Trust Company. If you are already a client of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., please contact your Investment Advisor for more information.
® Registered trademark of Bank of Montreal used under licence. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without the express written permission of BMO Private Wealth.
