Staying Cybersafe

Cyberbullying - The sending, posting, or sharing of negative, harmful, false, or mean content about another person. It can include sharing personal or private information that can embarrass or humiliate. Many cyberbullying activities can have legal and criminal consequences. Learn more from the Government of Canada.  

Cyberstalking - A form of cyberbullying where there is repeated and deliberate use of the Internet and electronic communication tools to frighten, intimidate or harass someone. 

Online Harassment - A form of cyberbullying where there is threatening behaviour or unwanted advances using the internet.  

Doxing - Doxing or doxxing is the Internet-based practice of researching and broadcasting private or identifying information about an individual or organization. The methods employed to acquire this information include searching publicly available databases and social media websites, hacking and social engineering.

Swatting - Swatting is the dangerous and illegal act of reporting a false crime or emergency to evoke an aggressive response form a law enforcement agency (such as a SWAT team), to a targeted location. Examples include hostage situations or active shooters.

Phishing - Phishing is an impersonation of a person, corporation or other trusted institution with the intent to extract passwords or other sensitive information from the victim. It is a criminal activity utilizing social engineering techniques and is usually done through email or instant messaging. 

Smishing – Another term for phishing used specifically for activities done over instant messaging. 

Vishing – Another term for phishing used specifically for activities done over the phone or through VOIP services​.

Quishing – Another term for phishing used specifically for activities using QR codes.

Social Engineering – Manipulating individuals into giving up private/confidential information that is later used to gain access to systems for nefarious purposes including stealing financial information.  

Website Spoofing – when a fraudulent website is created to closely resemble a trusted brand/domain to trick that brand’s customers, suppliers, partners and employees to use it instead of the legitimate website. Usually for purposes of stealing login and financial information.  

Identity Theft – When cybercriminals steal your identifiable data including your name, driver’s license, social security information, credit card information etc. to commit fraud, steal property, and misappropriate goods or services in your name.  

Online Sexploitation/Sextortion – When someone threatens to distribute your private and sensitive material if you don't provide them images of a sexual nature, sexual favours, or money. 

Online Scams – the offering of fake services, goods or rewards. Examples include charity fraud, gambling fraud, Ponzi schemes, online ticket fraud, fake gift cards, automotive fraud and fake job ads. 

Adware – software that is used to push unwanted advertisements (like popups) to users 

Botnets – Large numbers of “robots” used over a “network” to spread malicious files and software, infect systems, steal data etc.  

Dialers – call center software that automates the calling process and documents the outcome of the calls. 

Exploit Kits – a software toolkit used to take advantage of loopholes and bugs in programs remotely. 

Flood Attacks – When botnets are used to target IP addresses and domains with the intent to overwhelm servers with requests so that regular services fail, and legitimate users are unable to connect.  

Malware – software that is specifically designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. 

Potentially unwanted programs – software that you never requested/installed but ended up being installed on your device. Usually found bundled with other software you did agree to download. Examples include adware, spyware, dialers and malware.  

Ransomware - Ransomware is malware used to deny a user or organization access to files on their computer. This criminal activity is used to extract payment from the user or organization for the safe return of their data.  

Spyware – software used to covertly monitor and steal a computer’s data and activities without your knowledge or consent. A type of Malware.