A recent RBC survey reveals that many Canadians are still vulnerable to cyber-attacks, despite being aware of best practices for online safety. The RBC Cyber Safety Index found that 38% of Canadians are at moderate to high risk of becoming victims of cyber-attacks due to unsafe online behaviours.
While most Canadians practice some level of cyber hygiene, less than half consistently follow all recommended safety measures. These include keeping software and operating systems updated (71%), using two-factor authentication for online banking (67%), enabling privacy settings on devices (65%), and limiting social media followers (63%).
Worryingly, fewer Canadians utilize more advanced safety measures. Only 30% use virtual private networks (VPNs) when on public Wi-Fi, and 28% regularly use password generators to create secure passwords.
"The findings from our Cyber Safety Index show there's room for improvement in Canadians' online behaviours,” said Adam Evans, RBC's Chief Information Security Officer. “At RBC, we're committed to providing Canadians with the tools and education they need to protect themselves in the digital world.”
Despite knowing the risks, many Canadians continue to engage in potentially harmful online activities. Within the last year, 77% of respondents admitted to knowingly or accidentally participating in risky behaviour, such as using public Wi-Fi (49%) or sharing personal information when prompted (27%). Others have clicked on pop-up ads (19%), visited unsecured websites (18%), or ignored privacy settings on social media (13%).
Additionally, over a third (35%) of Canadians admit to using the same password across multiple platforms, further increasing their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. Meanwhile, 32% are more concerned about missing out on exclusive events than disclosing personal information online, and 31% have interacted with unsolicited texts or social media messages.
Despite these risky behaviours, Canadians are highly concerned about cyber threats. Over 80% expressed fears of online fraud, identity theft, corporate data breaches, and unauthorized access to their accounts. Yet, significantly fewer feel safe engaging in social media activities compared to 2023 (69%, down 7%).
On a positive note, 85% of Canadians say they are willing to learn new ways to protect their online information, highlighting the importance of ongoing education.
To help Canadians improve their online safety, RBC offers resources on its "Be Cyber Aware" website, including practical tips such as:
- Limit personal information on social platforms: Only accept friend requests from people you know, and minimize sharing online, even if privacy settings are enabled.
- Protect financial information: Avoid logging into online banking through links sent by email or text; always type the URL directly into your browser.
- Shop securely: Ensure websites have an “https” address and look for a padlock icon. Read reviews to verify the legitimacy of businesses.
- Create strong passwords: Use long, random passphrases of at least 16 characters for better security.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, RBC emphasizes the need for Canadians to stay informed and proactive in protecting their online presence.