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How to protect yourself while participating in online activities in Canada

Sponsored: This article discusses how users can safeguard their personal information and look out for potential threats while engaging in various sources of virtual entertainment
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Protect yourself while enjoying virtual activities.

The consumption of digital media has increased in Canada over the past decade. Nowadays, Canadians can use streaming services, online gaming, virtual events and more, all in one click. 

With the growth of such networks, the question of safeguarding users’ personal information, and minimizing the consequences of encountering cyberspace threats, arises. 

Whether enjoying a new blockbuster series on Netflix or discovering the vast world of online gaming, Canadians must protect themselves while enjoying these virtual activities.

Staying secure in the gaming sphere

Tremendous growth has been realized in the gaming industry in Canada, and the increase in online gaming is a key contributing factor. Canadians can spend as much time as they’d like in multiplayer online battle arenas and immersive role-playing games.

However, due to the high level of engagement, there’s a need to improve the security aspects of online gaming. For instance, video game players should be careful of falling prey to bad players or hacking organizations on their gaming platforms.

Another critical aspect of the security of different web-based gaming platforms is their ability to subscribe to the usage of safe gaming sites. This includes identifying sites with high-security features, such as encrypting data and using two-factor identification.

Safe Online Gambling Canada is an indication of the fact that people can engage in gambling without having to endure the harms present in cyber gaming. It reiterates the need to play on approved sites that follow the country's legal requirements and are secure for users' information.

Protecting your data while streaming

Internet streaming has changed the way in which Canadians spend their leisure time, providing them with the ability to access hours of entertainment with a single click. This includes films and television programs, documentaries, live sports and more. 

However, streaming platforms are a prime target for hackers, which multiply as more users and clients shift to streaming for entertainment. Thus, taking several precautions regarding personal information is necessary. The first step users should take is to create powerful and distinct passwords for their accounts. Passwords must be strong, including letters, numbers and symbols, in order to make guessing the password as difficult as possible.

Enjoying live experiences and virtual events without the risks

With the rise of virtual-based events, Canadians can enjoy live concerts, conferences and workshops from the comfort of their homes. Even though these events offer an opportunity to view live experiences that cannot be otherwise easily accessed, they also come with potential threats to security. 

Selecting participants on reputable platforms when participating in virtual events is necessary to avoid such pitfalls. This includes having a mechanism that ensures that users’ data is encrypted to prevent it from being accessed by unauthorized people and ways through which users can make secure payments for the tickets. 

Also, participants should refrain from giving out their personal details during the event, whether through chat sessions or whichever social networking sites they are accessing.

Guarding against digital scams

Modern forms of internet scams can vary, including phishing emails, fake websites, fraudulent apps and social media scams. It’s vital that these threats are identified and that ways to prevent them are determined so that safe internet browsing can be achieved. 

Phishing attacks are reported as the most frequently witnessed cyber threat. In this scenario, criminals provide fake emails, fake messages or even fake websites intending to deceive the users into giving them their valuable data. Since these scammers claim to belong to a specific organization or are an online platform, they are hard to identify. This means that the sender should always exercise caution whenever they receive a message or an email from those they do not know or have no business relations with.

As a general rule of thumb, confirm the sender's legitimacy before replying or clicking on the link provided.

Understanding terms and conditions

Online consumers often provide consent by accepting terms and conditions when consuming digital entertainment services; however, such consent is often given with limited understanding.

Usually, these are not conspicuous but may tremendously impact the individual’s private life and security. However, it is pertinent to be cautious and read the terms and conditions of any digital service before signing on the dotted line.

Before signing, be informed on the type of information being collected, how it will be used and with whom it will be shared.

As well, when downloading digital apps and subscribing to digital services, there is a need to be cautious, as installation allows the platform to request permission to peruse private data.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented on this page/site is intended for entertainment purposes only. Please be aware that gambling entails inherent risks, and it's crucial to acknowledge this when utilizing online gambling platforms.

This sponsored content has been paid for by our sponsor and does not reflect the reviews and recommendations made by Times Colonist staff.