Tips for cyber safe holidays and travel

‘Tis the season for cyber security 

As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to stay vigilant about cyber security. Here are a few tips to help protect your personal and professional information and devices during this festive time. 

• Be cautious of phishing emails: Holiday-themed scams are on the rise. Stay alert and cautious with unexpected emails and texts, especially those requesting sensitive information. Always verify the sender before clicking on any link or downloading attachments. Learn how to recognize and avoid phishing messages. 
• Report suspicious emails: Use the “Report Phishing” button located at the top right of your Parks Canada Outlook application to report any suspicious emails. How the Report Phishing button works. 
• Stay informed: Visit the Get Cyber Safe website for more tips and guides on how to have a cyber safe holiday - including the classic holiday tales “Santa got hacked” and “The night before Unboxing Day”, and some cyber safe sing-alongs you can add to your holiday traditions! 

Travel safety tips 

International travel 

If you’re planning international travel, including to the United States, leave your Government of Canada (GC) devices at home or in the office. 

• Why this matters: Using GC devices abroad without approval can pose significant cyber security risks - not just for you but for Parks Canada and the entire country. Taking GC devices abroad requires authorizations and pre-approvals. 

Contact IT Security if you have questions about travelling with a GC device. 

Travelling in Canada 

Tips to keep your GC devices safe when travelling within Canada: 

• Where possible, avoid using public Wi-Fi for business needs. 
• Always keep your devices with you. 
• Lock up valuable and sensitive electronic equipment when it is not in use. 
• Always lock your screen when stepping away, even for a few minutes. 

If you have any questions or would like more information about cyber security, please contact us by email at secti-itsec@pc.gc.ca.  

Thank you for helping to keep Parks Canada cyber safe. 

Digital Systems and Services wishes you a joyful holiday season filled with secure and meaningful connections, online and offline! 🎄 

Richard Barrette 
Chief Information Officer