Reminder about the importance of cyber security

Dear colleagues, 

I would like to remind you about the importance of maintaining strong cyber security practices at Parks Canada. 

Recently, Global Affairs Canada was affected by a security breach where individuals gained unauthorized access to networks and protected information. This is a strong reminder that we, as Government of Canada employees, must remain vigilant and prioritize cyber safety. 

With the increasing prevalence of digital technologies in our workplace, it is essential that we take a thorough and collaborative approach to managing our cyber security risks. 

Here are some things you can do to help keep yourself and Parks Canada cyber safe: 

• 🔒Use strong passwords: We recently asked you to update your computer password to align with password guidance from the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS). Please ensure your password or passphrase is strong and unique. And avoid using the same password across accounts. Best practices for passphrases and passwords 
• 🐟 Don’t get phished: Phishing attacks are becoming increasingly common. Be vigilant about emails or text messages that seem suspicious. Never click on links or download attachments from unknown sources and always report suspicious emails. It is better to be safe than sorry. Recognize and avoid phishing messages. 
• 📖 Develop your skills: Participate in the Discover Cyber Security training course offered by the Canada School of Public Service. This is an online self-paced course that helps build a greater awareness and understanding of cyber risks at work. Be proactive by exploring the Get Cyber Safe website and learning more about online safety. 

Cyber security is a continuous and collective responsibility - we all play an important role in keeping our systems and information safe from cyber threats. 

Thank you for your commitment to be cyber safe at Parks Canada. 

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact the IT Security team. 

Richard Barrette 
Chief Information Officer