Cybersecurity protects our students, employees, research, and institutional reputation. Everyone has a role in keeping systems and data safe. This page provides practical advice, Polytechnic-specific reporting processes, and links to trusted Canadian resources. 

If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, phishing attempt, or your device has been compromised, act quickly. 

Report an Incident

For further assistance, please contact the ITS Help Desk: 

Recognizing Common Attacks
Phishing (Email)
  • Fraudulent emails that appear to come from a trusted source
  • They often contain links or attachments designed to steal credentials or install malware
Smishing (Text Messages)
  • Messages that appear to come from banks, service providers, or the Polytechnic
  • They direct you to click a link or call a number to provide personal information
Vishing (Phone Calls)
  • Phone-based scams where callers pretend to be officials or trusted contacts
  • They may ask for credit card details, banking information, or passwords
Malicious Attachments & Links
  • Files or links are disguised as legitimate
  • Opening them can install malware or redirect you to forged websites
Malware
  • Software that performs unwanted or harmful activity, including spyware, ransomware, or trojans
  • Malware can corrupt files, steal information, or hijack your device
Protecting Yourself Online
Passwords & Credentials
  • Use strong passwords at least 12 characters long
  • Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
  • Avoid using personal details such as names, pets, or birthdays
  • Do not reuse passwords across sites
  • Use a password manager to store complex, unique passwords
  • Change your passwords regularly and update them immediately if you suspect a breach
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • Adds a second layer of verification, making it much harder for attackers to gain access
  • Can include a mobile device, security token, or biometric feature
  • Enable MFA for email, banking, and any sensitive accounts
Social Media Safety
  • Limit how much personal or work information you share online
  • Be cautious with third-party apps, games, and quizzes that request access to your profile
  • Cyber criminals may use details you post to craft targeted scams or to compromise Polytechnic accounts
Protecting Personal Information
  • Review privacy settings on devices, browsers, and apps
  • Purge data from old devices before recycling or discarding them
  • Safeguard your Social Insurance Number and share it only when legally required
  • Understand your rights under Canadian privacy laws such as PIPEDA and the Privacy Act
Protecting Your Devices & Networks
Keep Devices Updated
  • Enable automatic updates for computers, phones, tablets, and routers (updates fix vulnerabilities and protect you from exploits)
Antivirus & Firewalls
  • Install trusted antivirus or anti-malware software
  • Use a firewall to control incoming and outgoing traffic
Encryption & Backups
  • Enable encryption on laptops, phones, tablets, and USB drives (encryption protects sensitive files if your device is lost or stolen)
  • Regularly back up important files to secure locations
Home Network Security
  • Change the default administrator password on your router
  • Use WPA2 or WPA3 security with a strong, unique Wi-Fi password
  • Disable WPS and remote management features
  • Update router firmware regularly
  • Limit connections to trusted devices
  • Create a separate password-protected guest network when needed
What To Do If You've Been Hacked
You've Been Hacked: Immediate Steps
  • Disconnect your device from the internet
  • Contact the ITS Help Desk right away
  • Run antivirus or security scans
  • Change passwords from a secure, clean device
Reporting Security Incidents
  • Report any suspected compromise of Polytechnic systems or data to your supervisor and the ITS Help Desk, and also report lost or stolen Polytechnic-owned equipment
Identity Theft
  • Warning signs include unexplained charges on accounts, debt collection calls for accounts you did not open, or sudden denial of credit
  • Protect yourself by reviewing statements, shredding sensitive documents, and ordering your credit report annually
  • If you become a victim, contact creditors, file a police report, and reach out to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Scams & Fraud

Criminals use email, phone, door-to-door, and online scams. Warning signs include: 

  • Offers that sound too good to be true
  • Requests for urgent action
  • Demands for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer

If you are targeted, collect all evidence, contact your local police, and report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Additional Cybersecurity Resources

For further assistance, please contact the ITS Help Desk at any time.