Equifax Tells Canadians to do More to Protect their Data

Equifax Tells Canadians to do More to Protect their Data

Despite their new image as a failed cybersecurity company, Equifax is warning Canadians to do more to protect their data.

Equifax, the company that two U.S. Congressional investigations accused of having poor security after suffering a huge data breach that exposed the personal information of millions of people, is now concerned ordinary Canadians aren't doing enough to keep financial information secure.

In a survey released this week, Equifax Canada said fewer Canadians are double-checking their financial statements, shredding personal documents, or installing secure software on their computers despite the increased threat of fraud and identity theft.

“It seems that complacency is setting in for some people when we actually need to be more vigilant than ever in the fight against fraud,” Tara Zecevic, Equifax Canada’s vice-president of fraud prevention and identity management said in a release accompanying the survey.

The survey release comes just one eek after a U.S. Senate subcommittee released a highly critical report into the 2017 incident that made the personal information of 145 million Americans and 19,000 Canadians vulnerable to cybercriminals. Not only that, vulnerability scans failed to detect that the urgency needed to patch Apache Struts web framework hadn't been installed - in part because the IT departments didn't know a server was using a vulnerable version.

Zecevic said the Equifax Canada survey came after seeing an increase in credit card fraud. This was the second annual survey. It wasn’t immediately clear how many people were questioned this year.

The survey found that consumers were doing more in two areas: sharing less on social media (up 43 percent from 39 percent from the previous year) and more people are checking their credit reports (up to 28 percent from 21 percent). Surprisingly, the report said, millennials checked their credit reports more than any other age group (29 percent).

However, only 35 percent of respondents (and 22 percent of millennials) said they install and/or update security software on your personal computer. And only 49 percent (39 percent of millennials) said they regularly update their security passwords. This last may not be serious; experts say as long as a password is strong enough it isn’t necessary to change passwords over short periods as previously recommended.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • NOLA: The Crescent City

    Twenty years later we finds ourselves in New Orleans. Twenty years ago the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina forced exhibitors and attendees to look elsewhere for tradeshow floor space. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • Nothing Artificial About this Intelligence

    I have been looking forward to this year’s GSX show in New Orleans, the Cresent City, or if you prefer The Big Easy. It seems like quite a while since we’ve been here. Twenty years ago, ASIS, as it was known then was literally washed out of the city by someone known as Katrina. It is a good thing to come back to NOLA. Read Now

  • From Monitors to Mission Control

    Security Operations Centers (SOC) were once defined by rows of static monitors, each displaying a single feed with operators quietly watching for issues. That model has become obsolete. Incidents evolve too quickly, data comes from multiple locations, and decisions must be made in seconds—not minutes. Read Now

  • New Gas Monkey Garage Venue Uses AI-Enhanced Video Technology

    Gas Monkey Garage, the automotive custom shop and entertainment brand founded by Richard Rawlings of Fast N’ Loud TV fame, has opened a vibrant new restaurant and bar in South Dakota, equipped with advanced, AI-enhanced video tech from IDIS Americas. Read Now

  • Data Driven, Proactive Response

    As cities face rising demands for smarter policing and faster emergency response, Real Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) are emerging as essential hubs for data-driven public safety. In this interview, two experts with deep field experience — Ross Bourgeois of New Orleans and Dean Cunningham of Axis Communications — draw on decades of operational, leadership and technology expertise to share how RTCCs are transforming public safety through innovation, interagency collaboration and a relentless focus on community impact. Read Now

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.