How to protect yourself

Your password is like your digital signature.

Never share it with anyone, save it to your computer or write it down anywhere.

If someone has your password, they have access to your personal information and can make financial transactions in your name. This is called identity theft.

AccèsD and AccèsD Affaires password

Your AccèsD or AccèsD Affaires password must:

• be composed of 6 to 12 characters (letters and numbers) with at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter and one number
• be different from your last 6 passwords

Your password can be used to log in from a computer, tablet or mobile device. It cannot be used to log in by phone.

To make your password even more secure, we suggest you alternate between uppercase and lowercase letters.

Avoid:

• passwords that are easy to type, such as 123abc or 99999a (they are too easy to guess or see when looking over your shoulder as you enter them)
• the same passwords as your usernames (thieves usually try these numbers first)
• a single password for all of your access methods (if a thief gets hold of your password, they'll have access to the other banking systems or websites you use)

You can download apps that test the strength of your password.

If you think that your password has been compromised, change it immediately. You can do this yourself online on AccèsD or AccèsD Affaires.

You can also change your AccèsD or AccèsD Affaires password by contacting your caisse or Desjardins Business centre right away.

Get your caisse or Desjardins Business centre contact information.

Or call one of the following numbers:

Montreal area: 514-224-7737 (514-CAISSES)
Elsewhere in Canada and the U.S.: 1-800-224-7737 (1-800-CAISSES)

Call an AccèsD Affaires Services advisor at one of the following numbers:

Montreal area: 514-253-6166
Elsewhere in Canada and the U.S.: 1-888-233-2473

Update your computer

You need to update your software for optimal computer security.

1. Operating system (Windows, Mac OS)

   Updating your computer operating system is very important. Most computer attacks occur on computers that don't have the most recent security updates.

   If you are running Microsoft Windows, activate the automatic updates. If you are running Apple Macintosh, go to the software updates - This link will open in a new window page on Apple's website.

   In addition to updating the operating system, it's just as important to make sure that your computer's software is updated regularly.

2. Browser

   Make sure you have the latest updates, including security content:

   • Microsoft Edge - This link will open in a new window
   • Mozilla Firefox - This link will open in a new window
   • Safari - This link will open in a new window
   • Chrome - This link will open in a new window (updates are automatic)

   N.B.: These software updates are not hosted on the Desjardins site. They can be found on the manufacturer's website.

   In any case, activate automatic updates if the option is available for your browser.

3. Plug-ins

   Plug-ins (complimentary applications for Web browsers) have to be updated:

   • Adobe Flash - This link will open in a new window
   • Adobe Reader - This link will open in a new window
   • Java - This link will open in a new window

   N.B.: These software updates are not hosted on the Desjardins site. They can be found on the manufacturer's website.

   In any case, activate automatic updates for your plug-ins.

Take security measures

Install security software

It's crucial that you make sure your computer has security software with an automatic update feature as well as:

• Antivirus software
• Anti-spyware software
• Anti-Spam software

Use a firewall

A firewall is a security unit that keeps people from taking control of your PC. Make sure that your operating system firewall is activated or that your antivirus software allows for firewalls.

Keep watch

In addition to setting up your computer with the correct security measures, you have to keep watch for any unusual browser behaviour when using Desjardins online services.

For example, you may have a virus if you're asked for any unusual information when you log in (date of birth, SIN), even though:

• the website address is correct (www.desjardins.com or accesd.desjardins.com)
• the padlock at the bottom of the page is locked
• the address begins with https://

How to protect your PC from computer viruses

• Find out what to do if you believe your computer may be infected by a computer virus.
• Be sure to protect your PC from computer viruses.

If you receive email that seemingly comes from Desjardins and asks you to confirm your personal information, assume it is fraudulent. We will never, under any circumstances, contact you by email in the event of an emergency. Learn how to recognize phony emails.

Be careful when downloading attachments because they may have a virus. Don't open e-mail from unknown senders. Learn how to protect your PC from computer viruses

Most independent software vendors of antivirus programs work with email account providers to offer services to counter spam. Ask the vendor for details.

If you check your email or log in to AccèsD on a public computer, make sure that you use the private browsing feature:

• In Firefox, in the File menu, select Start Private Browsing.
• In Google Chrome, select on Settings, and then New incognito window.
• In Safari, go to the Safari menu and then select Private browsing.

Social networks sites facilitate open communication and the creation of virtual networks where people can exchange with friends the world over. It would be natural to think that "virtual friends" are also friends in the physical world, but is that really the case? In these virtual communities, a stranger can easily pass himself off as a friend and gather personal information about you for fraudulent purposes.

This is why we recommend you never include the following information about yourself in your profile:

• phone numbers
• address
• date of birth
• employer name
• spouse and children's names
• any other piece of personal information

This information can be used by scammers to steal your identity.

Private or public profile?

When you create your profile, we recommend you do not accept the site's default security settings.

Instead, ensure that your profile is private so your information is not available to all Facebook members, for example, and do not automatically allow virtual friends to email you. Read and understand the Security Settings and Privacy Policy of each social network site you use.

Be aware that all information you publish on a social networking site automatically becomes property of the site. By accepting the site's terms of use, you accept that your photos, postings, email address and date of birth can be sold to third parties.

If you decide to go on a social networking site, follow our advice and assume that, no matter how many precautions you take, whatever you post is available to the entire Web community, including cybercriminals operating on these networks.

Resources

• Guide: Basic Privacy Settings & Tools - This link will open in a new window
• Personal Information and Scams Protection – Protecting Your Information Online - This link will open in a new window – Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Your online footprint

According to a Microsoft study, 57% of Canadian adults do not effectively protect their personal online data. Making your personal information public is risky.

To better understand how scammers can steal your identity with your personal online information, Desjardins calls on you to do a simple test:

1. Go to the Google - This link will open in a new window website.
2. Enter your name in quotes (e.g. "Alphonse Desjardins").
3. Try to rebuild your identity with the information you find.
4. Can you create a realistic picture of your life and get personal and professional information that could allow a scammer to impersonate you?
5. Limit access to your information.

By doing so, you are protecting yourself against identity theft, fraud, and all types of scams.

Personal and confidential information to protect:

• Date of birth
• Address
• Your mother's maiden name
• Passport information
• Numbers:
  • credit card>
  • social insurance
  • financial institution accounts
  • driver's licence

• Avoid disclosing personal information:

  • on social networks
  • in businesses
  • when entering a contest

  Ask questions

  When you are asked to disclose personal information, ask questions to get a clear understanding of the needs of the person requesting your information. You have the right to do so.

  • Why do you need this information?
  • Can I just show you my pieces of identification? Must you keep them?
  • How will my information be protected?

  When you are about to disclose information voluntarily on social networks, for example, ask yourself if you need to disclose this information. It is your responsibility.

  See 5 essential tips to protect your mobile device

  If you suspect that you are a victim of identity theft, see Refunds in the event of fraud.

  Source: What does your online image project about you? (GCNW Group/Microsoft Canada)