Use this tool to protect your mobile device from spam

(NC)—Canada's new anti-spam law is designed to give business owners and consumers more confidence in the electronic marketplace when using any electronic device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet or computer. Spam is also used as the vehicle for the delivery of other online threats such as spyware, phishing and malware. However, as not all threats will be eliminated, Canadians still need to take action to protect themselves.

At www.fightspam.gc.ca, the federal government has posted information about the law along with a series of valuable tips, such as those in the Mobile Protection Toolbox. This toolbox is a comprehensive guide that offers facts and tips on protecting yourself from spam and other electronic threats. Here is just one example about ensuring your Wi-Fi protection:

Many public places such as coffee shops, airports and libraries offer access to free Wi-Fi Internet networks for users of electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartphones or laptop computers. Connecting to public networks can pose some risks, however, so here are some easy tips to help protect yourself:

• Never surf the Internet on a Wi-Fi network without first enabling your firewall.

• When possible, enable the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and HTTPS options to increase your security when accessing email and social networking sites.

• Do not conduct transactions or exchange sensitive data on a site whose web URL begins with only an HTTP web URL. Look for HTTPS sites, which are safer and more secure.

• Avoid exchanging sensitive data when using a public Wi-Fi network. Wait until you get home and have access to the Internet through a safe, trusted source.

• Turn off the Wi-Fi connection on your mobile device when you are not using the Internet. Hackers can use it to create peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connections to your device, allowing direct access to everything on your device.

• Enable wireless encryption and password protection when using Wi-Fi at home. You should be able to find instructions on how to do this properly in the documentation that came with your device or the online support site for your device.

For more information, tips and tools to help you protect yourself from spam and other electronic threats, go to www.fightspam.gc.ca.

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