Cyber security vigilance
GC Digital Competencies: Cyber security vigilance
Take personal responsibility for safeguarding data, information and systems in your work environment by consistently using cyber security best practices and departmental standards.
How you can demonstrate cyber security vigilance
You can demonstrate cyber security vigilance through various actions and behaviours, including the following examples:
- threat detection: carefully check communications for phishing or suspicious activity to prevent security breaches
- password security: secure accounts using unique, complex passphrases and password management tools
- access security: enable multifactor authentication to strengthen account security
- network security: follow organizational protocols to maintain network security, including VPN use and avoiding public Wi-Fi
- device updates: update software and applications promptly to guard against security threats
- incident reporting: report security risks or breaches promptly for rapid mitigation
- data and information security: follow GC policies, applying access controls and encryption to safeguard information
- device protection: securely store devices when unattended to prevent theft or misuse
If you are a leader, you can:
- partner with security experts to put up-to-date protections in place to protect digital systems and enable employees to follow safe practices
- reinforce expectations for completing and maintaining security awareness training and address gaps in understanding or participation
- balance security and usability through practical, risk-informed decisions that protect trust while reducing unnecessary friction for users and teams
- engage cyber security and privacy experts early so that risks, constraints and responsibilities are clear before work begins
- regularly check security risks and use them to guide decisions as the work moves forward instead of treating risk assessment as something done only once
- consider known security risks and readiness when planning or approving work across internal and external programs or services
How you can help
This is a work in progress, and we will continue to improve it based on your feedback.
Share your thoughts and suggestions by email at icommunity-icollectivite@tbs-sct.gc.ca.