Why I’m keeping cybersecurity security top of mind in 2021

Have you ever been a victim of cybercrime? Unfortunately, we have. Our credit card was compromised a few months ago. In our situation, the individuals who had our card information tested it out with small purchases first like takeout and groceries, and then booked a trip to Thailand! Honestly, it was SUCH an invasive feeling. I didn't feel safe and I felt so exposed. After it happened, I found myself constantly checking our accounts to make sure all purchases were valid.

The reality is these incidents of cybercrime are becoming more prevalent, especially in our more-connected-than-ever realities. According to Statistics Canada, more than 40% of Canadians have experienced at least one type of cyber security incident since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, including phishing attacks, malware, fraud and hacked accounts.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I work in real estate. Given the nature of real estate transactions, I have a responsibility to my clients to keep their personal information safe and secure. I also understand how important it is for me to take that same level of responsibility when it comes to protecting my own personal information. That’s why learning about TELUS Online Security Powered by NortonLifeLock was such a relief. The added level of online security it provides to protect me and my family from cybersecurity threats means the world to me and was a no brainer for our family.

Here are only a few of the ways their all-in-one protection plans help protect us against online threats:

Device Security: helps protect your devices in real-time against ransomware, viruses, spyware, malware, and other online threats. It includes a Password Manager, which stores your passwords in a secure, online vault, further protected by a strong, master password. I also love the PC SafeCam feature, which blocks unauthorized access to your webcam. Not only is this important for myself and Jason, but also gives us peace of mind when the boys are using any of our devices.

Bank, Credit Card and Investment Account Activity Alerts: Like I mentioned before-- our credit card has been compromised in the past. I love that the platform alerts me when there’s any suspicious activity on my bank accounts or credit cards. Especially in the past year and doing so much shopping online, it’s a relief to have that added layer of monitoring. LifeLock does not monitor all transactions at all business, so you may not receive an alert in every single case.

Full-Service Identity Restoration: Between making sure the boys are looked after, work, hockey, the podcast-- there truly aren’t enough hours in the day. Which is why I absolutely love this feature. If Jason or I do experience identity theft, a dedicated Identity Restoration Specialist is assigned to take action and help restore my identity. Which means you have a specialist by your side and you aren’t stuck trying to solve the mess yourself.

Jason and I don't like to take any chances and cyber criminals are only getting more clever at compromising and using your identity. TELUS Online Security Powered by NortonLifeLock has given us greater peace of mind knowing we have that added layer of protection. It’s available across Canada (some features not yet available to residents of Quebec) and you don’t have to be a current TELUS customer to subscribe. The plans are anywhere from $10 - $30 per month. But don’t just take my word for it. Check it out here. #TELUS_Partner

No one can prevent all cybercrime or identity theft. Features vary by plans and you can check out a full list of features here. Not available to residents of Quebec.