Technology

Canadians’ online behaviour can put them at moderate to high risk of cyber attacks: RBC Cyber Safety Index

Published

4 hours ago

October 1, 2024

Using public Wi-Fi, reusing passwords, and providing personal information are the top three risks Canadians take online

TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2024 /CNW/ – Despite awareness of cyber best practices, many Canadians are still putting themselves at risk online, according to a new RBC survey, which found that two-in-five Canadians (38%) qualify as moderate to high-risk potential for becoming victims of cyber-attacks.

RBC’s new Cyber Safety Index reviewed how often Canadians engage in certain behaviours online. While the majority practice at least some good cyber hygiene, less than half say they always use all of the recommended online safety behaviours, which include keeping their software and operating systems updated (71%), using two-factor authentication/verification on online banking accounts (67%), enabling privacy and security settings on all devices (65%) and limiting who follows them on social media (63%). Less than a third (30%) always or often use virtual private networks (VPN) when surfing public Wi-Fi; or password generators to create secure, random passwords for online accounts (28%), leaving considerable room to improve across the board.

“The responses to our Cyber Safety Index show that while many Canadians are aware of things they can do to be safer online, there’s still opportunities for them to change behaviours and close that risk gap,” said Adam Evans, chief information security officer at RBC. “At RBC, we’re focused on providing Canadians with the practical tips and education they need to take control of their online safety and mitigate risks in an ever-evolving digital world.”

Canadians still taking cyber risks

On the flip side, many Canadians are also participating in risky online activities that could further increase the potential of exposure to cyber-attacks. Within the past year, over three-quarters (77%) have knowingly or accidentally engaged in at least one risky online behaviour, with the most commonly reported being using public Wi-Fi (49%). Others include consenting to share their personal information when asked (27%), clicking on pop-up ads (19%), visiting unsecure websites (18%) and ignoring privacy settings on social media platforms (13%).

Furthermore, over a third (35%) agree they have used the same password(s) across multiple platforms, and nearly as many are more concerned about missing out on exclusive events/activities than disclosing personal information online (32%), and/or have interacted with unsolicited texts or social media messages (31%).

Top safety concerns

Despite these results, the vast majority of Canadians said they are concerned about being victimized by online fraud (80%), identity theft (84%), corporate data breaches (79%), being hacked (84%), and/or experiencing unauthorized access to their online accounts (87%), in line with last year. However, significantly fewer feel safe engaging in social media activities (69%; -7 pts) compared to 2023.

Fortunately, a growing proportion of Canadians (85%; +3 points) say they are comfortable learning new ways to protect their online information compared to last year, underscoring the importance of ongoing education and support to help them navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively.

RBC has articles and guides for Canadians on its Be Cyber Aware website, including the following tips:

Limit the information you share on social platforms. Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know, and even if the privacy settings on your accounts are enabled, try to limit what you share online to avoid scams like spear-phishing.Keep your financial information safe. Never log in to online banking using a link sent through email, text message, or social media. Instead, type the address into your browser. Clear your browser’s memory cache regularly to improve security.Be vigilant when shopping online. Look for the little padlock icon to the left of the URL bar and ensure the website you’re visiting has an address that begins with “https.” Read reviews before you buy to ensure they’re legitimate and trustworthy businesses.Create long, strong passwords. Always use the maximum password length allowed and aim for at least 16 characters. Longer is better, like “passphrases” made of randomly chosen words, that can be easy to remember and hard for someone else to guess.

To learn more, visit rbc.com/cyber.

About the RBC Study
These are the findings of an Ipsos poll conducted on behalf of RBC. The survey was conducted in English and French. A sample of 1,894 Canadians over 18 was surveyed online via the Ipsos I-Say panel from May 3 to 7, 2024.

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 100,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 18 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet.

For more information, please contact:
Kiara Famularo, Communications, RBC, 437-217-7044

SOURCE RBC

Technology

Spaceport Partners With Own The Doge to Bring the Message of “Do Only Good Everyday (D.O.G.E.)” to Roblox, Fortnite and the Digital Realm with One of the World’s Most Iconic Memes, Kabosu: The Doge

Published

7 mins ago

October 1, 2024

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Spaceport, the leading innovator in unlocking the power of intellectual Property (IP) and user-generated content (UGC), today announced an exciting partnership with Own the Doge, the official custodians of the Kabosu “Doge” IP. Own The Doge is committed to giving back to charity whenever possible, just like their inspiration Atsuko Sato, the Dogemother. This collaboration not only helps spread that message by increasing the visibility of the Doge IP to new audiences on digital platforms like Roblox, Fortnite and more. It also helps increase licensing fees which are a vital source of funding for grants that the community gives to a variety of nonprofits and community projects globally.

The Doge, with its instantly recognizable image and important message of “Do Only Good Everyday”, has transcended the realm of memes to become a global cultural phenomenon. This partnership empowers UGC developers, and creators across gaming, the metaverse, and other digital spaces to spread the Doge IP and its message of creating a better society.

“Kabosu, the Doge, is more than just a meme; It’s a symbol of positivity and community,” said Le Zhang, Founder and CEO of Spaceport. “We’re thrilled to partner with Own the Doge to make this iconic IP accessible to creators who share the Doge spirit and want to make a positive impact with their work.”

“We’re excited to work with Spaceport to bring the Doge to a wider audience and empower a new generation of creators while raising funds for our charitable giving,” said Tridog, Chief Dog of Own The Doge. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to spread positivity and make a difference in the world, just like the Dogemother herself, Atsuko Sato.”

This announcement builds on Spaceport’s continued expansion of its IP portfolio. Recent partnerships include Toei Animation and Com2uS, further demonstrating Spaceport’s commitment to providing creators and developers with access to the world’s most recognizable and beloved IP.

About Spaceport

Spaceport is building the Internet of IP (Intellectual Property) by seamlessly connecting brands and agencies with the world’s largest network of creators and developers. The company’s mission is to democratize access to the world’s best IPs, empowering owners to unlock new revenue streams and enhance fan engagement. As the leading solution for millions of creators on top platforms like Roblox, Fortnite and Threadless, Spaceport is shaping a future where all IP, both online and offline, is efficiently managed and monetized through their innovative Web3-based infrastructure. Founded in 2022 and headquartered next to MIT in Cambridge, MA with offices in Los Angeles and Berkeley, CA, Spaceport is pioneering the future of IP. Learn more at https://www.spaceport.xyz/

About Own The Doge
Own The Doge is a movement backed by the original Doge meme, endorsed by Atsuko Sato and the dog we all know and love, Kabosu. Our mission is to use the Doge meme and IP to pursue, propel and proliferate the ethos of D.O.G.E. (Doing Only Good Everyday). Join in on the fun at ownthedoge.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spaceport-partners-with-own-the-doge-to-bring-the-message-of-do-only-good-everyday-doge-to-roblox-fortnite-and-the-digital-realm-with-one-of-the-worlds-most-iconic-memes-kabosu-the-doge-302264152.html

SOURCE Spaceport.xyz

Technology

Advisory Board Announced for Geo Week 2025 in Denver CO

Published

7 mins ago

October 1, 2024

Geo Week Advisory Board is set to help deliver critical insights to geospatial and built world professionals.

PORTLAND, Maine, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Portland, Maine – USA, October 1, 2024 – Organizers of Geo Week, the premier event that champions the coming together of geospatial technologies and the built world, have announced an impressive list of influential leaders within the geospatial and built world industries who will be participating on the 2025 Advisory Board. The Advisory Board is responsible for recommending conference topics and speakers, reviewing submitted abstracts, consulting on the program, and acting as a resource to develop different aspects of the event. Geo Week 2025 takes place February 10-12, 2025, in Denver, Colorado.

“Geo Week brings together experts and academics across the whole spectrum of the geospatial community. This allows attendees to see what is new and is being developed in terms of technology, methods, and ideas, all in one place,” – Andrew Brenner, NV5 Geospatial.

Members of the 2025 Advisory Board include:
Dr. Qassim Abdullah, Woolpert, Inc.
Aaron Addison, World Geospatial Industry Council (WGIC)
Dan Bellissemo, GIS Surveyors, Inc.
Andrew Brenner, NV5 Geospatial
Matthew Byrd, Reality Capture Network
Martin Flood, GeoCue
Robert Hanson, MAPPS
Thomas Haun, Turner Staffing Group
Shawana Johnson, Global Marketing Insights, Inc.
Christopher Kercheval, TopKerv Consulting
Kourosh Langari, Caltrans
Dr. Derek Lichti, ISPRS
John McCombs, ASPRS
Jonathan Murphy, GoGeomatics Canada
Danielle O’Connell, Skanska
John Russo, USIBD
Claire L. Rutkowski, POWER Engineers
Ronda Schrenk, USGIF
Scott Simmons, Open Geospatial Consortium
Jason Stoker, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Bios can be found here.

Registration will open in October. Geospatial and built world professionals are encouraged to register early to secure discounted conference pricing and to fill out the Attendee Inquiry form for event updates.

About Geo Week

Geo Week, presented by Geo Weeks News, was created in response to the changing needs of the built world and geospatial professionals and to acknowledge the increasing convergence of technology. Geo Week’s conference program and tradeshow floor feature commercial applications of 3D technologies, innovations, and case studies in the built environment, advanced airborne and terrestrial remote sensing solutions, smart products for a full project team, and more. Multiple strategic partnerships, including Conference and Event Partners ASPRS and Reality Capture Network, plus Event Partners ISPRS, MAPPS, USGIF, USIBD, and WGIC strengthen Geo Week. Geo Week occurs February 10-12, 2025, at the Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO. For more information, visit https://www.geo-week.com/.

Geo Week is produced by Diversified Communications’ technology portfolio, which also includes Commercial UAV News; Geo Week, Geo Week Newsletter, 3D Technology Newsletter, AEC Innovations Newsletter, Geo Business (UK) and Digital Construction Week (UK).

For more information about exhibiting at the Geo Week, visit the Exhibitor Information page or contact Casey Reynolds, Sales Manager, at creynolds@divcom.com or (207) 842-5624 or Dominique Caron, Account Executive, at dcaron@divcom.com or (207) 842-5404. For Attendee Inquiries, visit the Attendee Inquiry page or email info@geo-week.com

Questions?

Lora Burns,
Geo Week Senior Marketing Manager,
lburns@divcom.com

Media Contact

Lora Burns, Diversified Communication, (207) 842-5522, Lburns@divcom.com, https://www.geo-week.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/advisory-board-announced-for-geo-week-2025-in-denver-co-302263974.html

SOURCE Diversified Communication

Technology

Sun River Health Hosts Climate and Health Equity in Action Event in Brooklyn

Published

7 mins ago

October 1, 2024

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Sun River Health, a health care provider with sites throughout the Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island, was proud to host an ecoAmerica Climate and Health Equity in Action event on Wednesday, September 25 at their health center on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. Panelists Anne Kauffman Nolon, MPH, CEO of Sun River Health, Zoya Teirstein, Staff Write at Grist, Jessica Hinshaw, Environmental Health Director of the National Association of Community Health Centers, Ben Fulgencio-Turner, Director of Climate for Health at ecoAmerica, and Katherine Catalano, Deputy Director of the Center for Climate & Health Equity at the American Public Health Association, gathered together to discuss climate solutions that center on the needs of low-income and marginalized communities who are the most vulnerable in the face of the climate change crisis.

Climate change poses a number of impacts on health, including heat related illness and death; cardiovascular failure; forced migration; mental health impacts; malnutrition and gastro-intestinal disease; water-borne disease; respiratory disease, including asthma and allergies; and vector-borne disease, including malaria, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus. The national cost of continued climate change inaction could be up to $820 billion annually.

With over 86% of community health center patients living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, Anne Kauffman Nolon shared the pledge of the Sun River Health Board of Directors to do their part to meet the challenge posed by climate change by reducing their own climate footprint, preparing for climate impacts, and leading the way to a low carbon future.

To see the livestreamed recording of the event, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FhA_qcy5co

About Sun River Health

Sun River Health is a network of 50 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) providing primary, dental, pediatric, OB-GYN, and behavioral health care to over 250,000 patients annually. With a dedicated staff of 2,000 doctors, nurses, and health care professionals, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, affordable care to those who need it most. Sun River Health started in 1975 when four African American mothers started efforts to open our first health center in Peekskill, New York to deliver accessible, high-quality, affordable health care services to patients in need – no matter their race, religion, income, or insurance status. Today, after more than 45 years of service, Sun River Health is still delivering on that promise to communities across the Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island.

sunriver.org

For more information, contact:
Jeffrey Palmer
917-692-9174 / jpalmer@sunriver.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sun-river-health-hosts-climate-and-health-equity-in-action-event-in-brooklyn-302264131.html

SOURCE Sun River Health