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Cyber crimes now total in the billions of dollars a year: OPP

Oct. 1 marks start of Cyber Security Awareness Month
Sudbury.com Staff
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October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, and the Ontario Provincial Police sees it as an opportunity to take a multi-pronged approach to address the many threats posed by cyber criminals.

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, and the Ontario Provincial Police sees it as an opportunity to take a multi-pronged approach to address the many threats posed by cyber criminals.

The impact of fraud and victimization through technology as a target and technology used as a tool now totals in the billions of dollars annually in Canada, said the OPP. The destruction is only expected to expand through the 'Internet of Things' — devices connected via the Internet that collect and exchange information with one another and with us.

During October, police services and subject matter experts from across the country want to safeguard all Canadians from becoming victims of online and digital crimes. The OPP 2017 Cyber Security Awareness Month public, media and social media campaign will focus on four broader themes, including:

  • Identity theft
  • Two-factor Authentication and digital citizenship (Online Child Safety)
  • Online shopping and Safe Trade Zones
  • OPP Cyber Crime Investigations Team

“The OPP is spreading the word among its own 9,200 employees to demystify threats, enhance education and awareness, and to ensure OPP information systems remain secure,” said a news release. “The OPP is encouraging its members to share online safety tips and best practices with their children, family members and friends.”

“The OPP Cyber Strategy aligns with our public safety partners' efforts to prevent cyber criminals from victimizing our communities while securing our own information systems,” said OPP Commissioner Vince Hawkes. “We encourage our members to take a leadership role to safeguard their personal lives and their communities by sharing and implementing best practices learned at work.”

“Digital and web-based evidence are vital to nearly every OPP investigation,” said Deputy Commissioner Rick Barnum, OPP Investigations and Organized Crime.

“From creating a stand-alone Cyber Crime Investigation Team to capturing digital evidence right at our cruisers, the OPP is demonstrating its commitment to world-class investigations and safer communities. But it starts with awareness.”

If you or someone you know suspects they've been a victim of digital or online crime, contact your local police service, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, report it to the OPP online at opp.ca or through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) at tipsubmit.com.