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Have a Happy and Secure Holiday – Privacy and Security Tips

December 12, 2023

As many clinicians will be taking a well-deserved break for the holidays, OntarioMD would like to remind you to stay vigilant when using the internet during this busy time of year. Please exercise caution when choosing which websites to visit to make sure they are secure and will protect the privacy of your personal or confidential information.

OntarioMD has assembled some tips to help you protect your data:

  • Do not open emails from unknown senders or click on links they contain. They may be phishing to obtain your login credentials or other personal information. Spoofing has become all too common, so even if an email is from a sender you know, apply caution before clicking on any links, entering your credentials or other personal information, or opening attachments. Have a good look at the sending address – if it seems odd, then it probably is! Think before you click!
  • Do not use public Wi-Fi to connect to the internet to do your banking or access your EMR. Only connect using a secure network protected by a password and/or firewall, or through a virtual private network (VPN) to access these systems.
  • Keep your computer software and internet browser updated. These updates may provide new security features to prevent malware from sneaking onto your device(s).
  • Always use anti-virus software which works proactively to protect your devices by preventing, detecting and removing threats.
  • Always look for https:// or a lock symbol in every URL you access when entering your login credentials (i.e., username and password), personal details or credit card numbers to ensure the site is secure and is using encryption.
  • Use a reputable online tool to check the credibility of a website if you are still unsure if the website is safe.
  • Protect your passwords by not making them visible to others. No post-it notes on your desk with passwords!
  • Always use strong passwords and change them often.
  • Always enable multi-factor authentications.
  • Exercise caution when accepting requests on social media platforms, including business and

    • employment-focused platforms. There are reports of fraudsters with fake profiles targeting individuals.

Clinicians can learn about privacy and security best practices by completing OntarioMD's newest online Privacy & Security Training Module. It is a good idea to complete the training annually.

Stay safe during the holidays and we look forward to working with you to make privacy and security an ongoing priority in 2024!