User Tips for Protecting Your Privacy and Information Security
The information you enter/submit through your SilverCloud account includes personal health information. You are responsible for the security of the device you use to access your Silvercloud account and other systems, including your email. Below are some high level tips that you may find useful to assist you with protecting the privacy of your personal health information.
- Always lock the device before leaving it unattended and log out of SilverCloud before sharing the device. Protect your privacy by locking the device every time and not waiting for the device to automatically lock after a period of inactivity. Ensure the device is setup to automatically lock after no more than 5 minutes of inactivity. Similarly, log off your e-mail account to prevent access to your email for account setup and password reset.
- Never share your password. If you think your password might have become known to anyone else, change your password. Open ‘Account Settings’ under your name in the top right corner of any SilverCloud page. Click ‘Password’, complete the form, and click ‘Change Password’ to reset your password.
- If you have any concerns that your password is no longer confidential, or if you know or suspect that your health information has been or could be breached, call the Privacy Office at Ontario Shores at 905-430-4055 ext. 6896 right away.
- Should you write your password down, make sure nobody but you has access to it
- Never use internet email or texting to send confidential information such as diagnoses, symptoms, conditions. Internet email is not private or secure.
- Use a safe and secure trusted email provider.
- Never click on links in email or text messages from a sender you don’t know. The link may take you to a fraudulent website. Be suspicious of email attachments from unknown senders. If you do not know the sender of the email, do not open the attachment. Attachments may contain viruses or malware designed to cause harm to your device.
- It is important that you take steps to protect your information on the device.
- Keep the device secure and always in your possession or lock it away out of sight.
- Never share your device unless absolutely necessary, if you must share your device make sure to log out of SilverCloud before sharing.
- Install updates for the device as recommended by the manufacturer and operating system vendor.
- Only Download Apps from Trusted Sources, Apple iTunes or Google Play store. Do not install Apps from untrusted sources or side load.
- Only install Apps you need and use, if you have Apps installed you don’t need or use then uninstall/remove them.
- Only install trusted Apps, consider any ratings for Apps you might install and review feedback for the App.
- Encrypt your device including all data and storage and install a mobile security App including Antivirus.
- Disable WiFi, NCF, Location Services, and Bluetooth when not in use and if not needed.
- Watch out for public Wi-Fi. Public connections aren't very secure, so don’t access sensitive data on a public network. If you need to access your account, try disabling the Wi-Fi and switching to your mobile network.
- Avoid storing sensitive information like passwords or on your device.
- Lock your device when not in use, pressing the power sleep button should quickly and easily lock the device.
- If giving the device away, make sure to wipe all data and factory reset the device.
- Configure the device to erase or lockout after numerous invalid unlock attempts.
- Always be aware of your surroundings especially when you’re accessing any sensitive information such as your SilverCloud account. Ensure nobody is peeking at your device.
- If you have a wireless network, protect your Internet connection by using strong encryption and a complex password.
- In order that your home network remains private and secure, ensure you have changed the default password associated with your router.
- Use only supported and updated web browsers to access your email. Such as Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox.
- Always verify the web site name ("www.xxxxxxxxx.com") at the top of the top of the browser.
- When using a secure website make sure the address/location starts with https:// (S is for secure) and not http://. “S” means your information is secured by encryption.
- Report any suspicious activity immediately to the Ontario Shores’ Privacy Office at 905-430-4055 ext. 6896 right away.
For information and tips for protecting your privacy and security please visit https://www.staysafeonline.org
If you have any questions or concerns regarding privacy or information security contact the Ontario Shores’ Privacy Office at 905-430-4055 ext. 6896 right away.
