January 28, 2020 is Data Privacy Day, and it is the perfect opportunity to become informed and make yourself familiar with Sheridan’s Privacy Policy.
A Privacy Breach occurs when an identifiable individual’s personal information is used, transmitted, disclosed or disposed of in an unauthorized manner.
A Privacy Breach is important as it brings harm to the individual affected as well as Sheridan. The harm to Sheridan includes monetary penalties, employee termination, investigation by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario and/or the police, and damage to Sheridan’s reputation.
A simple tip to remember: always lock your computer when you get up from your desk!
It is also important to physically protect your computer and workspace when you leave the office; if you are using a laptop, lock it in a cabinet that is out of sight and not easily accessible. If you bring your laptop home always carry it in a sturdy bag and do not leave it unattended.
A common method used by hackers to breach computers and computer-systems networks is Phishing. Phishing is a type of online attack that targets the recipient and tricks them into sharing sensitive information or downloading software that is designed to damage or gain access to a computer system.
Even when phishing is targeted at an individual its impacts can compromise the security of an entire organization such as Sheridan.
To protect against online Privacy Breaches and Phishing Attacks: do not open suspicious file attachments, do not respond to suspicious or unwanted messages, hover your mouse over parts of messages without clicking on anything, verify the sender and always remember to report suspicious emails to IT.
If you become aware of a Privacy Breach at Sheridan please report it immediately. The Procedure for Reporting Privacy Breaches at Sheridan can be located at Access Sheridan under Office of the General Counsel as well as the Privacy Breach Report Form and Privacy Breach FAQ. Contact us at privacy@sheridancollege.ca.
