{"id":173833,"date":"2024-11-18T12:55:16","date_gmt":"2024-11-18T17:55:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.interac.ca\/?post_type=content&p=173833"},"modified":"2025-07-31T10:23:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T14:23:00","slug":"the-digital-domino-effect-how-little-habits-become-big-problems","status":"publish","type":"content","link":"https:\/\/www.interac.ca\/en\/content\/life\/the-digital-domino-effect-how-little-habits-become-big-problems\/","title":{"rendered":"The digital domino effect: How little habits become big problems"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you grew up with digital technologies, you might be easygoing about digital security. Having your devices and accounts hacked? It hardly ever crosses your mind. But are you leaving yourself vulnerable to a major headache?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A data security problem can start with one lapse, like leaving your phone unattended or typing sensitive information while you\u2019re on public WiFi. That one lapse can lead to more issues \u2014 like losing control of your social media accounts or having a money transfer intercepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s like a row of dominoes, each knocking over the next as it falls. For you, it\u2019s a chain reaction of trouble. Doesn\u2019t that sound like something you\u2019d like to avoid? Then check out the scenarios below to see how not being careful around our little digital security habits can lead to big problems down the road \u2014 like a chain of falling dominoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three ways your data security habits can lead to trouble<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Scenario 1: The public WiFi pitfall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hackers have ways to intercept data that travels over unsecured public WiFi networks; you might already know that it\u2019s a good idea not to connect to them for anything confidential. You may also know that multi-factor authentication can help you secure your accounts. (It\u2019s like adding a second lock to your front door.) This scenario shows what could happen if you ignore notifications from your bank or credit union to sign up for multi-factor authentication. Later on, you log in to public WiFi while you\u2019re waiting for a friend, and sign in to your online banking \u2014 and a hacker collects your login info, which is easy for them to do if you haven\u2019t signed up for multi-factor authentication<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Scenario 2: Reusing Passwords<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Reusing passwords across multiple accounts may seem convenient, but it can greatly increase your vulnerability. If a hacker gains access to one account, they can quickly use that same password to infiltrate your other accounts. The more accounts that share the same password, the bigger the risk\u2014especially if those accounts hold sensitive information like banking or personal data.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Scenario 3: The identity thief<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Storing passwords in your browser might save you time in the short term, but it can also make it easier for a hacker to gain access to your sensitive accounts. (This is why you should use a password manager or another safe method for keeping track of your passwords.) This scenario imagines what happens if you make it easy for someone to not only access your device, but your accounts too. You\u2019re sitting at an outdoor caf\u00e9 when a hacker snatches your phone. And because your accounts are easy to access, the hacker could learn your date of birth, home address and even social insurance number. You\u2019ve accidentally given him\/her an identity theft starter pack!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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More security pitfalls to watch out for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The data security chain reactions above all started with security slip-ups that happen when you\u2019re out and about. But protecting yourself starts at home, when you\u2019re deciding on your privacy settings and making choices about security options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are some choices that can lead to trouble? Click on each bad habit below to reveal the possible outcomes and pitfalls it can create for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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