Online scams can look convincing. A message may appear to come from the government, a recruiter may offer a promising job, or someone may contact you with an offer that seems like a good deal.
For newcomers still learning how services and organizations communicate in Canada, knowing what is real—and what is not—can be difficult.
Funded by the Government of Canada through Public Safety Canada’s Cyber Security Cooperation Program and delivered by ISSofBC, Cyber Safety training is a free, online, and self-paced program that builds practical skills to recognize online threats, protect personal and financial information, and make safer choices online. The program responds to the growing need for practical cyber safety knowledge as newcomers navigate essential services, employment, finances, education, and everyday life online in Canada.
Applications are now open to newcomers across Canada.
Scams can take advantage of unfamiliar situations
Scammers often use situations that already feel important or urgent: paying a bill, finding work, dealing with a government service, shopping online, or paying for education.
A recent CBC Go Public investigation highlighted a tuition scam targeting international students. Fraudsters offered discounted tuition payments, collected money from students, and then used stolen credit or debit cards to pay educational institutions. When the fraudulent payments were identified, students could still owe their tuition after already paying the scammers.
Cases like this show why it is important to stop, check, and verify before sending money or sharing personal information.
If you want to learn more about common warning signs, read our guide, How to recognize and avoid online scams in Canada.
Practical cyber safety for everyday life in Canada
Cyber Safety Training focuses on real-world situations newcomers may encounter online.
Participants can build skills to:
- recognize suspicious emails, texts and phone calls
- protect personal and financial information
- identify government, banking, shopping and job scams
- use passwords, multi-factor authentication and devices more safely
- respond and report when something goes wrong
The program also includes foundational learning for people with limited digital experience or lower English-language skills.
Additional learning is available for youth and young adults, seniors, parents, and women, covering risks and situations that may be particularly relevant to them.
The training is currently available in English and French, with more languages coming soon.
How to apply
Applications are now open to newcomers across Canada.
Visit the Cyber Safety training program page and complete the application form. The program team will contact applicants with further information and next steps once the training becomes available.
Learn more and apply today.
Cyber Smart. Cyber Safe.
