Community Releases
Sudbury vulnerable to cybercrime
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(CNW) Cybercrime is a leading cause of identity fraud and a growing threat affecting many Canadians. A new study by Norton from Symantec (Nasdaq: SYMC) and independent research firm Sperling's BestPlaces has exposed the country's top cities most vulnerable to this lucrative form of digital crime.
Burlington placed first in the rankings to claim the title of the Riskiest Online City, according to Norton. This economic hub and one of the province's fastest growing municipalities ranked at or near the top in categories such as cybercrimes, consumer expenditures on computer hardware and software, and Internet access.
Two smaller cities in B.C., Port Coquitlam and Langley, trailed just behind to claim second and third place due to high scores in cybercrimes as well.
Sudbury is 18th on the list, just after Mississauga (17) and before Winnipeg (19)
"This study is a real eye-opener, demonstrating that larger urban centres, such as Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, which have a diverse mix of high and low income communities, don't necessarily have the same level of Internet access as do wealthier suburbs like Burlington, Oakville and Kelowna," said Lynn Hargrove, Director, Consumer Solutions, Symantec Canada. "
Residents in areas with more access to computers, the internet and WiFi hotspots will go online more often to shop, bank and communicate with family and friends, making them greater targets for cybercriminals."
The rankings were determined through a combination of Symantec Security Response's data on cyberattacks and potential malware infections, as well as third-party data about online behavior, such as Internet accessibility and WiFi hotspots.
Oakville's residents spend more on internet access and computer expenditures than residents of any other city in Canada, with Markham's residents not far behind. Calgary also has high consumer expenditures and Internet access. Kelowna and Kitchener both place high due largely to high levels of cybercrimes.
Of the 50 Canadian cities examined, most of Quebec's municipalities ranked among the least riskiest.
No matter where your city ranks on the list, people everywhere can benefit from online safety tips to help prevent becoming a victim of a cybercrime: for more information, visit www.nortonriskiestonlinecities.com/.
