Do you download software or share files on the Internet?

Downloading products from the Internet and sharing files are both common, everyday practices and can come with a set of risks you should be aware of.

In the GNWT, it is our joint responsibility to protect our systems and information against unauthorized access and malicious threats.

Follow these tips to reduce these risks at work and home:

  • Do not download free plugins to view pictures, videos, or other content online without verifying it’s safe. These often contain viruses and can give cybercriminals access to your computer. If you need something that’s not already on your workstation or laptop, please contact the TSC to ensure it’s authorized in the GNWT.
  • Opening unknown and untrusted files or software can be dangerous. Be especially cautious about free software offered online or via email. For any software not already on your workstation or laptop, please check with your Manager/Supervisor and the TSC to ensure it’s authorized in the GNWT.
  • It is inappropriate to use free online file sharing sites or applications.  Any file sharing requires proper authorization! Free file sharing sites are likely not encrypted so our data is not protected and can contain viruses giving cybercriminals access to your information. View the OCIO’s article Info on the Go - Tips for Sharing and Moving Documents for other sharing options.
  • Clicking on pop-up advertisements or links in emails, on websites, instant messages, or social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter has potential for harm. Make sure you trust what you are clicking. You can do this by hovering over the link or popup to see what it is you think you should open.
  • Do not open unsolicited email attachments as they can cause a lot of damage. If in doubt, contact the sender and ask if the attachment is legitimate prior to opening it. Visit the TSC’s webpage on How to Spot a Phishing Email to learn more this threat.
  • USB-based removable media such as flash drives need to be authorized for use and storing or transmitting GNWT data.  Seek approval from your supervisor before plugging anything into your GNWT computer.  USB devices are easy to lose and plug in so if you find USB media that is not yours don’t just trust and connect. Just plugging it in is enough to cause damage, seek advice from the TSC if you find USB media. For more information on USB-based Removable Media use within the GNWT, see the TSC’s Factsheet. For alternative methods for transferring and sharing information, guidance on removable media and encryption tools, contact the TSC Service Desk at (867) 920-4408/1-866-380-6777 (toll free) or TSCServiceDesk@gov.nt.ca.

Remember, it’s our shared responsibility to ensure we take the proper precautions to ensure the safety of the GNWT’s information and technologies.

For more information security awareness tips please visit the OCIO’s SharePoint site.

Note: Some of the above links are accessible only within the GNWT. If you encounter an issue, please let us know and we can provide you with the materials.

Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)
Information Security Unit
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel:  (867) 767-9170, ext. 15072
Email: infosec@gov.nt.ca