It's time to rethink what information we share, says online security expert

The principal research scientist with aVancouver-based software security company says it's time to modernize the way we verify our identities and protect our informationonline.

Chester Wisniewski, who works with the security companySophos, saystelecommunication companies are experiencing security breaches more frequently than ever.

WisniewskijoinedB.C. Almanac's guest-host LienYeungto offer tips on staying secure online after Bell Canada alertedalmost 100,000 of its customers to a hacking breach on Tuesday,

As the world movesfrom paper to digital records, Wisniewskisaid accessing personal information remotely is much more possible.

"There are some things we need to be more conscious of," saidWisniewski. "We need to be a bitmore cautious with who we trustwhat information with."

Be careful when filling informs

While absolute honesty is required for banking and taxes,when it comes to protecting yourself online, Wisniewski advises usingcommon sense. Be discerning aboutproviding informationonline, especially identity verifierslike your birthday.

"It's nice getting a coupon from your favourite sandwich shop when you sign up for their program on your birthday," saidWisniewski. "But does it really matter if you get the free sandwich on January 10th instead of January 13th?"

WhileWisniewskidoesn't recommend providing fraudulent information on bank or government forms, he does recommendnot providing excessive identity information when applying for a business'discount.

"I'll give you my postal code so you know what area of town I live in ... But you don't need my birth date or how many children I have," he said.

Be aware of protection laws in Canada

He saiddataprotection regulations in general are weak in Canada andthat in B.C. specifically, people are protected by thePersonal Information Protection Act which isunder-utilized and vague.

"Personally, I would be more comfortable with my data being stored in France or Germany thanin Canada, just because the laws are so much stricter," saidWisniewski.

With files from B.C. Almanac