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Identity theft protection experts ProtectionPower.ca offer tips to help Canadian consumers stay safe

BURLINGTON, ONT –  April 29, 2011 – Once again, Canadian consumers are reminded how vulnerable their personal data is. This week, Sony acknowledged their PlayStation Network was targeted in a major cyber attack, exposing personal information including the names, addresses, passwords, purchase history and credit card information of 77 million users.

Over a million Canadians are now at an increased risk of identity theft and credit card fraud due to the Sony breach, now considered one of the largest consumer data breaches in history.

Incidents of credit card fraud believed to be related to this very serious breach of consumer information and trust have already been reported.

“It is unfortunate that this cyberattack happened, and that so many PlayStation Network users may now be targets themselves,” says Sylvain Patry, identity theft expert and senior vice-president of ProtectionPower.ca, Canada's leading identity theft protection service.

“This data breach shows, once again, the importance of protecting personal and financial information in the 21st century. Canadians must take steps to guard their own privacy.”

ProtectionPower.ca offers 5 tips for Sony PlayStation users:

1. Be vigilant. Examine all credit card and bank statements for suspicious charges. If you do online banking, you may want to log in and check your accounts weekly now, given the increased risk.
2. Consult your credit report. It can take about three months for changes to show up on your credit file; ensure that you contact Equifax and TransUnion (the two credit reporting bureaus in Canada) in 90 days to see if any unusual activity has been recorded.
3. Watch for phishing email. The email addresses of PlayStation Network users were compromised in the cyber attack, increasing the chances of receiving targeted scam email. Phishing email appears to come from a legitimate company or organization – but is actually designed to get the recipient to reveal personal or financial information. Never offer account information, credit card details, passwords or money via email.
4. Talk to your credit card provider. Ensure the financial institution behind your credit card has proper security systems in place so they – and you – will be notified if any unusual activity is detected in the wake of this breach. In consultation with your credit card issuing agency, you may consider cancelling your current card.
5. Consider signing up for a proactive identity monitoring service such as ProtectionPower.ca. This service will monitor the Internet for the abuse of SINs, bank account details, and credit and debit card information.

For more tools and resources to help you protect yourself from identity theft, visit ProtectionPower.ca.

About ProtectionPower.ca

Protection Power is a leading Canadian provider of advanced identity protection services and educational resources. Founded by a team of security experts with a background in credit/financial services and technology, Protection Power provides features and experience to help you stay in control of your financial life.