How to Use Our Online Services Securely
The security of your personal information is our priority. However, you also have a role to play.
Here are a few security rules to follow to ensure the security of your information when using our online services.
Keep your browser and devices up to date
Although most recent browsers have protection features, we recommend using the latest version of the browser and operating system of the device you use to navigate our website. To navigate the Internet as securely as possible, promptly update your browser and operating system whenever you are notified of a new version.
Make sure you are on our official site
Scammers sometimes create official-looking copies of our website that show up in regular searches or can be accessed through fraudulent links. So, you could find yourself on a fake site.
To avoid such a situation, make sure that the address (URL) shown in your browser's address bar is our official address, which is www.revenuquebec.ca. We recommend you type in the address yourself.
Make sure your connection is secure
When on our website, check that there is a lock icon next to the site address. This indicates that your connection is secured with a valid security certificate (an SSL certificate).
Use private browsing mode
Using private browsing mode ensures that the data is automatically deleted when you close your browser. Most Web browsers have a cache memory, but it may be labelled under a variety of names.
If your browser does not offer private browsing mode, we recommend that you manually delete the browsing history after each session in order to protect your personal information. This operation is especially important if the computer is shared with other users.
Protect your passwords
You are responsible for the information you send us and for maintaining the confidentiality of your identification data, access codes and passwords. To protect your data, follow these steps:
- Use strong passwords
- Change your passwords every three to six months and do not use personal information when you create one.
- Store your passwords using a password manager.
- If the confidentiality of your user codes or passwords is compromised, contact us right away to prevent fraudulent use of your private information.
- Avoid using the same user names and passwords for online services and social media accounts.
Close the browser
Once you have finished using an online service, close your browser. Closing your browser is the simplest and most secure way of ending your session. You can even set up your browser to delete all copies of Web pages stored on your hard drive when you close it, which ensures that your data cannot be accessed.
Use antivirus software
Your computer could be infected by a virus due to a weakness in your operating system or through email attachments, content you download from a website or through other information you share with someone (using a USB key, for example). You reduce the risk of infection by installing antivirus software on your computer. Antivirus software detects viruses and eliminates them so they do not spread to other devices or damage your computer.
Use a firewall
We recommend that you install a firewall on your computer and make sure it is set up properly. A firewall helps prevent unauthorized access to or from your computer by filtering information coming through the Internet connection into your computer. It will allow only connections that are known and trusted.