When using our online services, you can do your part to protect your personal information. Follow these 10 simple rules to reduce the risk of fraud, phishing and identity theft.

1. Keep your browser and devices up to date

We recommend installing updates for your browser, operating system and applications as soon as they're available to correct any security flaws that scammers could exploit.

2. Make sure you're on our official site

Before using our online services, make sure you're on our official website at revenuquebec.ca.

Scammers could create an official-looking copy of our website and lead you to it using a fake search engine or link..

To make sure you're not entering information on a fake site, check that the URL in your browser's address bar is www.revenuquebec.ca. We recommend you type it in yourself.

3. Make sure your connection is secure

When on our website, look for a lock icon next to the URL in the address bar. This shows that your connection is secured with a valid security certificate (an SSL certificate).

4. Use private browsing mode

Using private browsing mode ensures that data is automatically deleted when you close your browser. Most Web browsers have private browsing, but it may be labelled under a variety of names.

If your browser does not have a private browsing mode, we recommend that you manually delete your browsing history after each session in order to protect your personal information. This is especially important if the computer is shared with other users.

5. Use strong passwords

We encourage you to use a passphrase. They're generally more secure and easier to remember than a short, complex password.

Use a different passphrase for every account and make sure they don't include any personal information that would be easy to guess, such as your date of birth or a relative's name.

We also recommend that you enable two-factor authentication whenever possible to further strengthen the security of your accounts.

6. Close your browser every time

Once you've finished using an online service, close your browser. This deletes all copies of Web pages stored on your hard drive, which ensures that your data cannot be accessed. Check your browser settings.

7. 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 a shared storage device (such as a USB key). Installing antivirus software on your computer reduces the risk of infection. Antivirus software detects viruses and eliminates them so they don't spread to other devices or damage your computer.

8. Use a firewall

We recommend that you install a firewall on your computer and make sure it's set up properly. A firewall helps prevent unauthorized access to your computer by filtering information coming through your Internet connection. It only allows connections that are known and trusted.

9. End your session correctly

Don't leave your computer unattended after logging in. In addition, after using an online service, end your session by clicking on the log out button, not just by clicking the X located in the upper right corner of your browser.

10. Protect your personal information

Never share your personal information, such as your access codes and passwords. Also, avoid using the same user codes and passphrases for online services and social media.

If your user code or password is compromised, contact us as soon as possible.