If you live in Burlington, Ontario, Canada you may want to double-check your security – your computer security, that is.
The city west of Toronto has been named as Canada's "riskiest online city," according to a study by computer security giant Symantec and an independent research firm.
Researchers at Sperling's BestPlaces poured through data about cyber attacks, virus/malware infections, levels of Internet access, expenditures on computer hardware and software, and WiFi availability to determine the rankings.
Municipalities at the top of the list were most vulnerable to identity fraud and other forms of digital crime, Norton said in a release.
While Burlington topped the list, three more GTA communities rounded out the top ten. Oakville was sixth, Markham was seventh and Toronto came eighth.
"Residents in areas with more access to computers, the Internet and WiFi hotspots will go online more often to shop, bank and communicate with family and friends, making them greater targets for cybercriminals," says Lynn Hargrove, director of consumer solutions at Symantec Canada.
Three municipalities from British Columbia - Port Coquitlam, Langley and Vancouver – were ranked second to fourth respectively.
Researchers also said Oakville's residents spend more on Internet access and computers than people in any other Canadian municipality.
Quebec had among the least risky cities, the study found.
Experts advise people to keep their keep their computers secure with the latest anti-virus and anti-malware software. They're also reminded to update their operating system and other software titles.
As well, users should be cautious when browsing the web and be aware of attempts by websites posing as well-known websites to solicit login information in a scam known as phishing.
Top Ten:
1. Burlington, ON
2. Port Coquitlam, BC
3. Langley, BC
4. Vancouver, BC
5. Calgary, AB
6. Oakville, ON
7. Markham, ON
8. Toronto, ON
9. Kelowna, BC
10. Kitchener, ON
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