Canadian Perspectives Survey Series 5 - Technology Use and Cyber Security during the Pandemic
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Table of Contents
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS)
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q05
The following questions are about cyber security during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which of the following cyber security incidents did you experience?
Important definitions:
Phishing is a specific kind of spam targeting one or more specific people while pretending to be a legitimate message, with the intent of defrauding the recipient or recipients.
Malware is malicious software created and distributed to cause harm. The most common instance of malware is a "virus".
Select all that apply.
- 01: Phishing email message about COVID-19 cure or test result
- 02: Phishing text message about COVID-19 cure or test result
- 03: Phishing email about the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
- 04: Phishing text message about the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
- 05: Other type of phishing email or text message
- 06: Malware infection from COVID-19 phishing message
- 07: Other type of malware infection
- 08: Unknown or uninvited person joined a videoconference call (i.e., Zoom-bombed)
- 09: Fraudulent use of identity
- 10: Fraudulent payment card use (e.g., credit, debit)
- 11: Hacked e-mail or messaging account (i.e., password or passphrase was compromised)
- 12: Asked to pay a cyber-ransom (e.g., pay bitcoin to have your account unlocked)
- 13: Other incident
- 14: No incident
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q10
Did you experience any of the following losses as a result of the cyber security incident or incidents indicated in the previous question?
Select all that apply.
- 1: Loss of time
- 2: Loss of data
- 3: Damage to computer or software
- 4: Financial loss
- 5: Reputational damage
- 6: Other loss
- 7: No loss
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q15
Did you report the cyber security incident or incidents to any of the following entities?
Select all that apply.
- 01: To the company through which the incident occurred (e.g., eCommerce website, email service provider)
- 02: Credit card company or other financial institution (i.e., alert of fraudulent activity)
- 03: Internet Service Provider
- 04: Local, provincial, territorial, or Indigenous police
- 05: Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
- 06: Canadian Centre for Cyber Security
- 07: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- 08: Canada's Spam Reporting Centre (i.e., fightspam.gc.ca)
- 09: Another governmental authority (e.g., local, provincial, territorial, or Indigenous governments)
- 10: IT department at your place of employment or school
- 11: Other entity
- 12: Did not report the incident or incidents
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q20
If you worked from home during some period of the COVID-19 pandemic, did you do any of the following?
Virtual Private Network or VPN is a private communications network usually used within a company, or by several different companies or organizations to communicate over a wider network. Virtual Private Network communications are typically encrypted or encoded to protect the traffic from other users on the public network carrying the Virtual Private Network.
Select all that apply.
- 1: Access your work network using a device provided by your employer
- 2: Access work files or documents using a device provided by your employer, without connecting to a company network or Virtual Private Network
- 3: Access your work network using a personal device
- 4: Access work files or documents using a personal device, without connecting to a company network or Virtual Private Network
- 5: Did not work from home
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q25A
Compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic began, did you engage in the following cyber security measures more, less or about the same during the pandemic?
Changed passwords or passphrases
- 1: More
- 2: About the same
- 3: Less
- 4: Not Applicable
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q25B
Compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic began, did you engage in the following cyber security measures more, less or about the same during the pandemic?
Created strong passwords or passphrases
- 1: More
- 2: About the same
- 3: Less
- 4: Not Applicable
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q25C
Compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic began, did you engage in the following cyber security measures more, less or about the same during the pandemic?
Updated software or operating system
- 1: More
- 2: About the same
- 3: Less
- 4: Not Applicable
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q25D
Compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic began, did you engage in the following cyber security measures more, less or about the same during the pandemic?
Purchased new or additional security software
- 1: More
- 2: About the same
- 3: Less
- 4: Not Applicable
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q25E
Compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic began, did you engage in the following cyber security measures more, less or about the same during the pandemic?
Set up multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication is a security measure which requires two or more different authentication factors to unlock a device or sign in to an account. For example, a password or passphrase and a code sent to a mobile device are both required to sign in.
- 1: More
- 2: About the same
- 3: Less
- 4: Not Applicable
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q25F
Compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic began, did you engage in the following cyber security measures more, less or about the same during the pandemic?
Checked that the websites where you provided personal data were secure
e.g., https sites, safety logo or certificate
- 1: More
- 2: About the same
- 3: Less
- 4: Not Applicable
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q25G
Compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic began, did you engage in the following cyber security measures more, less or about the same during the pandemic?
Restricted or refused access to your geographical location
- 1: More
- 2: About the same
- 3: Less
- 4: Not Applicable
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q25H
Compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic began, did you engage in the following cyber security measures more, less or about the same during the pandemic?
Refused the use of personal data for advertising purposes
- 1: More
- 2: About the same
- 3: Less
- 4: Not Applicable
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q25I
Compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic began, did you engage in the following cyber security measures more, less or about the same during the pandemic?
Changed the privacy settings on accounts or apps to limit your profile or personal information
- 1: More
- 2: About the same
- 3: Less
- 4: Not Applicable
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q25J
Compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic began, did you engage in the following cyber security measures more, less or about the same during the pandemic?
Read terms and conditions related to applications and subscriptions
- 1: More
- 2: About the same
- 3: Less
- 4: Not Applicable
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q30A
Why did you more frequently engage in the following cyber security measure or measures during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Changed passwords or passphrases
Select all that apply.
- 1: Greater awareness of cyber security risk
- 2: Direction from work
- 3: Advice from friends or family
- 4: Result of a cyber security incident
- 5: Other
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q30B
Why did you more frequently engage in the following cyber security measure or measures during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Created strong passwords or passphrases
Select all that apply.
- 1: Greater awareness of cyber security risk
- 2: Direction from work
- 3: Advice from friends or family
- 4: Result of a cyber security incident
- 5: Other
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q30C
Why did you more frequently engage in the following cyber security measure or measures during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Updated software or operating system
Select all that apply.
- 1: Greater awareness of cyber security risk
- 2: Direction from work
- 3: Advice from friends or family
- 4: Result of a cyber security incident
- 5: Other
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q30D
Why did you more frequently engage in the following cyber security measure or measures during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Purchased new or additional security software
Select all that apply.
- 1: Greater awareness of cyber security risk
- 2: Direction from work
- 3: Advice from friends or family
- 4: Result of a cyber security incident
- 5: Other
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q30E
Why did you more frequently engage in the following cyber security measure or measures during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Set up multi-factor authentication
Select all that apply.
- 1: Greater awareness of cyber security risk
- 2: Direction from work
- 3: Advice from friends or family
- 4: Result of a cyber security incident
- 5: Other
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q30F
Why did you more frequently engage in the following cyber security measure or measures during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Checked that the websites where you provided personal data were secure
e.g., https sites, safety logo or certificate
Select all that apply.
- 1: Greater awareness of cyber security risk
- 2: Direction from work
- 3: Advice from friends or family
- 4: Result of a cyber security incident
- 5: Other
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q30G
Why did you more frequently engage in the following cyber security measure or measures during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Restricted or refused access to your geographical location
Select all that apply.
- 1: Greater awareness of cyber security risk
- 2: Direction from work
- 3: Advice from friends or family
- 4: Result of a cyber security incident
- 5: Other
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q30H
Why did you more frequently engage in the following cyber security measure or measures during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Refused the use of personal data for advertising purposes
Select all that apply.
- 1: Greater awareness of cyber security risk
- 2: Direction from work
- 3: Advice from friends or family
- 4: Result of a cyber security incident
- 5: Other
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q30I
Why did you more frequently engage in the following cyber security measure or measures during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Changed the privacy settings on accounts or apps to limit your profile or personal information
Select all that apply.
- 1: Greater awareness of cyber security risk
- 2: Direction from work
- 3: Advice from friends or family
- 4: Result of a cyber security incident
- 5: Other
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q30J
Why did you more frequently engage in the following cyber security measure or measures during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Read terms and conditions related to applications and subscriptions
Select all that apply.
- 1: Greater awareness of cyber security risk
- 2: Direction from work
- 3: Advice from friends or family
- 4: Result of a cyber security incident
- 5: Other
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q35
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which of the following groups have you helped to navigate digital technologies such as videoconferencing, online voice chats, online shopping sites or educational resources?
Select all that apply.
- 1: Young children, 10 years old or younger
- 2: Tweens or teenagers, 11 years old to 18 years old
- 3: Friends, colleagues or family members, 19 years old to 64 years old
- 4: Senior citizens such as parents, colleagues or friends, 65 years or older
- 5: Did not help others navigate new technology
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q40
When helping others navigate new technology, did you discuss any of the following cyber security practices with them?
Select all that apply.
- 01: Software and operating system updates
- 02: Strong passwords or passphrases
- 03: Changing passwords or passphrases frequently
- 04: Keeping passwords or passphrases private
- 05: Spotting phishing attempts (Phishing is a specific kind of spam targeting one or more specific people while pretending to be a legitimate message, with the intent of defrauding the recipient or recipients.)
- 06: Avoiding misinformation (e.g., Fake news)
- 07: Shopping securely online
- 08: Protecting privacy when using applications
- 09: Staying safe when using webcams or microphones
- 10: Managing social interactions online (e.g., making new friends, social media)
- 11: Did not discuss cyber security practices
Cyber security during the pandemic (CS) - Question identifier:CS_Q45
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which of the following steps did you take when shopping online?
Select all that apply.
- 01: Did not let websites remember personal information
- 02: Did not let websites remember credit card information
- 03: Shopped only on reputable websites
- 04: Used credit card with low credit amount
- 05: Used a third-party payment service (e.g., PayPal)
- 06: Looked for HTTPS in the website address and lock symbol
- 07: Used strong passwords or passphrases
- 08: Did not shop online
Consumer spending (CPD)
Consumer spending (CPD) - Question identifier:CPD_R05
The following questions are about your use of free online services and online spending during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Consumer spending (CPD) - Question identifier:CPD_Q05A
During the COVID-19 pandemic, did your household's use of the following free online services increase, decrease, or remain about the same compared to before the pandemic?
Social media and messaging services
e.g., Facebook, Messenger, Twitter
Exclude online services for which you pay a subscription or one-time fee.
- 1: Increased
- 2: About the same
- 3: Decreased
- 4: Not Applicable
Consumer spending (CPD) - Question identifier:CPD_Q05B
During the COVID-19 pandemic, did your household's use of the following free online services increase, decrease, or remain about the same compared to before the pandemic?
Online video streaming services
e.g., YouTube, Vimeo
Exclude online services for which you pay a subscription or one-time fee.
- 1: Increased
- 2: About the same
- 3: Decreased
- 4: Not Applicable
Consumer spending (CPD) - Question identifier:CPD_Q05C
During the COVID-19 pandemic, did your household's use of the following free online services increase, decrease, or remain about the same compared to before the pandemic?
Online audio streaming services
e.g., TuneIn Radio, Spotify free, Apple Podcasts
Exclude online services for which you pay a subscription or one-time fee.
- 1: Increased
- 2: About the same
- 3: Decreased
- 4: Not Applicable
Consumer spending (CPD) - Question identifier:CPD_Q05D
During the COVID-19 pandemic, did your household's use of the following free online services increase, decrease, or remain about the same compared to before the pandemic?
Online productivity services
e.g., Dropbox, Evernote, Slack
Exclude online services for which you pay a subscription or one-time fee.
- 1: Increased
- 2: About the same
- 3: Decreased
- 4: Not Applicable
Consumer spending (CPD) - Question identifier:CPD_Q05E
During the COVID-19 pandemic, did your household's use of the following free online services increase, decrease, or remain about the same compared to before the pandemic?
Online information services
e.g., Google, Wikipedia
Exclude online services for which you pay a subscription or one-time fee.
- 1: Increased
- 2: About the same
- 3: Decreased
- 4: Not Applicable
Consumer spending (CPD) - Question identifier:CPD_Q05F
During the COVID-19 pandemic, did your household's use of the following free online services increase, decrease, or remain about the same compared to before the pandemic?
Online education services
e.g., Duolingo, Coursera
Exclude online services for which you pay a subscription or one-time fee.
- 1: Increased
- 2: About the same
- 3: Decreased
- 4: Not Applicable
Consumer spending (CPD) - Question identifier:CPD_Q10A
During the COVID-19 pandemic, did the amount you spent online in each of the following categories increase, decrease, or stay about the same as compared to before the pandemic?
Computers, laptops, tablets and accessories
- 1: Increased
- 2: About the same
- 3: Decreased
- 4: Not Applicable
Consumer spending (CPD) - Question identifier:CPD_Q10B
During the COVID-19 pandemic, did the amount you spent online in each of the following categories increase, decrease, or stay about the same as compared to before the pandemic?
Smartphones
e.g., Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy
- 1: Increased
- 2: About the same
- 3: Decreased
- 4: Not Applicable
Consumer spending (CPD) - Question identifier:CPD_Q10C
During the COVID-19 pandemic, did the amount you spent online in each of the following categories increase, decrease, or stay about the same as compared to before the pandemic?
Spectator entertainment
e.g., motion picture, sports
- 1: Increased
- 2: About the same
- 3: Decreased
- 4: Not Applicable
Consumer spending (CPD) - Question identifier:CPD_Q10D
During the COVID-19 pandemic, did the amount you spent online in each of the following categories increase, decrease, or stay about the same as compared to before the pandemic?
Food delivered from restaurants and fast food places, including third-party delivery services
e.g., DoorDash, Uber Eats
- 1: Increased
- 2: About the same
- 3: Decreased
- 4: Not Applicable
Consumer spending (CPD) - Question identifier:CPD_Q10E
During the COVID-19 pandemic, did the amount you spent online in each of the following categories increase, decrease, or stay about the same as compared to before the pandemic?
Online video streaming services
e.g., Netflix, Disney+
- 1: Increased
- 2: About the same
- 3: Decreased
- 4: Not Applicable
Consumer spending (CPD) - Question identifier:CPD_Q10F
During the COVID-19 pandemic, did the amount you spent online in each of the following categories increase, decrease, or stay about the same as compared to before the pandemic?
Online audio streaming services
e.g., Apple Music, Spotify
- 1: Increased
- 2: About the same
- 3: Decreased
- 4: Not Applicable
Consumer spending (CPD) - Question identifier:CPD_Q10G
During the COVID-19 pandemic, did the amount you spent online in each of the following categories increase, decrease, or stay about the same as compared to before the pandemic?
Online courses and training materials
e.g., Coursera, training, e-books
- 1: Increased
- 2: About the same
- 3: Decreased
- 4: Not Applicable
Consumer spending (CPD) - Question identifier:CPD_Q10H
During the COVID-19 pandemic, did the amount you spent online in each of the following categories increase, decrease, or stay about the same as compared to before the pandemic?
Home exercise equipment
- 1: Increased
- 2: About the same
- 3: Decreased
- 4: Not Applicable
Consumer spending (CPD) - Question identifier:CPD_Q10I
During the COVID-19 pandemic, did the amount you spent online in each of the following categories increase, decrease, or stay about the same as compared to before the pandemic?
Domestic air travel
- 1: Increased
- 2: About the same
- 3: Decreased
- 4: Not Applicable
Consumer spending (CPD) - Question identifier:CPD_Q10J
During the COVID-19 pandemic, did the amount you spent online in each of the following categories increase, decrease, or stay about the same as compared to before the pandemic?
International air travel
- 1: Increased
- 2: About the same
- 3: Decreased
- 4: Not Applicable
Consumer spending (CPD) - Question identifier:CPD_Q10K
During the COVID-19 pandemic, did the amount you spent online in each of the following categories increase, decrease, or stay about the same as compared to before the pandemic?
Short term rentals, including hotels and Airbnb
- 1: Increased
- 2: About the same
- 3: Decreased
- 4: Not Applicable
Consumer spending (CPD) - Question identifier:CPD_Q10L
During the COVID-19 pandemic, did the amount you spent online in each of the following categories increase, decrease, or stay about the same as compared to before the pandemic?
Internet services
e.g., your household internet connection, mobile data plan
- 1: Increased
- 2: About the same
- 3: Decreased
- 4: Not Applicable
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