Protect Your Digital Identity

Important Reminder: VIU departments will never ask you for your password or to approve a login request you did not start. Protect your login details and report suspicious requests right away.

What Is Your Digital Identity?

Your digital identity is the online record of who you are. At Vancouver Island University (VIU), this includes your student or employee number, login passwords, class records and fee payments. It also includes private details like your Social Insurance Number (SIN), birth date and banking info.

Protecting this data stops identity theft, money loss and unauthorized access to campus systems.

Six Ways to Protect Your Digital Identity

Follow these six habits to keep your accounts and personal data safe:

1. Use 2-Step Verification (2SV)

2-Step Verification adds a vital lock to your account. Even if a scammer steals your password, they cannot log in without your phone or security key.

  • Keep 2-Step Verification turned on for all VIU and personal accounts.
  • Never approve a login prompt that you did not start.
  • Report unexpected login alerts to IT right away.

2. Create Strong Passphrases

Short passwords are easy for computers to crack.

  • Use a passphrase made of four or more random words.
  • Never reuse your VIU password for banking, social media or personal email.
  • Use a password manager to store complex logins safely.
  • Learn more in our guide Double Up Your Defences: Passphrases and 2SV.

3. Watch for Phishing Scams

Scammers send fake emails, texts and phone calls pretending to be VIU or your bank.

  • Check the sender's full email address carefully.
  • Never type your password on unverified web pages or forms.
  • In Outlook (desktop, web or mobile), click the Report (or Report Message) button on the ribbon toolbar and choose Phishing to alert the security team.
  • Unsure if an email is real? Compare it against known campus threats in the VIU Phish Bowl.

4. Guard Your Personal Details

Treat your private numbers with care:

  • Never share your SIN, banking details or passwords over email or text.
  • Limit the personal details you post on social media.
  • Facts like your pet's name, high school or birthday can help scammers guess security recovery questions.

5. Secure Your Phones and Computers

Your laptop, tablet and smartphone hold the keys to your accounts:

  • Keep your operating system, web browser and apps updated.
  • Lock your device with a strong passcode, PIN or fingerprint.
  • Avoid logging into banking or student records on open public Wi-Fi.

6. Check Your Accounts Often

Catching fraud early limits the damage:

  • Check your bank statements, credit cards and student fee account regularly.
  • Order a free credit report each year from Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada to watch for fake accounts.

What to Do If Your Identity Is Compromised

Act fast if someone steals your login details or personal information:

If Your VIU Account Is Compromised

  1. Change your password right away: Follow the VIU Password Reset Guide from a secure device.
  2. Deny unexpected login prompts: If you get a 2-Step Verification alert on your phone that you did not start, tap Deny right away.
  3. Contact IT Services: Call the IT Service Desk at 250.740.6300 (toll-free: 1.833.902.6301), or chat with Hopper on the VIU Technology Portal to submit a ticket.

If Personal or Banking Information Is Stolen

  1. Call your bank: Contact your bank and credit card companies immediately to freeze your cards and accounts.
  2. Alert credit bureaus: Place a fraud alert on your credit file with Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada.
  3. Report the crime: File a report with your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC).

Official Resources and Further Reading

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