Digital safety is a crucial consideration for anyone travelling to Alberta in Canada, especially people who enjoying online gambling.
Tourists can visit a Bitcoin sportsbook in Canada to play with digital assets, but they must ensure the platform is reputable before making a deposit.
Staying digitally safe in Alberta extends beyond the gambling industry, so we have pieced together this handy guide for anyone considering a visit.
Betting Safely in Alberta’s Regulated Online Gambling Market
Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) announced in July that gambling operators can manage legally registered iGaming platforms in the province.
They must register with AGLC and sign a commercial agreement with Alberta iGaming. For incoming visitors, it is essential to know which gambling platforms AGLC regulates.
Choosing a properly licensed website is the first line of defence against phishing, fake betting sites and cybercriminals.
Travellers should be wary of clicking betting links sent through unsolicited emails, social media messages and text messages.
Check official website addresses in a browser and make sure the website uses the latest security. Avoid domains that imitate legitimate gambling brands.
Visitors should also ensure they play responsibly. Set budgets before gambling and don’t chase losses. Gamblers should use limits to ensure they don’t spend more than intended.
It is imperative to use a fully updated smartphone to maintain control over passwords, authentication and payment information.
Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient, but they can be risky because cybercriminals can set up dummy networks.
They use these unsecured networks to distribute malware and intercept personal information.
Visitors should buy mobile data or a trusted personal hotspot for sensitive activities such as online banking, shopping and gambling as soon as they arrive in Alberta.
The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security advises visitors to use cellular data where possible and avoid unknown public Wi-Fi, especially when handling sensitive information.
However, if using public Wi-Fi is unavoidable, visitors must ensure their devices and applications are updated and that firewalls are enabled.
Consider using virtual private network (VPN) software to encrypt traffic between your device and the network provider for additional fortification.
Protect Your Accounts Before Leaving Home
A few minutes of preparation before travelling can save you problems later.
Travellers should use strong, non-generic, separate passwords for emails, banking, gambling and other important accounts. Unique passwords prevent cybercriminals from accessing other accounts after breaching one.
Use multi-factor authentication while travelling. It is an additional layer of security for services and accounts. Consider using an authenticator app or security key instead of only SMS authentication.
You should also review the devices and apps that have access to your accounts. Remove old devices and update your phone’s operating system before travelling.
These updates include improved security patches that safeguard devices.
Watch Out for Travel Scams
Scammers know that travellers are distracted, don’t know their surroundings and are expecting messages from airlines, hotels, banks and other businesses. They seize this opportunity.
They may send a text claiming your hotel booking has failed, your account needs verification or a payment has been declined. It might look convincing.
Alberta’s government warns that these text scams imitate legitimate organisations to steal personal information, account credentials and money.
Do not respond to messages that ask you to provide passwords, details and security codes. Contact the organisation through its official website and telephone number.
The same applies to QR codes. Scanning random QR codes at a tourist attraction, restaurant or public space can take you to a malicious website.
Always check the destination before inputting personal information or making any payment.
Keep Your Phone Physically Secure
Digital security is not only about keeping out hackers. Your smartphones have access to email, social media, work, travel documents and banking accounts.
Losing access to these important elements can be more of a nightmare than losing the phone itself.
Use a strong pin number or biometric lock and activate Apple’s Find My Phone or Google’s Find My Device before travelling.
Don’t leave your phones and devices unattended in cafes, bars, airports and hotel common areas.
Make sure you back up important photographs and documents before the trip. Keep copies of essential travel information somewhere other than your phone.
