I Keep It to Myself campaign: three Quebec financial institutions join forces once again to fight fraud

MONTREAL, Oct. 2, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - For the second year in a row, Desjardins Group, National Bank and Laurentian Bank are joining forces during Cyber Security Awareness Month to sponsor the I Keep It to Myself campaign. This year's campaign, which will run throughout October, is geared toward raising awareness among the general public and businesses.

According to cybersecurity experts McAfee, 97% of people are unable to correctly identify phishing emails. The three financial institutions want to reduce that number, which is why the component targeting consumers focuses mainly on phishing.

Also, according to a report published by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in April 2017, nearly half of SMEs in Canada have been the victim of a cyberattack. SMEs comprise 98% of the Canadian economy and are particularly vulnerable to these types of attack. Consequently, it's important to raise awareness among entrepreneurs about the main scams and how they can protect themselves.

Throughout the month of October, podcasts, articles, tips and videos will be posted to help the public and entrepreneurs better understand the potential risks and avoid traps.

"Not a week goes by without hearing about someone who has received a fraudulent text message or email, or a company that has been scammed. Fraud has become a major issue and the best way to prevent it is by raising awareness. Talking about it encourages people to be more cautious, and helps them recognize scams and avoid being taken advantage of. It's crucial to keep the dialogue going on this topic," says Benoît Dupont, Scientific Director of the Smart Cybersecurity Network (SERENE-RISC) and spokesperson for the I Keep It to Myself campaign.

The 2016 joint campaign was a first for the three financial institutions who are concerned by the rise in fraud. Each year, thousands of Canadians fall victim and millions of dollars end up in the hands of fraud artists.

About Desjardins Group
Desjardins Group is the leading cooperative financial group in Canada and the sixth largest cooperative financial group in the world, with assets of $272 billion. It has been rated one of the Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt. To meet the diverse needs of its members and clients, Desjardins offers a full range of products and services to individuals and businesses through its extensive distribution network, online platforms and subsidiaries across Canada. Counted among the World's Strongest Banks according to The Banker magazine, Desjardins has one of the highest capital ratios and credit ratings in the industry.

About National Bank
With $240 billion in assets as at July 31, 2017, National Bank of Canada, together with its subsidiaries, forms one of Canada's leading integrated financial groups. The Bank has close to 21,000 employees and is widely recognized as a top employer. The Bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). Follow the Bank's activities at nbc.ca or via social media on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Laurentian Bank 
Laurentian Bank of Canada is a banking institution whose activities extend across Canada. Founded in 1846, its mission is to help customers improve their financial health and it is guided by values of proximity, simplicity and honesty. The Bank serves 1.5 million clients throughout the country and employs more than 3,500 people whose talent and dedication have made it a major player in numerous market segments. The Bank has more than $45 billion in balance sheet assets and $31 billion in assets under administration.

SOURCE Mouvement Desjardins