Information security

Information security competence is an important civic skill that affects both adults and children. Information security is about securing information, information systems and communication against damage, unlawful use, disruption, espionage and other threats.

Consider what communication services you use and how they are secured. Messages can be encrypted if necessary. Assess what messages require securing and, if necessary, secure your messages.

Your online activities leave behind a trail of personal information, for example, when you use electronic services and make purchases. This information can be stored in various registers.

Before submitting your personal information, always find out why this information is requested, what it is used for, and who is requesting the information. Information on citizens can only be used for the purpose for which it is gathered.

A secure connection in electronic services can be recognized from https: (not http:) at the beginning of the address line on the browser. Many browsers denote a secure connection with a padlock icon placed in the bottom right corner of the browser or after the address field.

Use of electronic services requires registration with personal online banking codes. Never give your codes to another person.

The City of Helsinki never asks for the users’ bank access codes, passwords, credit card number or other identifiers by phone, email, letter, or any other way. Take care that no one has access to these.