Heartbleed Vulnerability – What this means for you
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is committed to protecting the confidentiality of our clients’ personal information on Fisheries and Oceans Canada online applications. The vulnerability known as “Heartbleed” impacts recent versions of OpenSSL, a commonly used software by websites to encrypt and secure data being transmitted across the Internet. The Department acted promptly upon learning about the security issues associated with the Heartbleed Bug.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada clients can use one of two methods to login to the National Online Licensing System: GCKey or SecureKey Concierge. A GCKey is a unique electronic credential that allows clients to communicate securely with online enabled Government of Canada programs and services. SecureKey Concierge allows clients to access the National Online Licensing System using their existing Sign-In Partner User Id and Password (BMO Financial Group, CHOICE REWARDS MasterCard, Scotiabank, TD Canada Trust, and ING DIRECT).
If you are a GCKey User
GCKey has been updated to protect information from the Heartbleed vulnerability. To further minimize the risks associated with this bug, clients using a GCKey UserID are being invited to change their GCKey Password. This can be done by using the following steps:
- Log into GCKey as usual using a GCKey UserID and GCKey Password.
- On the Welcome Page that comes up once logged in, click “Change Your Password” on the left navigation menu.
- Enter the Current Password in the field where indicated, create a new Password and enter it in the fields where indicated then press “Continue”.
Click here for more information about GCKey.
Click here to return to the National Online Licensing System.
If you are a SecureKey Concierge User
Your Sign-In Partner will provide specific instructions should you need to change your login information. If you change your Sign-In Partner login information , then you must use this new login information to access the National Online Licensing System.
Click here to return to the National Online Licensing System.
As part of Canada’s Cyber Security Strategy, the Government of Canada launched “Get Cyber Safe,” a national public awareness campaign created to educate Canadians about Internet security and the simple steps they can take to protect themselves online. To learn more about how to stay safe online, visit www.getcybersafe.ca
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. Will I need a new Fisheries and Oceans Canada Passcode to regain access to my National Online Licensing System profile?
A1. No. Once you change your GCKey Password, you will be directed to your National Online Licensing System profile as normal.
Q2. Will I need to change my GCKey Password every time I login to the National Online Licensing System?
A2.No. Now that GCKey has been updated, changing your GCKey password once is all that’s needed. However, it is generally good practice to change your online passwords from time to time.
Q3. I’ve already changed my GCKey password through another Government of Canada online service. Should I change it again?
A3. No. Changing your GCKey password now that GCKey has been updated is sufficient.
Q4. I use my Sign-In Partner login information (user ID and password) to access my National Online Licensing Profile. Do I need to change my Sign-In Partner password?
A4. Should it be required to do so, your Sign-In Partner will provide specific instructions directly to you.
Click here to return to the National Online Licensing System.
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