Diane McLeod-McKay, the territory’s Information and Privacy Commissioner, is marking Data Privacy Day (Tuesday) with the release of a new document.

It gives information and guidance about ransomware. It includes a description of what it is, and how to reduce risks to personal information or personal health information held by individuals, businesses, organizations and governments.

Ransomware is a form of malicious software (malware) that installs itself on an electronic device or system, including smartphones, tablets and computers, and encrypts the entire hard drive, or specific files, and then demands a ransom be paid before the information is decrypted.

As well, cyber criminals may steal personal information stored in these files, and offer it for sale to others.

This can have serious implications, McLeod-McKay noted, including the risk of harm to individuals, businesses, organizations and governments.

Data Privacy Day is an international event that occurs every Jan. 28.

It highlights the impact that technology is having on our privacy rights and underlines the importance of valuing and protecting personal information.

“Part of my role as Information and Privacy Commissioner is to help Yukoners learn more about privacy and to provide advice and guidance about best practices to the public, as well as to public bodies and custodians that are governed by the Yukon’s Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Health Information Privacy and Management Act,” McLeod-McKay said in a statement.

“Because technology continues to evolve, the threats to our online privacy are also changing. It’s critical to continue to monitor emerging risks and be aware of how best to manage them.

“Data Privacy Day is an excellent opportunity to draw attention to our research on ransomware.”

An information security specialist in McLeod-McKay’s office has recently updated an existing online advisory on ransomware.

It has now been posted on her website at: www.ombudsman.yk.ca/yukon-information-and-privacy-commissioner/for-the-public/resources.

The guidance document provides helpful advice on how to prevent ransomware attacks, and what to do if one occurs, including how to minimize damage.

The Ombudsman, Information and Privacy Commissioner, and Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner is an independent officer of the Yukon legislature.