August 2024: Dayforce Security, Employee Survey and Shared Values Results, SMART Goals, and Wildfire Safety Tips
Posted on Aug 21, 2024
Dayforce Security
In today’s world, where security threats are on the rise, we want to provide you with some suggestions to better protect yourself from Payroll Diversion Fraud, a scam where cyber criminals attempt to steal funds intended for employees’ financial accounts.
Through fraudulent activities, including but not limited to phishing emails, texts, phone calls, or fake websites, cyber adversaries attempt to obtain the login credentials of Dayforce users for the purpose of accessing the Dayforce accounts of these users. The Cyber adversaries then change direct deposit account information and divert pay to other bank accounts that they control.
Educating yourself is one of the most important things you can do to minimize the risk of attack from security threats, including Payroll Diversion Fraud. To keep yourself safe from this emerging type of fraud, we encourage you to read and employ the following tips.
Tip 1 - Verify the Dayforce URL:
Cyber criminals continue to create new fake websites and phishing emails, designed to mimic the trusted Dayforce brand, in an attempt to trick individuals into providing their Dayforce login credentials. While Dayforce actively engages in efforts to take them down, scammers continuously launch new attacks with new fake websites and phishing emails.
Fake Dayforce websites may appear in search engine query results or be sent to you via phishing emails or texts, offering gift cards or requesting urgent action.
To protect yourself, make sure that every time you log in to Dayforce, you are using the correct Dayforce link for your organization. Check the URL and certificate in today’s world, where security threats are on the rise, we want to provide you with some suggestions to better protect yourself from Payroll Diversion Fraud, a scam where cyber criminals attempt to steal funds intended for employees’ financial accounts.
Through fraudulent activities, including but not limited to phishing emails, texts, phone calls, or fake websites, cyber adversaries attempt to obtain the login credentials of Dayforce users for the purpose of accessing the Dayforce accounts of these users. The Cyber adversaries then change direct deposit account information and divert pay to other bank accounts that they control.
Tip 2 - Use strong passwords:
Passwords are the first line of defense to protect your accounts. Here are some ways to ensure your accounts are unique, secure, and protected.
- Misspell words, avoid using common words and phrases, use a variety of characters
- Switch it up, don’t use the same password for multiple accounts
- Don’t share your passwords
- Change your password frequently
Tip 3 - Protect yourself from phishing attacks:
Protecting yourself from phishing attacks is crucial for safeguarding your personal information and online security. Here are some easy-to-understand steps to help you stay safe:
- Be Skeptical: Approach all unsolicited messages, emails, or website links with caution. Verify the source before taking any action.
- Be Aware: Beware of unexpected emails from HR or senior personnel asking for payroll-related changes or information.
- Verify the Sender: Double-check the sender's email address or the URL of a website. Ensure it matches the legitimate source.
- Beware of Urgency: Phishing emails often use a sense of urgency to pressure you into taking quick action. Don't rush; take your time to verify.
- Don't Click on Suspicious Links: Hover over links in emails or messages to see where they lead. If you're unsure, type the URL directly into your browser.
Remember, constant vigilance is key. Fraudsters can strike when we least expect it, but by following these security practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of Payroll Diversion Fraud.
Staff Survey and Shared Values
Our recent staff survey on benefits needs, employee engagement initiatives, and establishing shared values has closed, and we would like to thank everyone who participated.
This survey's results will guide decision-making on our employee benefits program and upcoming staff engagement activities. Stay tuned for more details over the next few months!
We are happy to report that over 90% of respondents felt positively about the 5 proposed value statements we generated based on previous staff input. Since the survey, we have made a few small adjustments to ensure these statements can be useful in our work with each other and with our residents and tenants.
We are proud to present our shared values:
Respect: we are considerate of each other and of those we serve.
Kindness: we are welcoming, inclusive, and supportive of one another.
Teamwork: we collaborate and learn from each other.
Safety: we take pride in being safe in our work.
Accountability: we take responsibility for our actions and hold ourselves to a high standard.
Look for updates to the Staff Rewards & Recognition Program entry forms soon. These refreshed value statements will be integrated into the entry forms for that program so that we can all celebrate and recognize how these values are demonstrated in our day-to-day work.
Setting SMART goals
During your performance appraisal you may have been asked about your goals in the coming year. To set goals it is always important to build a SMART goal or one that is Specific, Measurable, Action-orientated, Realistic and Timely. Learning how to set realistic goals and stick with them is a big part of personal and work success. Whether you hope to pay off your debts, get fit, make a career move, go back to education, or make other life changes, having clear goals and a plan for reaching them will help you succeed. The SMART goal model described here will help you think through and evaluate your goals.
SMART stands for:
Specific. When setting a goal, make sure it is well-defined, clearly worded in a positive statement, and narrow enough to use as a guide. For example, a goal like "I'm going to spend less this year" isn't positive or specific enough. "I'm going to pay off my credit card debt in one year" is both a positive and specific goal.
Measurable. Your goal should be specific and measurable so that you're able to track your progress. If your goal is to pay off your credit card debt, your measurable goal might be: "I'm going to save $50 a month by making my lunch instead of buying it at work and put that money towards reducing my credit card debt. In 6 months, it will be cut in half."
Action-orientated. You are more likely to achieve your goal if it includes steps and actions you will take. "Complete degree course application by 1st December" is an action-orientated goal, as opposed to a goal with no action steps, such as "This year I plan to learn new skills." Again, if your goal is to get out of debt, you'll have a better chance of achieving it if you commit to definite actions like making your own lunch, or you can say "I will take all the credit cards out of my wallet today so I cannot make impromptu purchases."
Realistic. Goals motivate us to grow and challenge ourselves. But they need to be attainable and realistic to work. "I will become fluent in Spanish by next summer" is an ambitious goal, but it may not be realistic if you don't currently speak a word of Spanish. A more realistic goal might be to have completed your first course in Spanish six months from now.
Time-limited. Goals work best when there is a deadline or time limit. Without a time limit there's no point at which the goal can be said to have been reached or not. Setting a time frame gives you a clear target, helps you stay focused, and helps you measure your progress.
Finally, it is crucial to write down your goals, action steps, measures and time frames - on your computer, smartphone or in a notebook or diary. Refer to your plan often as you map out action steps and work towards your goal. It can also be your inspiration.
Example: I’m going to payoff my credit debt including interest by the December 31, 2024, by preparing my lunches at home for work using those funds to apply to my credit card and by removing my credit card from my wallet preventing impromptu spending.
Wildfire Preparation
Wildfire season officially started March 1 and runs until October 31 each year.
Wildfires can affect communities in forested or grassland areas, including urban green spaces like ravines and parks. If a fire is near, protect yourself and loved ones by following directions from authorities and be prepared to evacuate. Here are some tips on how your family can prepare for a Wildfire Emergency:
Proper Planning: Your family may not be together when a wildfire emergency occurs. Plan how to meet or how to contact one another and identify safe places where everyone should meet if you cannot go home, or you need to evacuate.
Staying informed: Staying informed during emergencies can save your life. Protect yourself and your loved ones by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert app to receive critical, life-saving alerts. You can also find out more information by contacting your community directly to find out where they post updated information during emergencies.
Important Documents: Make copies of birth and marriage certificates, passports, licenses, wills, and insurance. Keep them in a safe area inside and outside of the home, put them in a safety deposit box and/or give them to friends and family who live out of town.
Evacuating your area: If you have a vehicle, keep the tank full in case fuel stations lose power or close. Keep a vehicle emergency kit and include an extra phone charger with the necessary adapters. Before you travel, check Alberta 511 for current road conditions to help you arrive to your destination safely.
Plan for pets: In case of an evacuation, remember that pets are not allowed in some public shelters or hotels. In case of an evacuation, prepare to take your pets with you to the home of a relative or friend, or take steps to identify pet-friendly hotels or pet boarding facilities in your area and further away from home.
For more preparedness information and resources, follow this link: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-wildfire