About the Course

  • Access

    Upon purchase, the product will be available for 30 days, or on December 15th, 2025, whichever comes first. It will be permanently removed from the website on December 15th, 2025, per our agreement with the Speakers Bureau of Canada.

  • PAA Members Discount

    The PAA offers discounts to our members. Enroll in the course through your member portal on our main website to access members-only pricing.

  • Continuing Education

    Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion, eligible for one and a half (1.5) CE credits.

Abstract

Kathy delves into the increasingly sophisticated tactics, techniques, and procedures employed in social engineering attacks, including ransomware, spear-phishing, and other forms of online fraud. Drawing on her extensive investigative experience, she exposes the chilling consequences of cybercrime, from financial loss and identity theft to coercion and online sexual exploitation. Kathy Macdonald demystifies these crimes, making audiences aware of the multifaceted threats that lurk behind seemingly harmless interactions online.
 
In this era of interconnectivity, emerging security threats extend beyond personal computers and smartphones to Internet of Things (IoT) devices, expanding the surface area for potential attacks. Kathy explores this uncharted territory, providing insights into these latent dangers and the measures needed to secure these devices.
 
However, understanding the problem is just the first step. Kathy Macdonald empowers attendees by offering practical tips and resources to reduce online risk and prevent the inadvertent oversharing of valuable personal information. Her talk showcases how open-source intelligence gathering equips internet users with the tools to develop their investigative mindset, turning the tide on cybercriminals.
 
This presentation is not only a crash course in emerging cyber threats but also a roadmap for effective response and protection. Kathy emphasizes that mounting a successful defense against cybercrime is everyone’s responsibility. Through her actionable advice and comprehensive resources, Kathy Macdonald equips attendees with the knowledge and strategies necessary to navigate the digital landscape safely and confidently. The fight against cybercrime begins with informed and proactive internet users.

Learning objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Educate psychologists on cybersecurity risks, best practices, and proactive measures to protect sensitive information in their practice.

  • Explore tactics employed in social engineering tactics.

  • Understand the consequences of cybercrime.

  • Gather practical tips and resources for reducing online risk.

Kathy Macdonald

Kathy Macdonald is a highly esteemed expert in cyber security, renowned for her extensive experience in law enforcement. With a career that began as a police officer in Calgary, Alberta, in 1988, Kathy quickly recognized the profound impact the Internet and the World Wide Web would have on crime and policing. This inspired Kathy Macdonald to become an authority in cyber security, sharing her wisdom through engaging presentations and her upcoming book. As a professional speaker, author, consultant, and university instructor, Kathy Macdonald brings a wealth of investigative experience and a deep passion for cyber security awareness to her audiences. Her firsthand knowledge of the devastating consequences of cybercrime has earned her global speaking engagements with law enforcement, corporations, security groups, government entities, and academia. Recognized with the Order of Merit of the Police Forces (M.O.M.) in 2009, Kathy’s commitment to community service is unwavering. With impressive academic credentials and specialized training, Kathy Macdonald is a driving force in advancing national cybercrime strategies and promoting online diligence and skepticism. Kathy holds a Masters of Security Risk Management with Merit (MSc.), and is a Certified Protection Professional (CPP).

CE Credits

The Psychologists' Association of Alberta (PAA) is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) to offer Continuing Education (CE) for psychologists. This workshop is offered for one and a half (1.5) hours of CE credit. A full view of the course materials is required to receive Continuing Education Credits. Partial credit will not be awarded. Credits will not be awarded if registration in the course expires prior to completion of the course. PAA maintains responsibility for the program.

Credits: 1.5

Cancellation Policy

Upon purchase, the product will be available for 30 days, or until December 15th, 2025, whichever comes first. It will be permanently removed from the website on December 15th, 2025, per our agreement with the Speakers Bureau of Canada.

Cancellation and refunds may be applied for by email or phone call to the PAA CPD Officer. Cancellations received within 24 hours of registration for the Continuing Professional Development activity will receive a full refund of the registration fee, given no CE Certificate was issued. Cancellations received within 48 hours of registration for the Continuing Professional Development activity will receive a full refund of the registration fee, less a $35.00 + GST processing fee, given no CE certificate was issued. After 48 hours of purchase, no refunds will be issued.