Technical specifications (security)

The ministère de l'Immigration et des communautés culturelles du Québec (MICC) uses state-of-the-art technology and equipment to safeguard its Web site and protect the confidential nature and integrity of data transmitted through its electronic services.

If you use a MICC’ electronic service, your computer must be equipped with a Web browser that uses the 128-bit SSL encryption protocol.

Browsers and versions recommended by Revenu Québec

The Ministère de l'Immigration et des communautés culturelles du Québec recommends that you download the following versions:

• Microsoft® Internet Explorer® (128 bits)
  Version 6.0 or 7.0 for Microsoft® Windows® XP or Vista
• Mozilla Firefox™ (128 bits)
  Version 2.0 for Microsoft® Windows® XP or Vista, for Linux or for Macintosh OS X.

To guarantee the security of data transmitted online, use the most recent version of these Web browsers.

Your navigator must also be configured to:

• use JavaScript language functions
• accept cookie files
• enable pop-ups for the Website www.form.services.micc.gouv.qc.ca

The SSL encryption protocol

The ministère de l'Immigration et des communautés culturelles du Québec uses the 128-bit SSL encryption protocol to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the data transmitted between your computer and MICC's server.

This protocol transforms your data into an enciphered code that is impossible to read (128-bit encryption) while being transmitted. The data is then decrypted back to plain text at the receiving end of the transmission. Encryption is the process of converting information into a more secure format for transmission.

SSL encryption protocol also verifies the identity of the parties involved (the user and the Ministry).

Automatic closing of the session

After 30 minutes of inactivity, the session closes automatically. Your session is considered inactive when you stop filling out your application or request without leaving the service or without closing the Web browser window(s).

Safety Rules

The various security mechanisms used are effective only if users comply with the following rules:

• Seal of security
  You should always see the safety seal on the screen (closed padlock) when you transmit confidential information. If the seal is broken (open padlock), there is no guarantee that your Internet transmission is secure and that no one will be able to intercept it.
  
  The location of the seal of security varies depending on the Web browser that you use. For some browsers, you must activate the display in the browser's status bar to see it.
  
  
• Secure use of emails
  The ministère de l'Immigration et des communautés culturelles du Québec does not request information by email. If you receive an email that seems suspicious and confidential information is requested, do not reply! Ignore and delete any e-mails asking for personal or financial information. Do the same with e-mails asking for an access code or password.
  
  Never send us an e-mail that contains sensitive personal information such as your social insurance number or date of birth.
  
  By doing so, you will avoid the risk of divulging confidential information by responding to an e-mail that looks like the ones sent out by the organization.
  
  
• Make sure you are on our official site
  Other than fraudulent emails, a thief may use search engines to create links to a Web site that seems legitimate. An Internet user doing a search may click on a link provided by the search engine and browse in the fake Web site.
  
  We suggest that you make sure that the Internet address (URL) shown is MICC's official address. You may also type in our address yourself, which is www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca.
  
  
• Do not disclose the data used to validate your identity
  You must not disclose any data used to validate your identity, especially your user code and your password. Should the confidentiality of this information be violated, please inform the MICC immediately to avoid fraudulent use of your identity. You should memorize your user code and password instead of writing it down. If, however, you choose to print the information out or write it in a document, make sure you keep your document in a safe place.
  
  We recommend that you modify your password every three to six months and avoid using personal information as your password.
  
  
• Use a firewall
  We suggest that you install a firewall on your computer and make sure it is set up properly. A firewall helps prevent unauthorized access to or from your computer by filtering information coming through the Internet connection into your computer. It will only allow connections that are known and trusted.
  
  
• Use anti-virus software
  Your computer can become infected with a virus through email attachments, from free content you download from a Web site or a diskette or other media that someone shares with you. By installing anti-virus software on your computer, you reduce the risk of infection. The anti-virus software can detect viruses and clean your machine so that viruses do not damage your computer or spread.
  
  
• End your session correctly
  Once you log on, do not leave your computer unattended. When you use an electronic service, end your session safely. Use the Exit button provided in the upper right-hand corner of the window.
  
  
• Erase your browser's cache memory
  The cache is a temporary memory that saves, on your computer, data consulted on the Internet during a session. This mechanism enables your Web browser to perform more efficiently.
  
  Most Web browsers have an integrated cache memory, but it may be labeled under a variety of names. Consult your software supplier if you do not know how to erase your browser's cache memory.
  
  Data saved in the cache memory are not encrypted. This is why we recommend that users erase the cache memory after each session in order to safeguard the confidential nature of personal information. This operation is especially important if the computer is shared with other users.
  
  
• Close the browser
  Once you have finished using an electronic service, close your browser. By doing so, all copies of Web pages stored on your hard drive are deleted. Closing your browser is the simplest and most secure way of preventing intrusions on the pages that you have visited.