Consumers are pretty well-versed in the incidents of credit card fraud but as criminals are getting savvier, its always wise to keep abreast of trends in fraudulent activity and how to avoid the latest exploits of cyber criminals.
Cyber criminals can net billions of dollars in a year using online resources to steal credit card and other user personal identification data. In the past, all consumers really had to worry about was people swiping cards from their mailbox or looking over their shoulders at the ATM.
Now, there are things like phishing, intercept fraud, skimming, site spoofing and the latest fraud phenomenon, triangulation. Consumers are getting lost in the shuffle of technology.
It is always wise to keep up to date on your Internet usage and protect the information you choose to share online. Criminals have really refined their ways to get you into coughing up the right information and in many cases, consumers had no clue they had been had. They are doing all the supposed ‘right things’ but the cybercriminals are just that good.
Here are 6 key ways to protect your personal information online:
Password Protection
People often utilize almost guessable passwords and user information simply so they can remember the information themselves. There are also computer programs that are created specifically to run through the billions of combinations at light speed just to crack your code. It is really important to set up password and other log-in information using a myriad of factors including symbols, capital letters, lowercase letters, and numerical data. Create something no one could easily guess and use words that are not found in the dictionary. There are security software programs that can help keep your information safe that you can access and remember your personal entry information. Not only is it essential to establish your initial data in this manner, you should also make it a point to change passwords regularly. It is a lot of work to save and remember your log-ins but guaranteed you will spend a lot more time trying to wrangle your way out of identity theft.
Check Your Browser
Even if you are not as technically included as others, you can still make a habit of looking at the URL (Internet address) of the site you are visiting. If you plan on entering any personal data, be sure there is an ‘https’ in the front of the address instead of just ‘http’. The ‘s’ means the site you are using is verified as secure. This tips does not apply only to banking and shopping sites, it should also show up on other personally relevant sites like Facebook.
Be Cautious With Emails
Tech criminals are really good at copycatting legitimate company emails. They create graphics and content that look exactly like what you may get from your credit card company or your bank. These emails will appear to be a normal part of your account management but will likely ask you to confirm or reply with your personal data or account information. Always remember the legitimate companies will NEVER ask you for personal details through an email. No matter how urgent the email appears to be, call the company directly using the number on your billing statements or the back of your credit card. Never call the number contained in the email as many setups can be elaborate enough to include phone call response.
Zip Your Lip on the Phone
While cons will often use the anonymous Internet, they can also use their tricks over the phone. The rule of thumb here is to NEVER provide your information over the phone unless you have initiated the call. If someone calls you for information, decline to provide it and then call the number from your billing statement and not the one possibly provided to you by the caller.
Smarten Up Your Phone
Speaking of phones, with the advent of smartphones that let you handle your business from the palm of your hand, you really need to make sure you are saving account information or other personal data to your phone. One accidentally-left-behind phone at the local restaurant or other location means someone has near-instant access to your personal and financial life. Password protect your phone and try to keep your financial work to your home computer.
Watch Where You Surf
With so much information online you can literally find anything on the World Wide Web. However, your really need to make sure what kind of sites you are visiting because some categories have a reputation for putting malicious programs that attack your computer. Avoid adult websites and file sharing sites that are the most common sources of these malicious attacks.
You have a responsibility to your financial welfare to remain proactive about protecting your information. All too often people because too laid back about how they use the Internet but it is only to their own detriment. It is easy to do transactions online like shopping and bank transactions but the convenience should not be taken for granted. You need to ensure you are also checking your credit card statements, other bills, and your credit report regularly to confirm no one has been taking advantage of you or your personal identity information.
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