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The
internet has become the medium for many a financial transaction. You
bank
online, buy things online, pay bills online, buy and sell shares
online. All
these transactions promote convenience. But, they also expose you to
some security
risks. Some simple precautions can make the use of the internet much
safer.
Here are some tips to protect yourself from internet fraud.
Cyber
Cafes: Be sure always to use a secure computer.
Using a public computer, like the one at a cyber cafe, is risky.
Identity
thieves use “tracking software” to steal passwords. One often shuts
down a
computer without logging out. If you must use a computer in a cyber
cafe, make
sure you log off completely even from your email account. You also have
to
clear private data from the browser. You have to clear browsing
history, clear
cookies, clear files.
Use
wireless carefully: You should also be aware
of the risks involved when using a wireless connection. As Wi-Fi and 3G
and
Bluetooth are becoming increasing popular, there is bound to be an
increase in
wireless hacking.
Wireless connectivity is the perfect platform
for thieves to steal
personal data. If you have a wireless connection at home or at the
workplace,
make sure you are incorporating password protection and encryption.
Don’t
scream on Anti-Virus Programmes: Keep your computer
safe by regularly updating your anti-virus and anti-spyware programmes.
This
expense is essential for protecting your data. Use passworks so that
others
cannot log on to your computer, laptop or PDA. Be sure to change your
password
often.
Be
‘Phish’ smart: Be smart about phishing scams, too. Of
late, many bank customers around the world have been victims to emails
that
claim to be from bank and ask for sensitive information. Alternatively,
they
might prompt you to click a link, which then requests personal or
financial
information. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of such a request,
call the
company that it was supposedly sent from. If an email seems suspicious,
it
usually is.
Data
is forever: Do you use a smart phone like a Blackberry?
Then be careful what you store in it. Resetting your phone to delete
personal
data doesn’t exactly wipe out information completely. It turns out that
your
phone’s operating system never actually deletes data, only the pointers
to
where the data is located. When you sell or discard your phone, anyone
with the
right software can recover information that was once stored in it. The
same
holds good for your old PCs. You would have to contact the device
manufacturer
for complete instructions on what to do to wipe off the data
completely. Think
twice about the kind of information you store, in case you sell the
phone or
it’s ever lost or stolen.
Be
Alert: Check your bank and credit card statements
regularly
for any suspicious transactions. Also, if your bank provides it,
subscribe to
the SMS service for transaction alerts. Try to memorise your password
instead
of writing it down so that there is a lesser chance of it being stolen.
Also
memorise and then tear off the sealed envelope with your ATM pin. Read about identity theft deterrent.
Other
Pages on Identity Theft:
Insurance
Home
Phishing
Protection
Reporting
Disclaimer: The information provided here is
only for
informative purposes and nothing more. It is not in any way to be
construed as authoritative. Always consult your financial advisor
before taking any decision. It is informed to the people that this
information that is provided here is not to be acted upon. In spite of
our advise, if any person acts upon the contents of this web site and
incurs a loss, they do it on their own risk. We are not to be held
responsible for any loss, incorrect information etc.
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