A global cybersecurity firm shared tips on how Pinoys can shop safely online and save their funds from fraudsters, phishers and malicious carders, especially this Christmas season.
Kaspersky said that consumers could protect their data and money through the following:
Using strong passwords
- Longer passwords are better
- Have at least a 10-character password, even to accounts “of little importance”
- Avoid using the same password for multiple sites
- Try to devise your own password creation system or use a password generator to come up with strong combinations
Using VPN to connect to public networks
- A secure connection prevents cyber attackers from intercepting login credentials and payment details
Don’t link bank accounts to shopping platforms
- Only link bank accounts and cards to online stores you regularly visit to keep track of transaction histories and activities
- Decline the “remember card” option and input your card numbers manually
Paying with payment service if possible
- Payment services like Google Play or PayPal store your data in encrypted form on secure servers
Getting a separate card for online shopping
- Try to minimize the funds in your card solely for online shopping so that attackers could not access your main money source
Keeping track of payment history
- Set up transaction notifications and regularly check your payment history
- Any unexpected debit, even a tiny amount, should be a red flag because scammers may be floating a “trial balloon” before stealing big amounts
Using reliable protection
- Install a reliable security solution that automatically detects and blocks phishing sites
According to Kaspersky, cybercriminals are “constantly on the lookout for user accounts in services related to online commerce.”
“They want to gain access to payment cards linked to the account and go on a spree at your expense. There are no two ways about it: account hijacking can cause direct monetary losses,” it added.
The firm said that hackers could hijack online accounts by phishing, through public wi-fi networks, online store leaks and fake websites.
