Holiday Shopping and Data Breaches: How to Keep Your Identity Safe -
Updated: May 3, 2016
Title in the shopping season party, you're probably worried about the safety of your personal information as you pick up gifts and other essential elements of this time of year. Who can blame you for worry? Last November during the height of the Black Friday holiday shopping, Target suffered a malware attack that exposed the credit card numbers and debit over 40 million people across the country. The results were devastating, and it seems that there was an endless chain of breaches in restaurants and retailers since. Of course, you do not want to stop shopping, but how can you ensure that the trip to the store for another box cranberry sauce will not result in financial ruin or identity theft? Here are some tips you can follow to protect your information a violation, if you shop in stores or online this holiday season.
Safety Tips Lane Fund
Given that most in data breaches in the last year took place when people swiped their cards in person at cash registers, this is an area where you probably have major concerns. The good news is retailers and card companies are taking action. Many stores have improved their systems and hired security companies dedicated to help ensure problems during the next holiday shopping season are caught long before they become disasters. In addition, in October 2015 both Mastercard and Visa intend to issue smart cards to all customers and to keep traders with obsolete equipment responsible for any fraud that occurs after this point. What can you do to stay safe?
Keep your card in your wallet until it's time to pay. Do not stay in a long line of holiday shoppers with your card in your hand. Instead, keep your card in your wallet until just before you need to put on or drag to process the transaction. Keep it immediately, rather than putting it on the counter while you sign the receipt. If you need to take it out, make sure to cover the card number, and CV code on the back with your hand so that no one can read or photographed.
Beware when you enter your PIN debit card. When you enter your PIN during a transaction, it is always good to lock the keypad to the cashier or other customers with your body or hand. What many people do not know is that your PIN can be stolen by other means than seeing someone you type in. There is a heat signature left on the non-metal keyboards for about 15 minutes after use. Infrared cameras, which are easily bought and attached to smartphones these days, can be used to measure the heat signature and obtain your PIN. You can avoid this by resting your fingers on other keys while typing your PIN code, which will make it harder for thieves to find your combination.
It should be noted that the best way to protect your PIN while you pay is to run your card as a credit instead of debit. This will not only protect you from view attack but also keep your PIN and bank accounts safely in the event of a data breach.
Use caution when taking money from ATMs. When you need a little extra cash between stores, you must also be sure to be on the lookout. Many cards thieves insert devices called skimmers on ATMs that read your card information when you insert it to take money from the machine. Inspect the card slot before use, paying attention for signs of damage or adhesive tape residue. Try to use machines inside, like those who are generally better protected than outdoor machines. If someone is hanging around too close, wait until they left before entering your PIN. Also remember to rest your fingers on other keys when you enter your PIN to protect against thieves using an infrared sensor.
Safety Tips for Online Holiday Shopping and Mobile
Always wary of using your card in stores? Online shopping and mobile are alternatives to navigating the crowds, but you still need to be careful. Here are some tips to help you keep your online and mobile shopping experience a happy holiday.
1. First check the URL. misdirecting people with bad URL is one of the oldest trick in the crook online manual. It is important to always check the address of the website when you make a purchase online. Look for a URL that begins with "https", because the "s" means the site is secure. You may also notice a small lock icon on secure Web sites. Learn more about checking the security of a website here.
2. Do not store your payment information. Many websites or applications let you store your credit or debit card information to make future transactions easier. Although it may be tempting to do so, you can save time, you put your information at risk. If the site is violated, your data stored on its servers will be easy prey. It is much better to be a little inconvenienced as putting your information into the hands of someone else. If the site automatically records your personal information, be sure to connect after the transaction is completed to remove your information and payment address.
3. Do not buy on a public computer or wireless unsecured connection. The dangers of public computers and unsecured Wi-Fi connections are numerous, but the biggest risk comes when you use your personal information. A public computer, such as those used at work or at school, no place to be crossed off items on your list of holiday shopping. If you are not completely out of your accounts, someone else could come in and have access to your information (or make a shopping trip). In addition, you have no way of knowing whether or not a public computer was infected with malware or spyware. Similarly, unsecured Wi-Fi connections are a gamble. You never know who else is watching. It is best to make your mobile shopping and online at home, using wireless secure connection.
4. Install Internet security software. Many software suites these days do more than scan your computer for viruses. They offer extra security to your browser so that you can buy and bank online with complete peace of mind. Kaspersky has a feature called Safe money that opens a secure encrypted browser window when you're shopping or checking your online bank statement and a virtual keyboard so you can enter sensitive information without using the keyboard of your computer. Bitdefender has a similar feature, called SafePay. Moreover, these two security suites also offer protection mobile applications to help keep safe when shopping on the road.
consider signing for identity theft protection
In response to numerous data breaches that have occurred during the past year, most companies offered victim identity protection service against free flight. This service is important to have, but you should not wait until you are the victim of a data breach for it. Top rated identity theft protection services like Identity Guard or TrustedID cost less than $ 20 / month, so they are affordable. They also provide a plethora of features, including credit reports and scores and track your public folders as well as personal and financial information on the Internet black market. If your identity is compromised, these services will ensure that your good name is restored and you recover any financial losses.
Unfortunately, violations are a reality that you can not predict or prevent. Even as companies improve their systems and enhance the security, thieves worldwide work as hard to find cracks, they can squeeze through. The fear of data theft should not prevent you from using your credit or debit cards, but it should make you want to become a savvier client. Using these tips and adopt a proactive approach to protecting your identity will help you be prepared if the worst case occurs.
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