How to protect credit card information online? - The CAG

11 TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR CREDIT
CARD INFORMATION ONLINE

Protect your Credit Card Information Online - The CAG

11 TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR CREDIT
CARD INFORMATION ONLINE

11 Tips to Protect your Credit Card Information Online

Credit Cards are one of the most convenient methods of online transactions. But convenience also brings risks. Hackers are lurking behind, waiting for snatching away your sensitive information. So, how to use your credit cards safely online? Our cybersecurity professionals from Perth have listed 11 tips to protect your credit card information while you use it online.

     1. Avoid Public Wi-Fi

     2. Shop from Sites that have SSL Certificates

It’s best to shop from sites that have SSL certificates. Even though it doesn’t mean the site is fully safe, ensuring the website has an address starting with HTTPS can be considered your first step to secure online transactions.

     3. Avoid Saving your Credit Card Number

It can be a little troublesome to type your credit card number each time you purchase from an online site, but it’s worth the effort than losing your data to hackers. They are always looking for vulnerabilities to exploit. Saving your credit card details on online shopping sites are like helping them find one.

     4. Beware of Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are now one of the common cybercrimes. The scammers send emails pretending to be from a genuine online shopping site asking for credit card details to resolve your purchase problem. Once they receive the data, they steal your money. So, never reply to such emails because no genuine shops will ask for your credentials through email. It’s best to contact them to ensure the mail is authentic before taking further actions.

     5. Be Extra Careful while Travelling

Stay cautious while using credit cards when you are travelling. Make sure you only use your credit card at trusted shops and bank ATMs. Inform the bank about your travel so they can inform you in case of any suspicious transactions.

     6. Use only Strong and Unique Passwords

Use only Strong and Unique Passwords - The CAG

     7. Try using one Credit for your Purchases

Allot one credit card for all your purchasing. This way, you can prevent your other cards from being targeted by hackers. It will be easy for you to keep track of the transactions and quickly notice any suspicious activities. Set up text messages or other means of alerts for transactions on your credit card.

     8. Use a Payment System

Add an extra safety layer using mobile payment or online payment systems like PayPal or Apple Pay for making payments. This way, you can keep your credit card details safe from online shops. It reduces the risk of hackers obtaining your credentials if they ever hack the shop website.

     9. Only Purchase from Trusted Sites

It’s always wise to shop from trusted and reputed sites. If you are using a new shopping site, ensure it’s safe before using the site for purchasing. Furthermore, try not to log in to sites that store your credit card information; you can use those that allow you to make purchases as a guest.

     10. Install Antivirus Software

Protect your devices using security software. Both mobile devices and desktops need antivirus since we have shifted from desktop to mobile shopping.

     11. Updates are Essential

Regularly update your operating system and other software. Updates help to patch the loopholes in your system, protecting you from viruses and other dangers.

Jargon Buster

VPN – Virtual Private Network – An encrypted connection across a public network that provides online anonymity.
Https – Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure – The secure version of HTTP, used for secure and encrypted communication on the internet.
SSL – Secure Sockets Layer – a data file that enables encrypted communication between a web browser and a web server.
Phishing – a fraudulent attempt where the attacker impersonates as a trustworthy entity to obtain sensitive information via digital communication.
Password manager – A program that allows users to store, generate, and manage passwords for online services.

Gordon Murdoch | Blog author | Computing Australia

Gordon Murdoch

Gordon is the Service Delivery Manager at The Computing Australia Group, he is responsible for the delivery of all The CAG technical support services. It is a busy portfolio to manage as we have a lot of techs and our clients generate thousands of new tickets every day. If you are looking for a tech company that is passionate about service delivery, give The Computing Australia Group a go. Many of our clients have been with us for all of our last 20 years of operation which is something we are all proud of here. 

Gordon Murdoch | Blog author | Computing Australia

Gordon Murdoch

Gordon is the Service Delivery Manager at The Computing Australia Group, he is responsible for the delivery of all Computing Australia technical support services. It is a busy portfolio to manage as we have a lot of techs and our clients generate thousands of new tickets every day. If you are looking for a tech company that is passionate about service delivery, give The Computing Australia Group a go. Many of our clients have been with us for all of our last 20 years of operation which is something we are all proud of here.