Using a credit card online requires sharing confidential information, making it an easy target of identity thefts and cyber-crimes. Fraudsters may hack accounts, steal identities, or spam emails, increasing the risk of exposure. Although leading credit card providers like Kotak811 take extra measures to keep your information safe and confidential, here are a few essential measures to protect your credit card information online.
1. Protect the Computer with an Antivirus Program
Protect your computer and all mobile devices with the most reputable and recent antivirus programs. These software programs protect the device from identity thieves and hackers, keeping the saved information and activities hidden. Moreover, install the program properly and renew it regularly to ensure optimum credit card security.
2. Keep Your Password and PIN Safe
Your credit card PIN is an extra layer of security for online transactions. Choose a difficult-to-guess PIN and change it every six months to avoid fraud attempts. Similarly, passwords for online accounts and net banking should be complex and unique. They should be long, contain both lower- and upper-case letters, and contain a mixture of symbols and numbers.
Choosing a memorable sentence or phrase adds to the password’s complexity. To further protect the information, use two-factor authentication for online transactions. Finally, memorise these PINs and passwords instead of writing them anywhere.
3. Use the Card Only on Trusted Sites
When shopping online, ensure the website address has https://, not just http://. The extra ‘s’ in the address means security, indicating that the payment is safe and encrypted. Don’t visit a site just by clicking on an email link. These links may direct to a site set up for fraud. Typing the website URL in the internet browser is the best way to visit the real site.
4. Monitor Your Credit Card Statements
Although it is daunting and time-consuming, carefully analysing the credit card statement each month is advisable. It helps identify any suspicious transactions in time, even if they are for a negligible amount. If you suspect misuse, report it to the credit card company to ensure safety. You have a one-month window to notify the credit card company of any misuse.
5. Use Only One Card for Online Transactions
Designate only one credit card for all online transactions. This is a great way to avoid exposing multiple accounts to identity thieves and hackers and easily check suspicious charges. Amongst many, the Kotak 811 credit card is considered the safest card for online usage. It sends email alerts or text messages every time you purchase with it.
As an added security measure, set a maximum transaction limit for online transactions. This will minimise potential losses in case of fraudulent activity or unauthorised access. Log in to your net banking or credit card account profile to set these limits.
6. Never Store the Credit Card Number Online
Saving your credit card number online gives you a customised shopping experience on your favourite websites. It saves the time and effort required to enter the card details repeatedly. However, saving credit card information on some sites increases identity theft risk. Filling in the card details every time is safer, even if it is cumbersome.
7. Avoid Entering the Card Details When Using Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are the easiest targets for cyber-criminals to steal information. When searching for data on public networks in crowded areas like airports, railway stations, and cafes, they may exploit shared Wi-Fi signals to steal information during transmission. As a result, they gain access to your confidential information such as card numbers, PINs, banking credentials, etc. Therefore, using virtual private networks only to transact online or enter sensitive details is always advisable.
8. Check your Computer for Security Settings
Keep tabs on your computer or mobile phone’s security settings. Check them periodically and keep them updated. Hackers may take advantage of a lag in your browser’s security system to steal sensitive information.
9. Keep Your Device Updated
Before entering your credit card information when shopping online, ensure your computer or mobile phone has the latest updates. Outdated devices are easier to access for hackers and fraudsters. Nowadays, almost all computers and mobile phones send alerts whenever an update is available. Keeping the device up-to-date enhances its security and reduces the potential risk of data breaches when transacting online.
A credit card is an excellent tool for transacting online. However, these tips ensure security when conducting online transactions. If you notice an unauthorised transaction or misplace your credit card, inform your provider immediately to block your card and prevent fraudulent activities.
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