Online Transaction Security

Recently with the increase of online banking options and shopping sites that encourage the use of checking and credit card information, online transaction security is even more important. As he web grows and diversifies with options for online payments, a number of false sites pose a constant threat to all computer users.

Even exchanging information without the appropriate encryption technology or security measures can make a computer user or identity particularly vulnerable. Online transactions take place at record speed, oftentimes faster than a standard credit card transaction or check processing. Providing personal data on the Internet does pose various risks, and taking preventative action is a necessary part of ensuring online safety.

Do you know that online transactions can be monitored, recorded, and key logged by a variety of hackers and third parties without the knowledge or consent of the user. This information is transmitted across networks and opens up the door to a variety o risks that can be fall into the hands of the wrong party. If passwords are stored on a user’s computer, they are especially vulnerable to security breaches. A computer security hole can open up the door to the password files, and hackers can extract and copy this information without the user’s knowledge.

Therefore password files and information have to be protected. You can do this by frequently changing of the password, and using unidentifiable keyword combinations. Also ensure passwords are a combination of numbers, capital and small letters, and symbols can prevent any manipulation simply by guessing the code, and taking the steps to change the password frequently may help with unauthorized access. Do not sharing passwords with any other person is another important step; online transactions rely heavily on a user name and password.

Nowadays, secure websites and pages will feature two important conditions that indicate they are using encryption technology and a Secure Socket Layer. This is indicated by “https” (letter ”s” after the http portion of the URL), and means that the server is a secure one. Microsoft Windows also offers an alert that relays a message indicating whether information over the network is secure. This can help to filter out any risky websites or services.

Downloading from trusted sources can help to protect a user’s sensitive information, as this limits the potential risk of viruses, worms, and other dangerous threats that can lead to data mining and data loss. Making sure all websites that involve direct credit card information and checking account information exchange have a padlock symbol or icon will ensure that the site has been assigned the authority to accept secure and protected information.

Using software that protects and encrypts sensitive information like user names and passwords, and highlights if a site is secure or not, may dramatically improve your online transaction security. Such software should:

• Remove known crimeware and stop suspicious applications.
• Store your passwords in encrypted mode.
• Block known phishing web sites and warn about those that are suspicious.
• Work together with antivirus and Internet security software you may have installed.
• Update automatically in order to keep up to date with the latest threats.
  
  

Online Shopping (Virus)

Sometimes when we are doing online shopping or transaction, we would like to avoid viruses.If we receievd an en email containing an unsolicited commercial message, you should not open any attached file whose name ends in ".exe." Clicking on such files could activate a computer virus that might affect the operation of your computer and/or damage the information stored on your computer.

You can also protect yourself against viruses carried by e-mail or by computer files that you’ve received on a floppy disk, by purchasing and installing on your computer or network a virus-protection program. A good antivirus could fix this problem

Online Shopping (Password)

It is important to use different password for your online transaction and email account or network password. Some website require you to change your online password after 3 months to ensure the security of your account.

When we are choosing our password, it is not recommended to use our address, birth date, phone number, or recognizable words. Choose a string of at least five letters, numbers, and punctuation marks.

If you are recording your password down pls do not write down any password near your computer where someone could see it. If you do record it somewhere, reverse the order of the characters or transpose some letters or numbers. In that hat way, someone finding it won’t have discovered your true password.

Online Shopping (Phone In)

Another way of making payment online is using the phone. That is of course if you are willing to give out your personal credit card info away online. Most web merchants/seller allow you to order online and give your credit card information over the phone to make the payment.

If you’re planning to use phone in option, do remember to jot down the phone number, seller company name, the date and time of your call, and the name of the person who recorded your credit card number.

It is never advise to give out your password and credit card number using ordinary email. If your email been hacked then, your personal info will fall into the hand of other especially identity theft.