In today’s daily activity financial transaction over the internet increasing very fast & “How to improve online security” now a big question to all. Yes, it is very essential now to take a good care of your financial activity. All online transaction always carry some risk, but if you follow some normal yet essential steps it will secure you from any fraudulent activity.
To keep your
Don’t use open, free or public wifi
Open Wifi – A wifi connection which has no security, like phone/ pc hotspot.
Free Wifi – A free service in a specific zone offer by Govt or Public.
Public Wifi – Same as free wifi or a paid wifi like café parlor.
It doesn’t matter for which purpose you are accessing free or open wifi whenever you get connected your security gets compromised. For example, say, you have accessed a free wifi only to view your WhatsApp messages. Now as when you get connected over a free wifi a hacker can easily take control of your device who is also in the same network. He can steal your device data, can put an automated script to do a certain function later etc.
Never ever use any free wifi for any activity.
Update your OS and browser
Keep your browser and OS auto-update feature always on. Software updates keep your device safe and secure from security threats. I would suggest Google Chrome( All) or Microsoft Edge ( Win-10), Safari (Mac). Chrome current version integrated with virus scan feature.
Conclusion: Keep your OS & Browser updated & use the secure mode of the browser.
Use Antivirus & Firewalls
It is a good habit to use a good Antivirus & Firewall as well. Use Microsoft Windows Defender Antivirus (the successor to Microsoft Security Essentials) if your system runs on Windows.
Your Device must have an antivirus & a firewall installed. If you using Windows 7 change it with Windows-10 as of 7th generation onwards processor will allow only Windows-10 or later versions OS only.
Identify URL
Checks the URL you are processing, a secured site always contains a trusted certificate. Also, check whether it is a real site or an identical site or a clone site. I have discussed in details about the URL in 3 simple steps you must apply before opening an URL to identify a scam link
Identity site security & fake site
Validate Payment Gateway
Payment gateway works as a bridge between seller and bank. A payment gateway always used a secure protocol to keep your data secure. Before processing the payment check out the payment gateway URL, if you don’t have any information about the payment gateway google it before the process. Some popular payment gateways are PayPal, SecurePay, 2Checkout, CCAvenue, PayU etc.
Conclusion: Check payment gateway URL if you don’t recognize google it and validate.
Choosing Payment Option
Choosing payment option & processing also play a vital role in the online transaction. Try to choose your payment option in the following sequence as per your accessibility.
- Credit Card – Credit Card provides better security over Debit Card.
- Virtual Debit Card – It is a one-time use card, which will automatically destroy after use.
- Payment Wallet – Load money to your wallet and use it.
- Debit Card – Only use when you have no other option (Recommended not to use).
- Do not use Net banking for payment for any circumstance.
Preferred to use the virtual keyboard and never save card details.
Use a credit card over debit card & avoid using net banking. Put details using the virtual keyboard.
Do you have any other thought that brings great results?
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