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Published On: Tue, Apr 16th, 2019

How to Protect your Credit Card Information Online: 7 tips

With the rapid rise of e-commerce and multiple services being offered online, India has witnessed a steady increase in digital transactions. In fact, the value of transactions is set to amount to approximately over Rs.45,00,000 crore in 2019. However, the increase in digital transactions has also meant an increase in malicious practices. India has already over 41 million credit card users and antivirus company Kaspersky reportedly blocked 94,70,27,517 attacks from online resources across 203 countries in just a single quarter in 2018.

Therefore, it is imperative that you seek ways to protect your credit card information online. Here, are 7 steps to help you safeguard your data on the web.

photo/ Michael Jarmoluk via pixabay

Set strong passwords

Today, most people use the OTP method to carry out purchases online. However, you also have the option of carrying out transactions via the Verified by Visa/MasterCard SecureCode method. If you use this method, make sure to set a strong password as failure to do so will put your account at risk, should other card details fall into the wrong hands. Make use of a long string containing numbers, letters and special characters. Avoid using common words like your first name and ensure your password has both lowercase and uppercase letters.

Avoid transacting over public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks can be very tempting as they are free and accessible. Whilst you’re reading your favourite blog or the news online using public Wi-Fi, you may just find yourself one click away from making a purchase. Hold on. Public Wi-Fi networks put your credit card data in a vulnerable position as criminals have techniques to ‘listen’ to what’s transmitted and intercept data. Instead, use your cellular network and tether it to your laptop.

Watch out for phishing scams

Consider that a cybercriminal already has your credit card number. What s/he has to do next is to obtain vital data like the name on the card and expiry date, and find out what is your credit card CVV number. To get this some resort to phishing. It can take the form of an email disguised as coming from a reputed financial institution or e-commerce website. Be sure to not give away any data and be alert to any efforts made to obtain sensitive data.

Protect your devices with antivirus software

A good antivirus programme will protect you from spyware, malware, and other viruses. These malicious programs work in the background, harvest sensitive data, and log keystrokes. Once criminals have this data, they can proceed to make transactions. Note that some procedures do not need an OTP and so, there is nothing left to stop criminals from making fraudulent transactions once they obtain the data. Some antivirus programmes give you a secure browser for internet purchases and a VPN option to use when on Wi-Fi.

Look out for the SSL certificate – HTTP’S’

When making a transaction, check the website’s URL. Ideally, you want to see it read ‘https’ and not just ‘http’. The ‘s’ here stands for secure. It tells you that the data going from you to the website is encrypted. This added layer of security protects your data.

Refrain from using browser autofill facilities

Many browsers offer you the option of storing and saving your passwords related to various accounts. However, do remember that the security measures that the browser uses can be breached. It has been proven that phishing scripts can easily obtain sensitive data from browsers. So, at all costs, avoid storing credit card data on your browser’s autofill vault.

Be careful of what you post on social media

Got a new credit card and want to tell the world about it? Do so, but not through the means of clicking pictures of it and putting it on Twitter or Instagram. Well, instances like this have happened, and once your data is made public, it’s vulnerable.

Now that you know how to use a credit card safely over the internet, opt for a credit card that offers you extended security features like the Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank SuperCard. This card comes with added safety facilities like in-hand security and zero-fraud liability cover. The cover comes into play in case your account incurs any unauthorised transactions.

The RBL SuperCard also offers you revolutionary features like 50-day interest-free cash withdrawals from ATMs, and 90-day interest-free loans. Further, you can convert purchases over Rs.3000 to EMIs! Shopping with this card is economical as you profit from deals and discounts on products ranging from apparel and food to accommodation and travel. Signing up for this card is convenient as the eligibility criteria are minimal and you can do so online. Simply check your pre-approved credit card offer to get started.

 

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About the Author

- Rupesh Singh is freelance writer and founder of moneyoutline.com You can follow him on Google + & Facebook.

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