How to Observe Online Security
May 12, 2008
Filipinos still prefer to carry cash rather than using their debit cards to make a purchase. For the few (like me) who insist on paying using debit, credit or even cellphone wallet at the counter, here are tips that are helpful to manage such transactions:
photo credit: craiova (SXC)
- Register for online banking systems. Almost all major banks provide online banking systems for free. After opening an account, register with these banks immediately so that you can easily access your account without waiting for the monthly bank statement.
- Be wary of phishing sites. Phishing sites are sites that pose as the real one. There are already banking sites that are not real and looks very similar to the real one. Of course, the primary intention of these sites is to steal your username and password.
- Install firewall software and anti-spyware. Many antivirus programs come bundled with these features. With the age of fast internet and almost online access, this is now a must even in home PCs.
- If you are a Windows user, turn your Windows updates on. I would recommend setting it to automatic updates so that the download runs in the background.
- Use the latest browsers. Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer are still good ones to use with Windows. If your connection is fast enough, turning on phishing settings helps a lot.
- Use different passwords for your online accounts. Keeping the same username and password for several accounts that contains money is a great risk.
- Use a difficult password for money accounts. As said, combination of letters and casing would be of help. Never use words that are used in the language: for example chairman vs. l9hkTMl4j. Difficult passwords are often difficult to crack.
- Never give out your password to others. I believe this is the greatest risk of all – to give out password to others. People tend to use the same username across other sites and even the same password and this compromises security.
These are the tips that I often practice and with the ever-changing internet, there will always be new ways of protecting oneself from such fraudulent acts. Be vigilant and keep yourself informed from time to time.
