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9 Tips for Safer Shopping Online & Offline

We all know that it is important to be aware of our online security and protection of our personal information. Hackers and other nefarious criminals are looking to exploit opportunities they see in easy targets. Don’t let this happen to you. Here is a list of 9 tips to improve the security of your personal information in the online and offline world

#1 Always log out of your Internet banking & payment services

Always make sure that you log out of any online banking apps. This includes any payment gateways at online retailers, as well as payment service providers such as PayPal. If your device is stolen or hacked, your account will be an easy target.

#2 Use a good online security program

Relying on free online security systems to protect you from malware and viruses can be a haphazard mistake. Rather invest in a quality online security package from a top security firm. More code for viruses and malware is being written every day. The recent scourge of the ransomware ‘Wannacry’ shows that many of the world’s networks and devices are easily compromised if security patches are not regularly updated.

#3 When to change your passwords

Change your passwords every six months as best practice. Never use the same password more than once and avoid using different renditions of the same password. The best idea is to use a free online password generator tool. This tool automatically and randomly produces passwords at the click of a mouse. Simply copy and paste them to a central spreadsheet for easy reference.

#4 Never email copies of your ID documents or credit cards

Avoid making copies of any of your documents and especially avoid emailing them to anyone. Your bank and important service providers will have all of your details on record and there is very little reason to have to keep digital copies of your IC or bank cards. Email accounts are easily compromised by hackers and data stolen. Don’t let it happen to you.

#5 Never open unsolicited email

Hackers hide malicious code and viruses in unsolicited emails and pop-ups. Never click on a pop-up and never open an email from an untrustworthy source. Trojan viruses are often sent via email and can infect entire networks before they are discovered.

#6 Don’t let retail staff make copies of your card

When shopping at an offline store in the mall or high street, never let service agents or sales staff make copies of your credit card or ID documents. This data is often stolen by staff, or sold by them to criminals.

#7 Don’t write down your bank card PIN anywhere

Do you keep your PIN number written down somewhere? If so, destroy it immediately. Your PIN only belongs in your memory and nowhere else.

#8 Use a RFID wallet

RFID chips are embedded in passports and bank cards. They contain personal information and data related to your financial accounts. Criminals can scan these chips by simply sitting next to you. Using a RFID wallet from Ibricraft Protects you from this scam. A thin strip of aluminum is placed in between the cover of the wallet. This sheath blocks the frequency of the scanner and keeps your RFID chip safe from prying eyes.

#9 Never leave your credit card alone

Never leave your credit card with a waiter or any attendant. They should bring a card payment machine to you and complete the transaction in your presence. Keep an eye on the attendant or sales staff as they handle your card. It is easy for them to quickly scan the RFID chip, or the magnetic strip when you aren’t paying attention.

Stay alert and aware

Don’t become a victim of personal identity theft. Follow these nine simple steps to mitigate your risk. Half the battle is being aware of your surroundings, oth in the online and offline world. Don’t take unnecessary risks and make sure that you are dealing with approved and credible retailers at all times.

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