(KGTV) - A San Diego-based online banking data breach may have cost hundreds of customers money, and several new scams have popped up.
Financial experts say you need to take extra precautions while on the Internet because hackers are becoming more sophisticated and can be very convincing.
Here's a look at 10 rules to make sure you aren't taken in:
1. Keep your device's software updated.
Recent Facebook hacks were the result of people not updating their Facebook software. Hackers used Facebook's "Download Your Information" feature to target unsuspecting users and steal data.
Microsoft notes that Microsoft and Apple operating systems and apps are also susceptible to the latest hacking techniques.
2. Use a password manager.
You should have a unique password for each account you have online.
A good password manager will keep your passwords safe and keep you from having to re-type them over and over.
A password manager app is available on iTunes and Android devices. If you use a Google account, you can use a password manager app by the same company called Dashlane.
3. Avoid giving out personal information on social media.
The best way to protect yourself from hacks is to not give out personal information on social media.
A quick search on social media will show several people various pieces of your personal information. That can be used to steal your identity or commit identity fraud.
Here are a few things not to post on social media:
Names: don't put it out there.
Birthdays: unless your birthday is an obvious "spotlight" event, leave your age out of the mix.
Sign up for stuff: don't give out personal information like your Social Security number, birth date, bank account numbers, etc.
4. Be careful when shopping online.
Experts say criminals will often set up fake storefronts that resemble real companies but only sell counterfeit products.
On websites, they will have normal company information like a logo and website address. But the URL will lead to a legitimate-looking site with no information.
To avoid being scammed:
- Look for a website URL that begins with "HTTPS"
- Check the website's "about" page for any red flags.
- If the fake website asks you to install a shopping cart program or credit card security software, that means the website may not be legitimate.
- do a Google search: go to the company's site first: go to the site's website to see if it's legitimate
- watch out for fake pop-up ads: if it asks you to give out personal information or enter your credit card number, that's a sign that it's fake.
5. Use a credit card online.
Many people have complained about having their credit card information stolen after clicking on a website.
A majority of credit card companies will charge a small fee if the card is used to buy goods from an unknown website.
Many credit card companies also have a "two-step" verification system to make it more difficult for fraudsters to create fake accounts.
6. Use long, unique passwords
Experts say it's difficult to remember as many as 30 passwords for all your accounts.
Longer, complex passwords are much harder for thieves to steal.
Experts suggest using a password manager app, where you can store all your different passwords in one place.
7. Use 2FA on your accounts
A two-factor authentication system (2FA) allows you to log in to your bank account or another online account with a special code sent via text or email.
- Use your phone number to sign into your account.
- Use your bank's 2FA services, which can come with a code sent via text, email, or phone call.
- Set your passwords to require a numerical code or password and use 2FA for all of your logins.
- Use 2FA on your social media sites, too, and change passwords often
8. Keep mobile devices protected.
Smartphone users should enable the "notification" option on their device, which can notify you whenever the device detects a change to its password.
You should also use good security practices like not saving any sensitive information on your devices or running applications from unknown sources.
Some apps will let you see when any changes are made to the password on your account.
Some websites, like Spotify and PayPal, also let you change your password without logging in, and they'll change your password for you.
9. Turn on remote locks and monitoring.
Some security experts recommend turning on remote locks and monitoring systems, which can help prevent identity theft.
10. Consider freezing your credit.
Fraudsters can set up fake accounts under your name using your stolen identity and then charge up to $40 per purchase.
To prevent it from happening, you can freeze your credit report, which prevents thieves from opening any new accounts.
To do it, you'll need to contact each credit bureau individually and request that they place a freeze on your account.
You can likewise put an extortion alert on your credit report. That will notify lenders but won't prevent them from issuing new credit.
0 Comments