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Thursday, March 28, 2024

How to be safe from cyber risks when transacting online

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Various online capabilities have been very useful in ensuring life continues even when adhering to quarantine and social distancing guidelines. 

Only transact on legitimate websites and never share your security details.

However, when it comes to online transactions, it pays to be safe and wary of risks. A global payments and technology company shares these tips to help protect individuals from abuse or any fraudulent activities. 

Confirm legitimacy of web pages

It is important to confirm the legitimacy of a website before making any transactions. A lock symbol on the side of the address bar signals that a website is encrypted. This means that communication with the website is protected against eavesdropping and tampering. 

Reputable online shopping platforms supported by MasterCard’s secure payment solutions are also good choices to securely purchase items. Examples of these are Lazada and Zalora, where MasterCard cardholders can now make donations to credible organizations. 

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Check the site’s security systems and payment options

Trusted websites make information about its security systems easy to find, usually at the bottom of its pages. Online merchants that support Mastercard SecureCode or Mastercard Identity Check will also have the respective logo displayed at the checkout page or during the transaction processing page. 

These specific solutions ensure that transactions are made more secure with an additional layer of security through a one-time passcode, or taking into consideration other factors such as the consumer’s shopping habits, device used, and the merchant’s risk profile. 

Update your security information and passwords

Most online merchants now require or allow its customers to create accounts within its official site. While this makes it easier and faster to complete transactions in the future, it is important to find time to update information and security protection or passwords once in a while. Choose strong passwords by using allowed symbols, numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters to help keep personal information away from cyber criminals. 

Be wary of unexpected messages

This goes for emails and texts that seem to be from your chosen merchant or bank. Only hover over, but never click, the links to check its validity. The web address of the link should be displayed on the lower left part of your screen. Check the address for slight spelling deviations, number insertion, or domain changes (.org vs .net) from the address of the official site. Be extra suspicious if these messages are asking for any confidential information or even your one-time password. Never share these details with anyone. 

Enable transaction alerts and review card statements

Staying vigilant when signing up for an account and purchasing items online are good habits to cultivate. Make it a point to review and track all card activity in one’s account. This way, abnormal activity can easily and quickly be spotted and reported.

Stay updated on the card issuer’s policies and procedures

Card issuers have various policies to protect buyers in case of fraud, and in case a product is not delivered or is not of the promised quality. Be familiar with these safeguard measures and reporting procedures. This allows you to quickly act upon suspicious activity or obtain recourse for your purchase. 

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