ESET: How to protect your credit and debit cards and your details

The recent incidents of personal data theft in recent months once again highlight the issue of protecting consumers who buy online with debit or credit cards.

In light of these events, ESET advises cardholders on how they can protect their accounts and their identities.

• Check your account for suspicious activity, especially if you made purchases between November and December 2013, when there was a spike in data breaches. Be on the lookout even if no suspicious transactions appear on your card, as cybercriminals often retain your information and use it once the issue has faded from the news.

• Replace your debit/credit card if you do not wish to be constantly on the lookout and checking it. If you have set up standing orders for automatic payment of some bills, you will need to change the details.

• Change your debit card PIN and create a strong PIN, as cybercriminals are constantly trying to "break" encryption and many card users do not use strong PINs.

• Check your credit reports , paying particular attention to activity such as new accounts in your name that you did not authorize.

• Change the passwords you use for your online purchases, since not all investigations into the frauds of recent days have been completed, any preventive protection measure will help you stay safe.

Finally, you should be alert to fraud attempts aimed at obtaining additional personal information from you, as if card details are stolen, cybercriminals usually gain access to even more information, which they use by sending scam or phishing emails.

Be wary of links or emails that look suspicious and do not open them, but instead type the URL directly into your browser.

Source: e-pcmag.gr