How to keep your credit card safe online

RAIPUR: With hacking of Facebook, Gmail and other networking websites on rise, threat of credit card/debit card bank accounts also being hacked looms large in state. Online shopping has further increased this threat.

Monendra Sahu, an ethical hacker said, "For hackers, carding, which refers to credit card/debit card fraud is the new duplicity that has made significant rise in state. Hackers have been using credit card/debit card numbers of people to carry out financial transactions for their personal benefits".

Online shopping/banking by users provides the easiest way for hackers to swindle money. "Whenever a user buys anything from the website, he enters his card details to make payment. This becomes an easy gateway for the hacker to trace card details and he gets access to all users who have used that website, by hacking it." Monendra said.

"It has also been observed that the hacker traces around 1000 or even more credit card/debit card numbers and carries out his transaction withdrawing around Rs 4000-5000 from each account. However, this risk is a bit lesser in an online bank account as in this; the user directly enters the bank website."

In fact, with new techniques coming in, hackers have even evolved a technique of scheming, in which they implant a device in the ATM machine or the POS portal and get card details. "A device which can be stuck with Fevikwik, is used by the hackers. It becomes difficult to differentiate between the device and ATM machine."

"Majorly, in the old ATM machines, which can be easily opened from back-side, hackers can easily process it by a pen-drive. It's easier to open the machine and inject a processed pen-drive which will take the card details of users who have carried out their transaction throughout the day. However the newly developed machines aren't much vulnerable," he added.

"Hackers try to use cyber cafes, where they can get in touch with a large number of users and with an open wi-fi connection which it make things easier for them," he added.

Users guide

* Change the pin of ATM card after getting the pin. Try to have a locked Wi-fi network however LAN cable would be even more secure.

* Stop using free anti-virus.

* Always use updated system for your laptop/computer.

* Use websites with HTTPS communication protocol which give encrypted password.

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Source: Secondary