Cybersecurity Snacks
Posts
How to Safely Conduct Online Transactions

How to Safely Conduct Online Transactions

Cybersecurity Snacks
February 08, 2024

Nathanael/Cybersecurity Snacks

Good morning. Today, we are covering how to safely conduct online transactions. As usual, we will also bring you the latest news and jobs in the cybersecurity field. We end today’s newsletter with a wisdom quote. First time reading? Sign up here

Main Meal

Understanding the Risks of Online Transactions

🔑 Online transactions can be risky. Scammers are always looking for new ways to get your personal and financial information.

The most common threats include phishing scams, where cybercriminals try to trick you into giving them your login details or other sensitive data. They may dispatch an email that appears to be from a reliable source yet is really intended to take your data.

Data breaches are another big concern. Even the most protected companies have experienced data breaches, leading to millions of users' confidential information being exposed. In fact, our readers know that data breaches are the new normal.

Hence, to ensure your safety online, be aware of the risks associated with data breaches and take steps to protect yourself. We'll discuss more about how to do this in later sections.

Importance of Secure Networks in Online Transactions

🗝️ Secure networks are a necessity for any online transaction to be successful. Why? Think about it like this: you wouldn't shout your credit card details in the middle of a crowded street, right? That's essentially what you're doing when using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.

The risk is real. Data breaches can expose your financial information and personal data to cybercriminals. But there's good news. You have an ally on your side – Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

VPNs encrypt your data, making sure no prying eyes get hold of them during transmission. So, next time you need to make an online purchase or bank transaction, remember - safety first.

Choosing Trusted Platforms for Online Transactions

🔐 When it comes to online transactions, choosing a trusted platform is crucial. But how do you determine which platforms are trustworthy?

A good start is looking out for SSL certificates. These digital 'badges' show that the site encrypts data - making your transaction safer.

Beyond SSL, review their privacy policy. It should detail how they handle and protect your information. If this isn't clear or missing altogether, consider another platform.

Additionally, check user reviews. These reviews give real-life experiences of people who've used the platform before. Sites like TrustPilot can help with this task.

Taking these steps will let you transact more securely online – because safety should never be an afterthought when dealing with money.

Implementing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

📱 Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, is like a superhero for your online transactions. It's that extra layer of armor making sure you're the only one with access to your accounts.

Put simply, 2FA adds an extra layer of protection to your basic log-in procedure." You've got something you know - that's your password. But add in something you have - maybe a text code or fingerprint scan - and suddenly you're twice as secure.

This isn't just theory; this stuff works. A study by Google, found that adding SMS-based 2FA to a Google account blocked 100% of automated bot attacks and 96% of bulk phishing attacks.

If we had to sum up why implementing two-factor authentication matters in three words? Easy: Extra. Security. Layer.

Protecting Personal Information During Online Transactions

🛡️ Securely protecting your personal data during online transactions is essential. So how do you go about this? Start with creating strong passwords.

A robust password, much like a sturdy lock on your front door, can deter cyber crooks from getting into your accounts. Use a mix of numerals, letters, and symbols for maximum protection.

Next, regular software updates is required. Just as we visit the doctor for check-ups, our devices need their health checks too. Updated software helps fix vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit.

Finally, be cautious of unsolicited communications. It’s tempting to click on an email promising huge discounts or rewards but be careful. These could be phishing attempts looking to snag your details.

News

Nathanael/Cybersecurity Snacks

Smart Toothbrushes Turned Weapons in Swiss Cyber Attack - Is Your Toothbrush Safe?

In a surprising cyber attack, hackers used millions of malware-infected smart toothbrushes to carry out a distributed denial of service attack against a Swiss company, resulting in the company's website being knocked offline [more]

Mercedes-Benz Source Code Leak Exposes Sensitive Data: Passwords, Cloud Access Keys, and More

Mercedes-Benz experienced a data breach, where sensitive information, including passwords and cloud access keys, was exposed. The breach was traced back to a leaked GitHub token, which could have allowed cyber attackers to access and extract the car manufacturer's source code and other vital internal details.

Prestige Care Residents Receive Shocking News about Security Breach Exposing Sensitive Information

Prestige Care, a senior care organization, has notified residents of a data breach that exposed their sensitive information. The incident involved unauthorized access to consumer data, including names and Social Security numbers. Those affected are advised to take precautions to protect themselves from fraud and identity theft.

AnyDesk Breach Exposes Code Signing Certs and Passwords

Remote desktop software maker AnyDesk has disclosed an IT security breach where criminals gained access to its production systems. While the company claims the breach is not related to ransomware, there are concerns that the criminals obtained AnyDesk's code signing certificate, potentially allowing them to pass off malware as legitimate software. AnyDesk has revoked all security-related certificates and passwords and is working to lock down its infrastructure. Some customers' credentials have reportedly been sold on the dark web.

Massive Health Data Hack Puts Millions at Risk of Fraud in France

Millions of people in France are at risk of fraud after a data breach at a company that manages third-party payments for insurance providers. The breach includes sensitive information that scammers can use for phishing attempts. No email addresses or phone numbers were affected [more]

Chinese Hackers Breach Dutch Military Network Using FortiGate Flaw

Chinese hackers have breached the Dutch military network by exploiting a flaw in FortiGate devices. The network was used for unclassified research and development, and the breach did not cause damage to the defense network. The hackers used a known critical security flaw to execute arbitrary code and deploy a persistent remote access backdoor. This marks the first time the Netherlands has publicly attributed a cyber espionage campaign to China [more]

Shocking Hack Reveals Explicit Comments on School App, Raises Concerns Over Data Security

Explicit comments about school children were sent to their parents after an apparent hack of the Class Charts app at Northfield School in Billingham. The incident raises concerns about data security and the need for schools to properly vet the platforms they use [more]

Verizon Data Breach Exposes Sensitive Information of 63,000 Employees: What Went Wrong?

Verizon has experienced yet another data breach, this time affecting approximately 63,000 employees. The breach went unnoticed for three months. This is the third data security incident for Verizon in the past year [more]