People have become more and more comfortable with technology. A generation that never considered owning a smartphone is now giving in not only to have multiple gadgets but to join in social networking and online transactions. Young children know about using Facebook and Twitter even before they master basic handwriting, and the millennials are, of course, attached to their mobile devices around the clock.
Comfort, however, is totally different than security. Many people still lack the basics of how to use this type of easy and accessible technology safely, without risking their bank accounts and identity. With more people spending more time online at a higher sense of familiarity and ease come major risks. Here are a couple of areas where most problems emerge.
Shopping online
E-commerce has made it easier for people to get great deals, read reviews and enjoy shopping at the comfort of their homes. But along with these advantages comes untrusted websites that may be out there just to track down your information, sell you second-quality products or fail to deliver your orders. Even when the intentions are not malicious, there are many websites that have poor customer service, vague return policies, or simply inaccessible when something go wrong. That is not different than the problems that you may face in brick-and-mortar shops, the only difference is that you have no place to go and no recourse on your spent money.
Does that mean shopping online is all perilous? Absolutely not. In fact, shopping online can be very reliable and rewarding if you know where you’re spending your money and with whom. What you need is to limit your shopping to reliable websites and have control over your gadgets and computers to make sure that online payments are going through securely at your end. In addition, you must verify that the website is authentic, reliable and secure. The good news is that this verification can be easy. Online searches can yield reviews and past experiences that lead you to know whether to go ahead or run as fast as you can.
Networking
Apart from the privacy issues related to the use of social networking websites, there are many ways you may be risking your own money when you’re taking a quiz or playing a game with friends online. Many apps that request access to your information can be harmful. If you — or others who use your phone including children — get in the habit of clicking OK when such a request is made, it is a matter of time before you’ll compromise your phone security along with your bank account information.
In particular, you must pay attention to fund-raisers and donation websites that request you to enter financial information. Unless you’re fully confident of the security of the app or the website where you’re entering your credit card information, stop and rethink.
Connections
Along with being connected all the time, people have become comfortable with the use of public networks. Many forget, however, that what you do over a public network may be compromised by scammers who may be able to monitor what you’re doing and access your information. If you think such a security breach is a stretch, think again. Even better, make sure that when you’re on a public network, you’re not doing your online banking, paying bills or exchanging confidential information.
Even the most cautious may see their online accounts compromised either because of a fault of their own or the entities they deal with. The best way to avoid major financial problems is to keep an eye on your bank account. If you do so, you should be able to see any unusual activity and have the bank track it down and deal with as early as possible.
Rania Oteify a former Gulf News Business Features Editor is a Seattle-based editor.
