E-divas

How to safeguard our personal and financial data?

The e-commerce and e-business scene in Malaysia and around the Asian region is beginning to blossom. E-commerce technology coming to the market and the growing number of Internet users buying through the net stimulate the opportunity to expand the marketplace by deploying a cost effective and efficient solution. But one of the impediments of e-commerce success is the threat of online security. The best practices to help to safeguard your personal and financial data are:

Never reply to e-mail messages that request your personal information
Be very suspicious of any e-mail message from a business or person that asks for your personal information — or one that sends you personal information and asks you to update or confirm it. Similarly, never volunteer any personal information to someone who places an unsolicited call to you.

Password
If your account allows them, strong passwords combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, which make them difficult for other people to guess. Don't use real words. Use a different password for each of your accounts and change them frequently. It's hard to remember all those passwords.

Make sure the Web site uses encryption
The Web address should be preceded by https:// instead of the usual http:// in the browser's Address bar. Also, double-click the lock icon on your browser's status bar to display the digital certificate for the site. The name that follows Issued to in the certificate should match the site that you think you're on. If you suspect that a Web site is not what it should be, leave the site immediately. Don't follow any of the instructions it presents.

Can the Spam

Be very leery of "spam" (or junk email) that works its way into your email inbox. Not only are these messages often from phishers, but they can also contain Trojan horses (viruses) that can get into your computer and send your information back to their unsavory creators. Install spam-filtering software to keep your data safe.

Set Banking Alerts

Many financial institutions are beginning to offer email and SMS alerts when your accounts reach certain conditions (being near overdraft, or having transactions over $1,000, for example). Setting alerts for your accounts can ensure that you find out about unauthorized access as soon as possible.