Credit card use | Child Safety | Banking | Computer attacks | What to Do

Credit Card Use Online

Though much is said about hackers stealing your credit card information, most of it is just hype. Most hackers do not consider it to be worth their time or effort to sit online all day hoping to intercept a credit card number. They are usually more interested in the prestige that comes with cracking a web site they are not supposed to be able to crack. Actually most of the time you are more secure using your credit card online. When you use a card at an online site the entire process is usually processed by computers and no person has access to your credit card number. You are more likely to have your credit card information stolen by giving your card to a waitress, salesman or over the phone to someone you don't even see.

You should still be aware of security features and precautions when purchasing online.

Always use a real credit card and not a bank card. Most credit card companies will only make you responsible for purchases up to a certain level if your card is lost or stolen. The same is not true of bank cards.

The website should use a secure server when requesting or processing sensitive information. If you are on a secure page, a small yellow padlock will appear in the lower right hand corner on the status bar of your browser.

Online payment services like PayPal are becoming increasingly popular with many websites accepting this method of payment, which is essentially done by email with no card details being transmitted at all. You only enter your card details once when you join for free. This also probably the best, easiest, fastest, safest and cheapest way to send money to your friends and family. Mailing cheques, money orders etc., is slow and not always secure. Wire transfers can be expensive. With PayPal you can even receive credit card payments. Basically anyone with an email address can send and receive money instantly.

Child Safety

A child using the internet unsupervised or without safeguards could be exposed to inappropriate material or unwittingly provide information that could risk his or her safety . Children should be taught to be responsible and careful on the internet, as in life. Parents too, should be responsible. The best way to assure that your children are having a positive online experience is to stay in touch with what they are doing.

Parents can't be there all of the time and it is normal practice to enlist a child-sitter or nanny on these occasions. Fortunately there is software available to protect your children on the internet when you can't be there by monitoring and censoring unsavoury material before it reaches them.

Online Banking

While we've all heard stories and rumors of e-thieves stealing credit card numbers, the reality is that online banking and transactions are much more secure than the media often makes it out to be. All online banks have their security procedures and policies posted on their web sites. You'll likely find that every one uses the most advanced Internet security systems available. You can feel confident that these companies will protect you and themselves from electronic thieves as much as possible. Their business depends on it.

You can also help with the security of your information by maintaining control over access to your computer, make certain to log off to break the connection with the bank's website and never conduct banking transactions while multiple browsers are open on your computer.

Computer attacks

There are many ways that your computer can come under attack - be sure to read the sections on Spyware, Hacking, Viruses, Security, Scams and SPAM. Be aware, be protected, be safe and enjoy the wealth of knowledge and tools available on the internet. Make sure you're computer, your family and your data are kept safe. Find out about the software available for your needs.

What to do

Be safe and enjoy your time online, else there's no point you being here. Put appropriate security measures in place and use common-sense e.g. never divulge usernames or passwords to anyone, stay away from 'dodgy' sites and files, be responsible and careful, add this site to your bookmarks and come back to it often for reference.