As far as I know I have not been a victim of cybercrime. I hope it stays that way! I don't have the time or the energy to deal with credit card companies, or identity theft protection agencies. But, cybercrime is a very real threat today. So taking the proper precautions is key in avoiding this unfortunate event.
I personally only give my social security number or make online purchases to websites I absolutely trust. If I am even the slightest bit hesitant of a website I don't pull the trigger. Websites that have a (s) at the end of the http in the beginning of the URL, or a combo lock symbol on the bottom of the screen on the website mean that these websites are SECURE and use encryption. This lets you know you can trust them.
I see cybercrime rates increasing over the next five years due to the fact that more an more companies are encouraging online bill pay, and many people are doing all of their shopping online. This means the security must be ramped up as well in order to avoid this most unfortunate event form occurring.
I hope you don’t become a victim either; so far I have been lucky too. I also see the cybercrime rate increasing. I just hope that our security keeps up. I agree on being hesitant with online stores. I usually don’t even bother with the cheaper price, but I am old school and like the personal interaction. Makes my wife really upset sometimes but I think she gets it.
ReplyDeleteI like the personal interaction of buying bigger item things, like cars and appliances but I do alot of online shopping, especially for my kids' clothes, since there is not a lot to choose from in Hastings. Making sure the website is secure is a must when shopping online! But, I do understand why people don't want to bother with it. I also think cybercrime will just continue to increase as long as there are people out there that can hack into systems and access numbers, they will because they can. I think it is more of a game to them, like they have been double dared :)
ReplyDeleteYou are smart to only purchase from sites that you trust. It is so easy to run into sites that look legit, but aren't. Amazing how sneaky hackers are!
ReplyDeleteUpdating your profile on those sites and creating new passwords if they're required is helpful. Using words that aren't in the diction like "B1u3" instead of "Blue" is helpful too.
I agree, I've seen so much work that these people have to work at getting their lives back to normal after stolen identity. I guess honestly I can't think of one person who would want to go through that. I know they have idenity theft insurance, the sad thing is that I need to think about doing it but haven't yet.
ReplyDeleteI also haven't been affected that I know of. I agree with you on rates increasing the way the economy is today. Good tips on looking to see if the website is secured.
ReplyDeleteIt is a smart idea to purchase from secure socket layer websites. But I think that online bill doesn't increase your chances of getting your identity stolen as long as it is a trusted website. Anymore then using your credit card at a store because your information is still put onto to a network that can be hacked into.
ReplyDeleteI would hate to have to deal with a credit card company after having information stolen from me as well. A coworker recently dealt with it last year and was without funds for over a week, we travel for a living and he had to borrow money from us to pay for his daily food. The hackers spent $1,900 at McDonalds and a gas station in California over five days before his credit card company realized that something fishy was going on.
ReplyDeletethe only website that ask for your social security number are government websites. for example to fill your fafsa or renew a passport other than that you shouldt have to provide that. but yeah cyber crime is a pain in the butt lol
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