How To Be Secure Online?

How To Keep Safe Online and Keep Your Data Private?

This is the blog post about cyber security and privacy. With advancement in technology, and increased sophistication in methodology, cyber-criminals are harvesting more and more personal information and security details of people around the world. 

The biggest target is naturally banking details for the higher potential of gaining access to your money. There are numerous ways that cyber-criminals are doing this:

  • Phishing websites – these are clones websites to banking and popular shopping websites so that you can insert your login details that they will then use to access your account. 
  • Phishing emails – these are emails that look like they are from an official company, or government agency with links for you to complete login details or insert personal details. Once you click on the link in itself will tell cyber-criminals that your email is a potential target.
  • Smishing – these are text messages (SMS) that are sent to your mobile again pretending to be from a legitimate company. They either want you to text back on a premium rate text message or disclose your banking details for them to access your bank account.
  • Social engineering – this is more a method to obtain your personal data or hack your accounts. They review your social media accounts, possibly even call you for a random reason, and use information obtained to access your accounts.
  • Social media and dating websites catfishing. This is where they pretend to be someone else using fake images to create a relationship and then ask you for your financial help.
  • Password hacking – this is where criminals use software to “guess” your password using typical words, passwords and numbers that are used by millions of people around the world.
  • System hacking – this is where criminals target organisations rather than individuals and manage to penetrate through defences.
  • Computer hacking – sending malicious software to your computer or mobile device that tracks what you type, click on, retrieve personal data, or even manipulate what you see. They can even use your device to attack other devices.
  • Ransomware attacks – this is where the criminal is able to send malicious software to your computer or network (i.e. WIFI or 

There are many other methods to obtain your personal and financial details, that is why you need to be very cautious while shopping or accessing your banking services.

The Law Helping Consumers Like You

Many of you know or have heard of the General Data Protection Regulations 2015 (GDPR).this legislation makes it mandatory for companies and public organisations to protect your personal data. Part of this protection is providing appropriate anti-cyber crime measures to protect your personal data with fines being issues by the Information Commissioners Office for data breaches.

GDPR also makes it mandatory that your personal data is stored, shared and used with your full consent or if it is integral to the service or product that you are purchasing or using.

MoneySmrt uses advanced technology as well as partner with leading providers to ensure that your personal data is secure. We also are always tracking the latest threats within our sector to ensure that we prepare for any potential attacks on our system.

Measures To Protect Yourself

However, although organisations are obliged to protect your personal data you must take your own measures to prevent your personal or financial details being obtained from cyber criminals.