How to secure your cards? 17 Don’ts you need to know

Credit and debit cards have become an essential part of our lives. With the convenience of cashless transactions, it’s easier to manage our finances, but it also comes with the risk of fraud and theft. Protecting your debit and credit cards is crucial to avoid any unauthorized transactions. In this blog post, we will discuss the seventeen things you should not do to secure your cards.

Don’ts of cards to secure them

1. Don’t share your card information: Never share your card details, such as the card number, CVV, expiry date, and PIN with anyone. Keep your card information confidential and only use it for legitimate transactions.
2. Don’t save your card information online: Avoid saving your card information on e-commerce websites, as they can be vulnerable to data breaches. Hackers can access your stored card information and use it for unauthorized transactions.
3. Don’t use public Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks to access your online banking or make transactions. Public Wi-Fi networks are not secure and can be hacked, allowing cybercriminals to steal your card details.
4. Don’t use weak passwords: Use strong passwords for your online banking and card accounts. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like your birth date or pet’s name. A strong password should be a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
5. Don’t write down your PIN: Never write down your PIN on your card or any piece of paper. Memorize it or use a password manager to store it securely.
6. Don’t share your OTP: One-time passwords (OTP) are sent to your registered mobile number for authentication. Never share your OTP with anyone, as it’s a critical security feature to protect your transactions.
7. Don’t fall for phishing scams: Phishing scams are a common way cybercriminals try to steal your card details. They send fraudulent emails or text messages asking for your card information. Always verify the sender’s authenticity before responding to such messages.
8. Don’t leave your card unattended: Always keep your card with you and never leave it unattended in public places. This includes not leaving your card in your car, even if it’s locked.
9. Don’t use your card on unsecured websites: Avoid using your card on unsecured websites that don’t have HTTPS in their URL. This is an indication that the website is not secure and can be vulnerable to hacking.
10. Don’t ignore suspicious activity: Always monitor your card transactions regularly and report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately. This includes unauthorized transactions, unknown charges, or any other suspicious behavior.
11. Don’t leave your card information visible: Be careful not to leave your card information visible to others, whether it’s on your computer screen or on a piece of paper. If someone else can see your card number, they may be able to use it fraudulently.
12. Don’t use public computers: Avoid using public computers to access your online banking or make transactions. Public computers can be infected with malware that can steal your card details, so it’s best to use your own computer or mobile device.
13. Don’t ignore software updates: Keep your computer and mobile device software up to date with the latest security patches. Ignoring software updates can leave your device vulnerable to cyber attacks that could compromise your card information.
14. Don’t share your card information over the phone: Be wary of anyone who calls you and asks for your card information. Scammers often use this tactic to try and steal your card details, so it’s best to never share your information over the phone unless you initiated the call and are certain of the other party’s authenticity.
15. Don’t forget to check your credit report: Regularly checking your credit report can help you spot any unauthorized activity related to your cards. If you notice any unfamiliar accounts or transactions, report them immediately to your bank and credit bureau.
16. Don’t share your card with others: Avoid sharing your debit or credit card with anyone, even your family or friends. Each card has a unique PIN number that should be kept confidential, so it’s best to use your own card for transactions.
17. Don’t ignore security alerts: Many banks and credit card companies provide security alerts for suspicious activities related to your card. Don’t ignore these alerts and investigate any suspicious activity immediately. Contact your bank or card company if you need further information or assistance.

How do hackers get CVV?

The Card Verification Value (CVV) is a three- or four-digit security code printed on the back or front of a credit or debit card. It’s intended to add an extra layer of security to online transactions, making it harder for fraudsters to use a stolen card for purchases. However, hackers may try to obtain CVV numbers in several ways, including:

1. Phishing attacks: Hackers may send emails or text messages that appear to be from legitimate financial institutions or e-commerce sites, asking recipients to provide their CVV numbers along with other sensitive information such as login credentials or social security numbers.
2. Skimming devices: Fraudsters may install skimming devices on ATMs or point-of-sale (POS) terminals to capture magnetic stripe data, including CVV numbers, from unsuspecting victims who swipe their cards.
3. Social engineering: Hackers may use social engineering tactics, such as impersonating a customer service representative, to trick people into giving them their CVV numbers over the phone or through a fake website.
4. Data breaches: Cybercriminals may target companies that store customer data, such as e-commerce sites or banks, to steal large quantities of credit and debit card information, including CVV numbers.
5. Malware: Hackers may use malware to infect a victim’s computer or mobile device, allowing them to steal sensitive information such as credit card numbers, CVV numbers, and login credentials.

To protect your CVV number from being stolen, it’s important to be vigilant about phishing scams, avoid using unsecured networks, regularly check your account statements for any unauthorized transactions, and report any suspicious activity to your financial institution immediately. Additionally, it’s important to only enter your CVV number on legitimate and secure websites that use encryption and have a valid SSL certificate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, securing your credit and debit cards is crucial to avoid any unauthorized transactions. By avoiding these ten things, you can protect your card information from being stolen and used fraudulently. Always remember to keep your card information confidential, use strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately.