5 credit card mistakes to avoid

5 credit card mistakes to avoid

Today, digital transactions have become the norm. This has made safeguarding one’s financial information all the more important. Sadly, credit card fraud remains a prevalent concern, and numerous victims are falling victim to the evolvingly cunning tactics employed by cybercriminals. One way individuals can safeguard themselves from fraudulent activities is by avoiding some credit card mistakes that leave them susceptible. Avoiding these mistakes can significantly bolster their defenses against potential threats.

  • Neglecting strong password
    Most individuals prefer using easy-to-use and easy-to-remember passwords to offer them easy access. However, easily guessable passwords such as birthdays and phrases can make things easier for cybercriminals. It is advisable to opt for complex passwords comprising a mixture of upper and lowercase letters, numerals, and special characters to avoid granting them unauthorized access. Regularly changing passwords and employing a password manager can further fortify online security.
  • Disregarding secure websites for transactions
    Another grave mistake credit card users make that makes them susceptible to fraud is entering their details on unsecured websites. This is one place where cybercriminals exploit vulnerable sites to harvest sensitive data. To mitigate this risk, individuals should only transact on secure websites. Checking for “https://” in the URL and looking for a padlock icon in the address bar are some telltale signs of a secure connection.
  • Sharing card information on unsecured networks
    People find public Wi-Fi networks convenient to use. However, it is paramount that one stay alert to the information that is being shared or accessed on public networks. Transmitting credit card information over unsecured networks can expose it to potential interception by hackers. In order to avoid making this error, individuals should refrain from making sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi. It is also advisable to utilize virtual private networks (VPNs) and opt for cellular data connections to provide an extra layer of security.
  • Falling for phishing scams
    Phishing scams are a prevalent practice among those employed by cybercriminals. They use deceptive emails or messages that visually mimic legitimate institutions. These are employed to entice individuals and encourage them to divulge their credit card details. Legitimate institutions rarely request such information through email or messages.
  • Storing card information on multiple platforms
    Saving credit card information on various websites for convenience may seem harmless, but it poses a significant risk. In the event of a data breach on any of these platforms, all stored card details become vulnerable. Avoiding this mistake involves refraining from saving credit card information on multiple sites. Instead, individuals should opt for secure, one-time transactions or employ trusted digital wallets.

Featured Articles

5 smartphone habits to break right away
Tech

5 smartphone habits to break right away

Most of us can’t do without a smartphone. The gadget helps us communicate easily, find the information we’re looking for, shop for our favorite products, and so much more. On the downside, we spend hours glued to our screens. This can take a toll on our personal lives, affect physical and mental health, and even cut short the life of our devices. Here are some harmful smartphone habits to break immediately. Scrolling before bedtime Endless scrolling on social media before bedtime makes it hard to fall asleep at night, leading to restlessness and tiredness the next day. Screens emit a blue light that affects melatonin production in the brain, the hormone that controls a person’s circadian rhythm or sleep-wake cycle. Without melatonin, it can be difficult to fall or stay asleep. Experts advise keeping the phone away for at least an hour before bedtime. You can instead read a book or listen to a podcast to relax your mind.  Always keeping the phone with you If you keep your phone in your pocket, you’ll be constantly tempted to pull it out and browse. Not to mention, you’ll be on the alert for notifications. Therefore it’s best to carry it in your purse or backpack.
A look at some of the best free investment advisors
finance

A look at some of the best free investment advisors

As a beginner investor, investing too much money at the start can be quite difficult and overwhelming. However, if you choose the right brokerage account, you can earn a lot back from it in terms of investment knowledge. So if you are looking for the best cost-free investment advisors to provide you with long-term portfolio management services, then you have come to the right place. Here is our collated list: Interactive Brokers Investment Brokers has an entity known as IBKR Lite, which offers commission-free trading on various commodities. It mainly covers exchange-listed stocks as well as exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It also offers low-priced access to various global markets without any account minimum or inactivity fee. Additionally, it offers the best competitive interest rates, while its client portal, which offers trading and account management services, is highly preferred by users. One of the most notable points is that IBKR Lite has been around for over 40 years, having earned the trust of a vast client base. You Invest by JP Morgan Chase You Invest Trade, offered by JP Morgan Chase, is one of the best low-cost investment advisors. It is complete with a range of commission-free ETFs and stocks that can be traded online.
Things you should know about multiple sclerosis
health

Things you should know about multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS). Due to this disorder, your immune system attacks myelin, which is the protective sheath covering the nerve fibers. As a result, communication between your brain and body is hampered. Causes of multiple sclerosis The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is still uncertain. However, some factors that cause this disorder are as follows: Immune system If the immune system is compromised, it may attack the CNS. The myelin protective sheath is affected, thereby disrupting the functioning of your brain, resulting in multiple sclerosis. Infection Certain viruses and bacteria can cause multiple sclerosis. Some viruses cause inflammation that breaks down the myelin, triggering multiple sclerosis. It is possible that brain-cell-like bacteria and viruses can cause the immune system to erroneously identify normal cells as foreign cells, thereby destroying them. Some of the viruses and bacteria that can cause multiple sclerosis include Epstein-Barr virus, measles viruses, and human herpesvirus-6 causing disorders like roseola. Genetics One can be highly susceptible to multiple sclerosis if one has a family history of this disorder. The possibility of one developing this disorder in such instances increases by 2.5% to 5% in the country.
Top 4 cloud data integration providers
software

Top 4 cloud data integration providers

As technology gets more advanced, companies that specialize in information technology are taking steps to update their cloud data and data analytics processes. There are companies that provide cloud data integration for the smooth functioning of business operations. Here is a list of the top providers of cloud data integration. Amazon Web Services Amazon Web Services was the first company which provided cloud data integration. The popularity and the stature of the company has grown manifold and it has expanded into providing a wide array of different services to its customers. It made processors based on the Arm technology and soon enough, that became the norm in most companies that specialized in providing cloud data integration. It created a major shift in the cloud storage technology space when it brought out a second-generation Graviton processor. Every year, the company has registered a huge growth in its revenue stream. In the recent past, Amazon Web Services launched the AppFlow, which is aimed at designing SaaS workflows. Microsoft Azure Azure by Microsoft would probably be the most sought after provider of cloud data integration after Amazon Web Services. It is one of the best commercial cloud services offered by the company. Microsoft Azure pitches itself as a service provider of software that one needs to store information.

Top Articles