Last week it came to light that there has been a large scale breach in security across 1000s of smaller websites that offer secure credit card payments. These are mostly small businesses including car parts, fishing tackle suppliers and clothing outlets. These sites are using certain software to handle their credit card transactions and it is weaknesses in this software that have allowed hackers to add their own code to allow them to steal credit card details when a transaction is made. (This is different to recent hacking stories where credit card details were stole from shop databases). This online skimming is harder to detect and track.
Many small companies set up their websites, or pay someone else to do it, but then don’t properly maintain them. Fortunately none of the big online shops are included in the list, mainly because they employ full time security specialists to keep their websites safe. However smaller businesses don’t necessarily do this, leaving them vulnerable and their customers none the wiser.
Seeing HTTPS and the little padlocks lulls us into a false sense of security. However, HTTPS just secures the connection between your computer and the website you are visiting by encrypting the information so it can’t be read by anyone else. It doesn’t protect you if the website itself is compromised.
So what is the solution I hear you cry? Should you stop buying online? Unfortunately there isn’t a simple answer. Here are some suggestions to help protect you:
1. Always use a credit card or PayPal, rather than debit card. Credit cards offer you protection against fraud and make it easier to get your money back.
2. Keep your own computer up to date with the latest Windows, Java and Adobe updates. This means upgrading from Windows XP and Vista. They are no longer safe to use online.
3. Use ScanURL’s website to check a website is safe before you buy from it. If you get a message like the one below, steer clear!
4. Use a good paid for anti-virus and internet security program. Be aware, free ones only offer the bare minimum of protection. I recommend only the best solutions. Get in touch here to find out more
Safe ‘Putering.
Caroline The ‘PuterTutor.
