Data protection and preventing identity theft are a top concern for most people when they go online. You may not want to, but with many websites and online services it has become a necessary evil to provide personal information when becoming a member, making a purchase or just expressing an interest. This could include your full name, address, date of birth and more. If this sort of information was ever to fall into the hands of criminals, it could be easily misused, and likely result in identity theft. This would then lead to fraud taking place. So how is your personal information kept safe online?
SSL Encryption
First of all, when it comes to processing transactions online, SSL encryption technology is a vital component. What SSL does is provide an encrypted link between the two parties, so that no data can be intercepted at any point. Some websites will also offer payment via other, ostensibly more secure methods—one of the most common being PayPal. Paypal also operates using SSL encryption, so their customers have some assurance that PayPal transactions are secure via their website or app. Encryption is imperative when it comes to data protection and defending against identity theft.
Security Best Practices
Retail companies, ecommerce websites and other online entities such as sports betting operators are frequently targeted by attackers looking for financial or personal information. These companies need to employ a variety of security tools and technologies—malware detection, vulnerability scanning, web application firewalls—to identify suspicious or malicious activity.
Secure Data Storage
One of the most effectives methods of data protection—for both personal and financial data—is to simply not store it in the first place. As mentioned above, gambling operators are huge targets when it comes to data breach attempts, and key industry players such as Unibet employ third-party payment solutions to handle financial transactions. The idea is that everything takes place through a secure, neutral third-party, and if you need to make further payments the information can be accessed safely and securely at any time, while minimizing the risk involved.
Geolocation
Another method of identifying and avoiding online fraud and suspicious activity is geolocation. This only really works for companies that have a long-term relationship with you and can identify whether or not your account is being accessed from a suspicious location based on historical data. Banks and credit card companies use geolocation data and analyze the IP address accessing the account compared with known IP addresses and physical locations of the customer. If it looks suspicious, the transaction will be declined.
The threat of data breaches, internet fraud, and identity theft is not going away. There is way too much information available on the internet and it’s way too easy for criminals to automate attacks and operate on a global scale. With the right tools and processes, though, the risk can be minimized. Keep in mind, though, that nobody will protect your privacy like you will. Use some common sense when deciding what websites and companies to share information with in the first place, and keep a close eye on your own bank and credit card statements to make sure there is nothing suspicious going on there.
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