It’s really hard to have anything online that is truly secure, including your bank account as bank security measures may not be enough. According to a blog post by IBM X-Force, cybercriminals have found a way to get your information online with a hybrid malware combination called Gozym which is a combination of the Gozi and Nymaim ISFB malware. This scam has targeted over 20 banks, credit unions, and different e-commerce companies in the United States as well as a couple of financial companies in Canada. Also, more than ever before, your data is stored online, and that information can be stolen by criminals to commit identity theft.
The scary thing about this Malware is that it uses email to target bank account users. It’s installed when the consumer clicks on an email link or attachment. Then it lays dormant until you log into your bank account, and it steals your information.
Also, another thing thieves are doing is stealing data stored on phones. To help prevent fraudulent activity from occurring on your accounts, whether it’s identity theft or stealing login information, here are a few things you can do to prevent it:
- 1. Try not to expose yourself to the risk. In other words, don’t verify your information to anyone unless you control how the information flows to them. Keep your passwords in a safe place (along with any documents that someone could use to steal your identity). Freezing your credit might help too.
- 2. Monitor your accounts frequently as identity theft can happen to anyone at any time. You can get free transaction alerts on your accounts from credit card companies and financial institutions. You can also pay for a credit monitoring service monthly from the credit bureaus.
- 3. If you are a victim, you can control the damage to a point. Act quickly on identity theft when it occurs (with professionals). Programs to help you may be free or have minimal costs. These programs can be through insurance companies, banks/credit unions, or HR Departments.
Here are some ways to protect your phone’s data from cyber criminals:
- 1. Update your operating system. The older versions may have vulnerabilities that a hacker can use to steal your information. There are often security patches completed to help with this, but you have to keep your phone updated for these patches to take effect.
- 2. Update the app used for the purchase itself. Sometimes the security update includes new features such as more authentication to make passwords more secure.
- 3. Avoid the use of public Wi-fi to access your payment accounts. It’s easy to tap into it to get your information. Be careful of what sites you visit when using public computers.
It’s important to be vigilant when it comes to keeping your financial information secure. Take all precautions you can to protect yourself from criminals wanting access to your accounts.
Sources: http://usat.ly/1MI0GWq http://usat.ly/1qZ46ue
Photo courtesy of freedigitalimages.net/stuartmiles
