Credit Card Hacking: How to Protect Yourself

These days it seems that just about every one of our favorite companies have been exposed in a data breach. What does that mean for your information and what action if any do you need to take.

If you have already been #hacked, you need to take swift action, never been hacked then you at least have a chance to take action to protect yourself form it.

Tip:

Change Your Passwords at least every 90 days.

1. Account Security

Protect your accounts at all costs. This begins with creating a secured hard to guess password. Instead of using family names or favorite places try using a combination of numbers, letters and characters. E.g: H@@cked#145!

Monitor your accounts closely and now companies are providing even faster ways to manage your card with options such as technology to lock your card immediately if lost or prevent purchase made above a specified limit. Change passwords at least every 90 days.

2. Use New Micro Chip Technology

By now you should have automatically received a new card with the little silver chip embedded technology however for slower moving companies, be sure to reach out to your card company asap to request a new card asap. This is to protect your card from being cloned and generally makes it more difficult for your card to be hacked.

3. Switch to E-statements.

Reduce shredding and it's better for the environment make your contribution to the environment. Less shredding and mistake of throwing identifiable mail away.

4. Wi-Fi

Be careful when using open wi-fi in public places. The network is typically very un-secure and is open to any and everyone. It is best to do this at a secured network that you trust to log into financial accounts or make credit card payments. This is an easy target to be hacked.

5. Click Bait Emails

You or someone you know have unfortunately fell for this. Attractive emails promises Free items or riches can seem catchy and clickable but beware and be smart. Do not click on random links that are emailed to you. If it looks fishy then it probably is. Trust your instincts and be careful.

Trust your instincts. If it looks fishy then it probably is.