With the advent of internet technology, it has made the entire world a global village and there is no need to travel from place to place either to conduct business or to market your products. At times, most activities need a physical moment and nowadays those activities are taking place just with the single touch of a button in the ethereal online world. The technological advancement of how we make transactions has both pros and cons. Some of the most common benefits are increased efficiency and the speed at which business transactions take place.

How to Protect Online Credit Card Information

Just in the past 5 years, growth in online shopping has been double digit year to year because it’s easy, convenient and also saves a great deal of time. In most cases, it saves you gas and sales tax expenses but most importantly advances in security make transactions safer. While the online use of credit cards and storing documents in the Cloud has become more trendy today, hackers have in the past targeted online websites to access credit card information for malicious intent.

In this regard, one of the most common features that came with the Internet was a lack of security. It readily exposed online users to intrusion and fraud. In order to overcome these issues, many software developers have come up with various techniques to curb this menace. Without certain precautions you may still unwittingly subject yourself to certain risks when you use your credit card online. If you are aware of what to do and what not to do, and also what to look for, you can take essential steps to do everything possible in order to safeguard your credit card information.

What to Understand or Maybe Not to Understand

One reason most of us worry about online security is because the technology is so difficult to understand. For instance, among various security techniques, network layer security is the top rated procedure to look for. Internet protocol security is a well-known online security process which protects all the communication channels with the use of cryptography. We have the title but what it actually does distracts the attention of people who just want to shop online securely. We would need more than several hours to understand what it is doing and how it applies to our online usage.

Take a look at Braintree's, a company owned by PayPal, security infrastructure page. It is difficult to know what they are talking about. Let's suffice it to say, all the aforementioned programs operate by providing security via an authentication process which takes place within an internet protocol suite. In turn, these protocols enhance the credit card information security through anti-replay services as well as data authentication. In other words, they make sure that the information is not being hijacked by someone else and the information is being received only by the intended party.

Today, almost all credit card information gets stolen from the owners by means other than hacking. If hacking occurs they are generally taking the physical details of the credit card anyhow without the plastic. So, by making use of transmission control protocol the problem is not in the transmission of the data over the Internet but in the storage of it. If we're real we will acknowledge that our credit card information used online or in person ends up on the same database of one of a handful of merchant servicers. Today it can even be argued that it is more secure to make a transaction online than making a purchase in person.

Two Things You can Practice

Before you provide the site with credit card information, ensure that the website you are using has taken all the security measures to safeguard your payment. Mainly, look for these 2 specific things:

1. Security website address - One of the best ways to tell if the information you provide is safe and secure for transmission is in the website address bar. When you're at the page to input the credit card information, the website address should be https://; just http:// indicates an unsecured website.

2. Encryption sign - The encryption sign resembles like a padlock. A closed padlock encryption sign indicates the site is completely secure and encrypts the information provided whereas an open or no padlock indicates that the website is not secure. This is usually shown on the website page which asks for this particular information. The padlock shows in the address bar of Chrome and MS Explorer.

Check Your Credit Card Agreement

Before using your credit card online, it’s advisable to understand the terms and conditions of the credit card regarding fraud and liability. Use cards that protect you by eliminating your liability. Also understand, debit cards and credit cards are dissimilar in terms of liability. Some credit card agreements protect you completely from credit card fraud and some debit cards don't protect you at all. Also, keep track of your credit card transactions regularly and also after every purchase. If you notice anything out of place, then you should contact the credit card service provider.

Online Security Tips

Listed below are some of the online security tips to stay safe and secure while enjoying online services:

1. Never provide your password in response to any email request. It doesn't happen unless it is fraudulent.

2. Create a strong online password for much better and safer online transactions. It must be a combination of letters, symbols and numbers.

3. Change your password at least once every six months.

4. Make your passwords creative and not in a pattern.

5. Never make the mistake of sharing your password.

Malware

Today, almost every computer is installed with software programs which safeguard customers from malware. Malware programs easily download into your system in a number of ways in the form of worms, viruses and by way of other methods. Hence, any online user should use an anti-virus software program and keep it updated. Further safeguard you and your computer from online risks by not storing your credit card information on your computer. Identity thieves use malware to steal information.

Stay informed regarding current issues affecting online security. Taking all security precautions described provides the best protection of your credit card and when transacting business online.