How To Prevent E-Fraud

Introduction :
As we can see that today’s world is making much pace with the technology. We are using various Computer-Based devices through which we do various activities such as shopping banking and sending data. For doing such vital activities we need to be more careful. So to be safe and secure we need to know more information regarding safety and be aware and informed about the prevention through which we can prevent E-Frauds. Cyber safety is the practice of keeping information safe and secure and also about being responsible with that information being respectful of other people online.  Internet communication and computer email, cellphone, entertainment digital cable mp3, transportation, car engine, airplane navigation, shopping (online stores, credit card), Medicine(equipment, medical records), etc. E-Fraud involves protecting that information by preventing, detecting and responding to attacks. 

Examples –
There are several examples for E-Fraud like spam, spyware, phishing, internet banking, identity theft, scams. The electronic ‘junk mail’ or unwanted message by email is spam which is a generic term used in mobile phones. 

Security tips for social media and E-mail :
In this, we will discuss the security tips for social media like Facebook, WhatsApp, and will also discuss the security tips for E-mail. Let’s discuss it one by one.

Being Facebook Safe –

• You should always accept requests from people you know.
• One password for one app and create a Strong password with characters and special characters etc.
• Do not share your password and change it on regular basis.
• Only on need share your personal details with people or organizations.
• Log into Facebook once during a session if the second time it asks then close the link and type again www.facebook.com.
• From using it on another person’s system use a one-time password.
• Use secure browsing. The site you trust should be the source for downloading apps.
• Antivirus software must be updated.
• Keep your browser and other applications up-to-date.
• Do not paste script (code) in your browser address bar.
• Firefox No Script uses browser add-on like Web of Trust (WOT) to prevent your account from being hijacked.
• Scammers might hack your friend’s accounts and send you malicious links. Beware of alluring links coming from your friends beware of goofy posts from anyone even Friends.

Safety Tips to Follow While Using WhatsApp –

• Never send your private information like bank account details like PINs or passwords through WhatsApp.
•  Never accept files or begin downloads from messages sent to you by strangers or unknown numbers.
• Never trust any message that claims to come from WhatsApp and demands some payment for the service. WhatsApp is a service will never contact you through a WhatsApp message.
• Do not believe the messages that are scams that connect your PC with WhatsApp.
• You can always keep a check on what is being downloaded by keeping automatic download disabled.
• The installation and update of your mobile device must be kept updated for an antivirus security solution.
• Be aware of what you are forwarding this can lead to being a cause for trouble.

E-mail Security Tips –

• The password must be more than eight characters long with alphanumeric/ special characters/ both upper & lower case letters like AsHa-!@#
• It is not good practice to keep the same password for all your accounts. You must change your password from time to time as it is also the recommended way for security.
• The secret question, mobile SMS alert & secondary email address secure must be kept for recovery option.
• Never post an email address on New groups & Social Network sites.
• ‘Https’ on public networks/ Wi-Fi should be the login credentials.
• Avoid using free Wi-Fi access in public places.
• Do not click on SPAM/ Junk mail.
• Never share your email password with anyone.
• For forwarding any email to more than one person use the BCC option to write the mail ids.
• Immediately report if you are unable to access your email account as they provide the option of ‘Forgot Password’/Account Hacked etc.

Steps to Prevent :
Here are certain steps through which we can prevent e-frauds.

• From computers that are secure and have a genuine operating system and antivirus in them, we need to conduct online shopping and banking only from them themselves.
• To do online shopping or banking do not use public networks and public places.
• Only use the virtual keyboard to enter sensitive details while using online shopping or banking facilities on your system.
• Always the domain URL must be checked while using online shopping or banking you are working on as it should have ‘HTTPS’ and a padlock. The address of the website or URL must be a secure and authentic site you are working on.
• Anyone who does not ever share your e-banking passwords as it is highly recommended.
• Over the phone or through SMS or email never give your banking passwords for credit card details.
• You must intimate the Bank concerned in writing whenever you change your Registered Mobile Number.
• On all your cards and accounts activate the SMS alert facility.
• Always swipe your card in front of your eyes whenever you use it.
• From the back of your card Erase the CVV Code.
• Be careful of cheats at the ATM counter be alert that nobody is standing behind and watching you when you use the ATM.
• When the machine is completely logged off leave the ATM counter only.
• Never leave your transaction slip in a dustbin.
• Due to security reasons ignore emails posing from the bank asking to verify the account details do not click on such emails.
• Emails that ask you to deposit money to claim them are all fake and fraud either it’s from luring Awards/Lottery/Job opportunity etc.
• An email claiming online Income Tax Refunds are all fake and fraud.
• On the mobile devices, the SMS about Award/Lottery winning alert is all fake.

Note –
Always be careful of all the above-mentioned activities and take a fruitful step to ensure your safety. 

Steps to keep it in mind while doing any e-transaction activity :
Recognize the risk and become familiar with some terminology associated with them this is the first step in protecting yourself.

• Viruses –
  Before it infects your system, often times, the user is required to click on a malicious link or do something on the malicious code. This action could be opening an email attachment or going to a particular web page.
  
• Worms –
  Without user intervention, they typically start by exploiting a software vulnerability (i.e. the flaw that allows software’s intended security policy to be violated) the worm will attempt to find and infect another computer once the victim computer/system is been infected. Worms can even propagate via email, websites, network-based software, and this automated self-propagation distinguishes them from viruses.
  
• Trojan horse –
  Behind the scenes, this program is software that claims to be one thing while in fact doing something different. For instance, a program claiming to speed up the system may actually be sending confidential information to remote intruders.
  
• Hacker, attacker, intruder –
  The action they take is violated by the intended use of the system and exploits. Outcome range from mischief to malicious activity that is stealing information.
  
• Malicious code —
  Code such as viruses, worms, Trojan horses also the other term used is interchangeable with the unique characteristics they have.

Smart Surfing :

• The operating system should be genuine and updated regularly.
• The Antivirus must be genuine that is updated and also use Anti Spyware to protect your system from Trojans/Spyware/ Malware.
• The Firewall should be ON and updated.
• Automatically installment of toolbars from the browser should be kept free.
• Instant Messengers like Yahoo, Google & Skype, etc. should never save your passwords.
• On a regular basis clear your Browser’s temporary cache.
• Do not install pirated stuff like music, video, free software, etc. while downloading.
• At the parent site, there should be software always installed.
• The unknown links should not click like hyperlinks, however luring or tempting they may be.

Conclusion :

• There should be a separate password for your email & Facebook account.
• The phone number of parents should be provided by Children’s.
• The Friend List should be hidden and the mobile & email id visible to only me.
• Rest all Edit Profile select visible to friends only.
• Turn off all Spam apps.