September 14, 2010
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Tell Me If It's Safe, Pt.4
Keep data secure.Keeping your debit and credit card information secure is your responsibility. Your first priority should be to assure that your computer is secure with the latest security software. Check your operating system to ensure that all critical updates have been completed. Don't save password on your computer. Store them in a safe place at home where thieves would be unlikely to look. This includes all passwords including cards, banks, online shopping, gaming, and email. Create strong passwords that are not associated with your family history or personal statistics that are common knowledge. Have different passwords for different credit card, bank accounts, and other sites. Your passwords should have at least six characters and including upper and lower case letters as well as numbers Never share your passwords with anyone. Don't opt to have the website store your credit card and personal information.
Disreputable pharmaceuticals have been popping up online at an increasing speed. Take caution when purchasing drugs online. Not only are there companies that are out to steal your debit and credit card information, but some them sell inferior products. Visa warns consumers to be cautious when ordering any pharmaceutical products online. The credit card giant reminds consumers that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the regulating power over the distribution of drugs which varies outside the U.S. boundaries. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are using your Visa card solely for legal transactions. Visit the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy web site to verify that the company you wish to deal with is reputable. The association manages a program called the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practices Sites Program (VIPPS) that certifies reputable online pharmacies.
On a final note, you must realize that the ultimate responsibility to ensure that your debit and credit card information is secure and safe is yours. The most expensive and sophisticated software and technology cannot replace the consumers care in protecting their sensitive information. After all, it is you who have a vested interest in safeguarding your information.