BitDefender warns that buying gifts on-line can be dangerous
1 March 2011
IT in Manufacturing
BitDefender, an award-winning provider of innovative Internet security solutions, offers a couple of tips meant to help computer users stay away from trouble while searching for the perfect gift for their beloved mother, wife, sister, and girlfriend.
Online shopping portals may seem safe, but not all sites that offer bargains, perfect presents or e-cards are to be trusted because cyber-criminals are always on the watch ready to use any occasion as bait to trick people into willingly giving away their credit card numbers, passwords, IDs or bank accounts.
In order to stay safe, BitDefender offers list of tips on how to avoid a scam that piggybacks the internationally celebrated Women’s Day:
* Exercise caution when you type in critical data in an on-line account. Keep the critical data to a safe minimum and always make sure that the URL you are in is the one that you intend to visit or buy from. Always look for a security seal next to the website’s address, as it is the only guarantee that the website you are on is genuine and trustworthy.
* If you are using Internet mobile, make sure that you manually type in the URL of the desired destination site. The mobile screen being smaller can hinder you from seeing the entire URL and thus makes you vulnerable to phishing.
* Pay enormous attention where you type in your credit card data, bank account ID or password. Double-check the URL so as to make sure you are on the right web site when you make your acquisitions.
* Avoid downloading any content (forms, e-cards, files) or clicking links unless you know and absolutely trust the source of those materials. Pay extra attention to greeting cards and refuse downloading any executable files, as they are probably infected with various bots. If you really have to open this kind of attachment, you are advised to download a local copy and scan it with an updated antivirus before running it.
* Do not check your e-banking account or make any payments from public computers connected to Internet or while using a public hotspot. Your critical data can be intercepted by other users unless the connection is encrypted.
* Make sure to keep the operating system and antivirus solution updated as cyber-crooks waste no opportunity to try and take your money as in the end it all comes to that: money.
* Pay great attention to fake websites that allow you to purchase gifts and make the payment, but never send the order. If you are running either BitDefender Internet Security or Total Security, the anti-fraud module will automatically block fake web-shops and keep you protected.
* If you are looking for that special someone these days, watch out for the notorious Russian Brides scams, the online dating service advertised via spam mail and which will likely leave you broken-hearted and a couple thousand dollars in debt.
Further reading:
Sustainable energy management
Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Utilising its innovative ONE approach technology, Siemens provides complete transparency on resource consumption and offers data-driven optimisation recommendations for sustainable energy management.
Read more...
Paving the way for a carbon-neutral future in South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
At ABB Electrification, we believe the infrastructure of the future must do more than support daily operations, it must anticipate them. We are committed to building intelligent systems that connect and optimise infrastructure across sectors.
Read more...
Africa’s hidden AI advantage
IT in Manufacturing
Through my work implementing AI systems across three continents, I’ve become convinced that Africa’s unique context demands urgent AI adoption. Successful implementation requires local expertise to understand resource constraints as design parameters to create the innovations that make technology truly work under real-world conditions.
Read more...
Siemens Xcelerator empowers space-tech pioneer, Skyroot Aerospace
Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced that Skyroot Aerospace, a leading private space launch service company in India, has adopted Polarion software from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio to digitally transform its software development processes and enhance efficiency as it aims to accelerate access to space for its customers worldwide.
Read more...
Water is running out, is your ESG strategy ready?
IT in Manufacturing
Water is one of the most critical yet undervalued resources in modern business. Water stewardship asks businesses to understand their water footprint across the entire value chain and to engage with others who share the same water resources.
Read more...
Cybersecurity in 2025: Six trends to watch
Rockwell Automation
IT in Manufacturing
Rockwell Automation’s 10th State of Smart Manufacturing report finds that cybersecurity risks are a major, ever-present obstacle, and are now the third-largest impediment to growth in the next 12 months.
Read more...
The state of the smart buildings market in 2025
IT in Manufacturing
Smart buildings are entering a transformative phase, driven by sustainability goals, technological innovation and evolving user expectations. According to ABI Research’s latest whitepaper, the sector is undergoing a strategic overhaul across key areas like retrofitting, energy efficiency, data-driven operations and smart campus development.
Read more...
Digital twin for Bavaria’s National Theatre
Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens and the Bavarian State Opera are digitalising the acoustics in Bavaria’s National Theatre in Munich, Germany. The result is a digital twin that simulates sound effects, orchestral setups and venue configurations in a realistic 3D acoustic model so that musicians, the director and conductors can assess a concert hall’s acoustics even before the first rehearsal.
Read more...
How AI can help solve South Africa’s water crisis
IT in Manufacturing
Climate change, ageing infrastructure, pollution and unequal access are putting intense pressure on the country’s water systems. A powerful question arises: “Can artificial intelligence help us change course?”
Read more...
Backup has evolved, but has your strategy?
IT in Manufacturing
With cyber threats rising and compliance standards tightening, South African organisations are under growing pressure to revisit their data protection strategies. The era of treating backups as a box-ticking exercise is over.
Read more...
printer friendly version