E-skimming is an online threat you might expose yourself to especially on e-Commerce platforms. Just like phishing or spyware, e-skimming can result in data theft. Learn more about what e-skimming means and how to avoid it.
What Is E-Skimming?
E-skimming is a type of hack. It is similar to spyware. Cybercriminals who rely on it use a piece of code. After embedding this code into an e-commerce website, they can access payment information. Consequently, they get hold of many people’s accounts. Then, they can use those details to commit financial fraud.
The malicious piece of code can infiltrate a website after detecting its vulnerabilities. Furthermore, hackers can even offer website developers fake compromising plug-ins. Unknowingly, once they install the plug-ins, also install the malicious code.
What is more worrying is that this can happen to encrypted websites too. Since e-skimming software lies right on the website, it has access to its information. Consequently, once a new user enters their personal details on the website, hackers can immediately fetch them.
E-skimming software gradually gathers users’ personal information. Then, it automatically sends it to hackers. It might take months before the website’s developers detect the hack.
What Happens with the Stolen Data?
Cybercriminals use e-skimming for different purposes. For example, they can profit by accessing users’ bank accounts directly. They can gradually deduct small amounts of money from these accounts. Doing this over a long period can bring hefty profits.
Alternatively, they can use the bank account and owner information to make purchases. Furthermore, they can also sell the bulk data they obtain on the dark web.
Some Famous Stores Targeted by E-skimming
Macy’s was one of the most notorious companies that fell victim to e-skimming. In 2019, the famous retailer was attacked by a group of hackers. Cybercriminals managed to get hold of the payment information of different Macy’s customers. The incident took place right before the holiday season.
However, the big retailer was not an isolated case. Other trusted companies also became targets for e-skimming specialists. Some of them were Puma, British Airways, Ticketmaster UK, or Vision Direct.
How to Avoid E-Skimming
It’s hard to know when a website is the target of e-skimming. If developers can’t spot the issue immediately, what can consumers do? The situation is not that dreadful. There are a few safety measures you can rely on. Cautious is always the best safety net. So, here are a few preventive methods against e-skimming.
Regularly Check Your Bank Account
How to proofread your bank account against e-skimming? The answer is simple. Since you can’t tackle the cause, try to prevent the consequences. To realize if someone has sneaked into your bank account, monitor it constantly. Check your balance once or twice a week. When you do it, also check your transactions.
Internet banking has made this process extremely simple. So, you don’t need to go to the bank to ask for your statements.
Don’t Use Your Main Bank Account
Also, make a smart choice regarding your payment method. Most of us have one main bank account. This is where we get our salary. Therefore, this is also the card we often use for shopping. However, it is not the best choice.
If hackers discover this account, they have access to your monthly income. Furthermore, using your savings account for online shopping is even more dangerous. Avoid registering these accounts on e-stores. Especially when buying from second-tier stores.
You never know which store has security issues. This can compromise your identity and finances. To avoid the risks, use an alternative bank card. One that has a limited amount of money. Thus, even if hackers access it, they won’t steal large amounts of money.
Moreover, avoid debit cards. These are lavish money sources for scammers. And you don’t want to let them use all your money, including what you don’t actually own.
Stick to Good Cyber Hygiene Habits
Security should always be one of your main priorities while browsing online. And it is not limited to online shopping safety. No matter where you surf on the Internet, you could land in a hacker’s trap. To avoid it, using a good antivirus is a good solution.
This software has evolved a lot over the past years. Antiviruses fight against all sorts of online threats today. From trojan horses to spyware, ransomware, or adware, they detect any malware. Moreover, if an antivirus spots a suspicious website, it automatically blocks it.
If a website got security complaints, the antivirus adds it to its database. Then, if you try to access that risky URL, it will block it. Also, with a single antivirus subscription, you can protect multiple devices. Therefore, you can stay safe while browsing from your tablet and mobile too.
Smart Passwords
Most websites ask you to create strong passwords nowadays. Make this a habit even for websites that don’t. Strong passwords are harder to crack. Therefore, they increase your safety. Moreover, never ever share your passwords and usernames with unknown or untrustworthy individuals. This data is confidential for a reason – security.
The Bottom Line
E-skimming is just one of the numerous cyber threats out there. Use proper cyber security measures to stay safe!
Courtesy By Mount Equity Group
