On some online platforms, paying with a debit card can be risky, and many experts warn that it may expose personal and financial data to theft. This is a topic discussed by Evgeny Kashkin, an associate professor at RTU MIREA’s Intelligent Information Security Systems Division. He emphasizes that users should be cautious when shopping on lesser-known sites and consider safer payment practices.
Kashkin highlights a practical test: check the address bar for the letters HTTPS. If they are missing on a store’s checkout page, the connection is not secure. He explains that no one can guarantee the confidentiality of information transmitted through such sites, including bank card details. This simple test serves as a quick gauge of whether a transaction might be at risk. In the absence of HTTPS, customers should pause and reassess the site before entering any payment information.
To reduce potential exposure, the expert recommends using a separate, disposable or “junk” card for online purchases. The idea is straightforward: fund this card from the main account only with the exact amounts needed for a single transaction. By doing so, if card data leaks to criminals, the loss is limited to the balance on the disposable card rather than the entire savings in the main account. This approach helps contain damage and provides an extra layer of protection against fraudulent activity.
Beyond the use of a separate card, Kashkin urges readers to avoid ever replying to emails that request card numbers or verification codes. He also advises against making purchases on public or shared computers, where other individuals could observe or capture sensitive information. These precautions are simple, accessible steps that can significantly lower risk during online shopping.
The broader context is a rise in card-not-present fraud, a trend that continues to evolve as scammers employ new schemes. One such method involves tricking users into installing a counterfeit or auxiliary application that purportedly helps diagnose issues with a mobile banking app. Once installed, these apps can covertly harvest card details or authorize fraudulent transactions. Consumers should remain vigilant for unusual prompts, unfamiliar app requests, or sudden changes in their banking behavior, and they should verify any new app through official app stores or the bank’s verified channels.
Overall, informed shoppers can protect themselves by combining secure shopping habits with prudent payment choices. Remembering the HTTPS check, using a dedicated payment card for online purchases, and resisting unsolicited requests for card information form a simple, effective defense against common online payment threats. The guidance from Kashkin underscores a practical approach: treat online transactions with the same caution as any other sensitive financial activity and stay away from high-risk platforms or devices. By adopting these habits, individuals can shop online with greater confidence while keeping their funds safer from would-be criminals.