11 Tips for Secure Cashless Transactions

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In the wake of the demonetisation campaign, people are opting for cashless transactions for online banking, shopping, paying bills, booking tickets, etc. But, while this mode of payment may have brought some relief to the cash crunch in ATMs and banks, it has opened up new opportunities for cybercriminals. And you may ask why?

What are the potential risks of cashless, online transactions?

  • Attackers will release fake online payment apps in the market that can steal your personal and banking details like net banking login ID and passwords, credit/debit card numbers, etc.
  • Fake websites will be created. These will look exactly like your banking or shopping websites where any information you provide, will reach the attacker.
  • You may receive emails with links that claim to offer discounts if you purchase goods from certain websites. These emails could be fake and may redirect you to fraudulent or infected websites.
  • You may also receive SMSs or WhatsApp messages recommending you to download mobile apps for online payments. These could also be fake.
  • Free, insecure Wi-Fi networks may be created by attackers to trick unsuspecting users.

Tips for secure cashless transactions

1. Download online payment apps only from official stores such as Google Play and Apple Store.

2. Before you download any app, verify the publisher. The ‘Top Developer’ badge (in Google Play) is usually a good sign that the app is safe. Also, read its user reviews.

3. More importantly, read the permissions that an app asks for. If you think, it is asking for more than what is required, then better avoid installing it.

4. Never visit an online banking or shopping website by clicking a link received in an email or text message.

5. Choose established and well-known websites to make your payments.

6. Ensure there is two-factor authentication for your net banking or debit/card transactions. This means whenever you make a payment, you will be asked to authenticate yourself twice. For instance, while paying via net banking, you will enter you login ID and password and also an OTP (code sent to your registered mobile number) before you can make the final payment. So, even if an attacker manages to steal your net banking details, they won’t be able to go through with a fraudulent payment.

7. Always choose a strong password for accounts on net banking or online payment apps. Ensure your password is at least 8 characters long, has uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. E.g., ‘Cool15is@King’

8. Avoid making cashless transactions from public computers such as those in cyber cafes.

9. Do not use free, insecure Wi-Fi networks for making online payments. Doing so may let an attacker steal your information.

10. Install a multilayered antivirus solution with the below features:

  • Blocking websites that are fake, fraudulent or infected.
  • Blocking emails that carry malicious links or attachments
  • A secure browser for safe banking and shopping transactions.

11. Install a mobile security app that:

  • Blocks fake or malicious apps from getting installed on your phone.
  • Blocks access to fake and infected websites.
  • Lets you lock your apps (online payment apps such as PayTm) with a password to prevent any misuse.

If you think this post is helpful, share it with your friends and peers who are doing frequent cashless transactions to cope with the demonetisation campaign. Stay safe!

Rajiv Singha

Rajiv Singha


50 Comments

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  1. Avatar dr ak tripathiDecember 22, 2016 at 11:28 PM

    VERY USEFULL & EFFECTIVE ADVCE. THANKS

    Reply
  2. Avatar Partha Sarathi NandyDecember 23, 2016 at 5:22 PM

    Informative and helpful.

    Reply
  3. Thanks! But how would I know that the Web page is a fake one that’s asking for my user id and password.

    Reply
  4. Avatar Gaurav barotDecember 23, 2016 at 9:16 PM

    Nice

    Reply
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  5. no 1 antivairus in the world

    Reply
  6. Avatar Sudhakar AmleDecember 24, 2016 at 7:48 AM

    I myself a retired Govt. Officer having limited knowledge of computer and their application in todays digital world. Above 11 tips posted by you are much helpful to me to remain more vigilant while doing online transaction. Many thanks.

    Reply
  7. Avatar PeerZada Aubaid ElahiDecember 24, 2016 at 8:06 AM

    my anti virus is not working properly.

    Reply
  8. nice quick heal

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  9. Avatar ABINASH CHOWDHURYDecember 24, 2016 at 3:22 PM

    Quick Heal is good

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  10. Avatar dr r v sheoreyDecember 24, 2016 at 6:14 PM

    THANK YOU RAJIB FOR YOUR UPDATE KEEP ME INFORMED REGULARLY

    Reply
  11. Avatar Neelyash naikDecember 24, 2016 at 9:08 PM

    Safest banking transactions

    Best antivirus in the Indian market total security by
    Quick heal

    Reply
  12. Thanks for provide information, & I want to know cyber cell no which is help to me if any misuse of my accounts

    Reply
  13. Avatar jitaranjanpothalDecember 24, 2016 at 10:22 PM

    very good

    Reply
  14. Good message for public welfare and awarness

    Reply
  15. Thanks for this information.

    Reply
  16. Avatar zillkumar@gmail.comDecember 25, 2016 at 12:52 AM

    Very Good

    Reply
  17. what is the 64bit Gaurdian Anti Virus Product Key

    Reply
  18. know about online payment

    Reply
  19. Sir, I m enable to update one of the PC please help me.
    its taking updating but when its comes to end its showing that mgs enable to udate

    Reply
  20. Avatar hnagendra53@gmail.comDecember 25, 2016 at 4:10 PM

    nice to note for following….
    thank you…

    Reply
  21. Avatar NAGENDRA , HDecember 25, 2016 at 4:14 PM

    nice to note for following….

    Reply
  22. Avatar ashok rasalkarDecember 25, 2016 at 9:59 PM

    I am not sure if all that appears in google play is safe. recently Govt of India asked for deletion of 4 apps available on google store

    Reply
  23. ITS A GREAT JOB.CASHLESS TRANSCATION IS VERY CLEAR DEBIT/CREDIT SYSTEM.ITS VERY URGENT TO GROW INDIAN ECONOMY.I SUPPORT IT.

    Reply
  24. thenxs for tips

    Reply
  25. Avatar omkar kesharwaniDecember 26, 2016 at 12:10 PM

    Nic antiwaras

    Reply
  26. Thank you

    Reply
  27. Avatar Onil SonawaniDecember 26, 2016 at 3:12 PM

    Hi Rajib,

    In point no 7 about strong password , it is better to avoid common words like cool and king in password that can easily be guessed.

    Instead use password like sPo0kyh@ll0w3En means random characters that can be hard to guess by someone else ( and hard to remember ! ) hence you are more safer.

    Credit : https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/32040?hl=en

    Reply
  28. nisc msz.

    Reply
  29. Indeed worthwhile tips.

    Reply
  30. Avatar MUZAFFAR ALAMDecember 26, 2016 at 10:07 PM

    GOOD

    Reply
  31. I m user of QH (Quick heal) from 2009 Few days back my laptop got hacked by something called ransomware virus I reached to QH team personally and they said we can not do anything because this and that , they gave numbar of reasons which was not worth that time to tell the customer who is using your software from 8 years.
    Even they told some of the QH systems also got hacked by these people,
    I know to keep your brand value you people will well justify how i am wrong
    But remember now a days reviews do count
    Even I succeeded to not to buy QH products for 1 person I will feel I am helping them
    if I am not wrong I have total 3 QH pc licence and 2 mobile licence,
    And I lost all my data I was having from 2009,
    I not at all trust QH now,
    I tried to reach QH seniors on LinkedIn but even they lest payed attention to my problem,
    I have already started sharing and recommending in my circle to not to use QH at all and try some other.
    Thanks and regards,
    Prashant
    +91-7028903322
    India, pune, shivajinagar

    Reply
    • Hi Prashant,

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      Regards,

      Reply
  32. Nice

    Reply
  33. Avatar jadeja mandeep sinhDecember 27, 2016 at 5:26 PM

    That’s nice

    Reply
  34. Very nice

    Reply
  35. Avatar MAHESH PATILDecember 31, 2016 at 6:46 PM

    Very nice tips for online transactions safety .Thanks to Quick heal for their best service for securing our handsets from cyber criminals and fraudulents .The free version is also Working excellent ..

    Reply
  36. Avatar Harshit gswamiJanuary 2, 2017 at 9:37 PM

    I trust this

    Reply
  37. Avatar makhanlallal729@gmail.comJanuary 2, 2017 at 10:02 PM

    Goodd

    Reply
  38. very good

    Reply
  39. Avatar Tapan khamaruJanuary 3, 2017 at 9:41 AM

    good… I like it..

    Reply
  40. Avatar sukhbir nayakJanuary 3, 2017 at 8:39 PM

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  41. Avatar Asim BanerjeeJanuary 4, 2017 at 7:49 AM

    So kind of you Sirs for your time to time helpful suggestions, messages, advice and that is why I always use, suggest to use the one & only secured & safe quick heal, Thank you again for your keen look on my PC.

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  42. Avatar kartik panigrahiJanuary 4, 2017 at 10:22 AM

    give me best security

    Reply
  43. Avatar Kedar DiwanJanuary 5, 2017 at 12:35 AM

    Please update me with all Reliable Cyber Security Details you keep getting from internet data.

    Reply
  44. good advice

    Reply