If you travel frequently, you will already understand the importance of protecting yourself from credit card fraud and theft. Newer technologies, such as chip-and-pin, are helping lower the risk of fraud in some areas around the world.
In areas with lower security measures, gangs and thieves infiltrate high traffic spending areas and attach bugging devices. These bugging devices scan the magnetic strip on credit or debit cards. The stolen credit card information can then be used by the thieves to make purchases.
Technology, like all things in life, is a two way street. As technologies continue to improve the quality of security required for fraud prevention, people work to hack those technologies to their advantage. Credit card companies and banks are on a continual search for new technology to help prevent fraud.
Holidays are supposed to be relaxing and fun. Unfortunate incidents, such as theft or personal injury, can cause your much-anticipated holiday to become a bad experience.
How do you protect yourself from fraud or theft in less technologically advanced areas? What measures can you take to ensure your personal safety as well as that of your valuables?
While making travel arrangements, study a map of the area. Choose an emergency meeting spot in case someone gets lost. Print or buy a local map and make sure everyone in your group knows how to read it. Mark special points of interest on the map and always make sure everyone knows where you're going to be.
Cell phones or walkie-talkies are an invaluable resource, especially for large groups or families. The easier you can stay in touch, the more worry-free fun you will have.
Take minimal luggage. The fewer bags you have to carry, the more easily you can maneuver through crowded areas and hotel hallways. Don't pack money, jewelry, electronics or important documents in luggage. Always pack these items in your carry-on bag or not at all. The more you take with you, the more you stand to lose.
Always travel in a group. When you are out and about, always have a friend with you. You are much less likely to be attacked or mugged if you have someone with you. Having a friend with you also carries the added benefit of having another set of eyes in case you're being followed or pick pocketed. Ask hotel staff if you should avoid certain areas. If you drove to your destination or have a rental car, don't leave personal belongings in your vehicle.
Always be sure to lock your room. Even if you are simply going down the hall for a snack, it is important to lock your door. Any time you are away from your room, it is susceptible to thieves. When you are relaxing in your room, the door should be locked. Thieves and gangs have been known to test hotel room doors to see if they can enter successfully. If they do manage to open your unlocked door, they may steal your valuables or even cause harm to you or a loved one if you interrupt them in their quest for money or valuables.
Use traveller's checks and credit cards in lieu of cash when possible. After you've returned from your vacation, keep an eye on your credit report, as well as your credit card and bank statements.
You never know when you may be the next victim of identity theft or credit card fraud. Keeping a close eye on your credit report, credit card and bank statements will give you the edge if your credit card is fraudulently charged.
Year from year more and more often, people try to find some ways how to spend more time working out of office. And technologies really help them ? laptops, wireless internet, other mobile devices, and people have more choice possibility when work and when relax! But always there is another side ? not so positive side!
If you get laptop only to your personal usage, then you need to be prepared, that every one can get access to your privet files- pictures, contact information, calendars, etc. And also thief can use your laptop to get access to your bank account details or even social security number!
If your laptop was provided by your employer, the security risk is even greater. A recent study conducted by the FBI found that 57% of computer crimes were linked to stolen laptops, which were then used to break into corporate servers later on. (http://www.pcsecurity.com) This breakage can cost company a lot of money in the loss of the computer itself, the loss of the data on the computer and the use of the computer to hack into the company's main computer systems. So safer and cheaper will be, if you pays to look after your laptop and read some of these useful information security awareness tips.
Personalize your computer. If your computer will be with some personal identification tag, then thief will not likely to steal computer with your name on it! And also it is less likely to sell such as to pawn shop.
Travel with another employee or a friend. Some notebook thefts are committed right where your carry on luggage is examined. He waits for a notebook on the conveyor belt and grabs it while the owner is distracted. So, if you go with someone else, one of you can watches the other's possessions coming out on the conveyor belt while other dealing with security personnel.
Use neutral briefcase for your laptop Don't use computer briefcase that scream ?Notebook computer? to every thief in the area. Instead, use a backpack made for notebook computers or other luggage that does not indicate there is a notebook computer in the case.
Use security cable. If you are using your notebook computer in the lounge area, use a security cable to attach the computer to something like the desk you are using the computer on. These cables are between $20 and $50 in most computer stores and lock computers to where they are being used.
Back up your data. There is many ways how to backup your data ? on CD's, to your corporate network or back up services such as the one Yahoo! Offers in its briefcase service. No matter how you back up yours computer information, you can access it easily with your new computer.
Encrypt document to your computer. To do it, you can use encryption software. These software codes your documents so only you and others with the right password can read them. The basic level can be downloaded for free in many cases from the publishers of the more complex versions of encryption software which you can buy in most computer stores or even online for as much as $100 and expensive.
The value of the information ON a laptop is usually much greater than the cost OF the laptop itself?
Both Roger Munns & Infosecuritylab are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Roger Munns has sinced written about articles on various topics from Marketing, Family Travel and Cars. Tribune Properties produce a series of European travel and holidays guides which includes Lanzarote's airport and. Roger Munns's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.
Infosecuritylab has sinced written about articles on various topics from Spyware, Writing and Anger Control. Article source: . Infosecuritylab's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.