Kaspersky warns online users to be more vigilant post-demonetization

In the last few days, India has seen a sudden surge in digital transactions. Many first-time internet users are also trying digital transactions due to the shortage of cash post-demonetization of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes.

While this is surely a step forward in taking the economy to the digital space, Kaspersky Lab, the world’s most trusted name in cyber security, is urging people to be vigilant of online frauds.

Altaf Halde, Managing Director (South Asia), Kaspersky Lab, “In the last week, since the announcement of the demonetization, there has been a huge spurt in payments through the smartphone. While it is very convenient and frees one of the pressures to hold cash, it calls for precaution. One small slip-up can cause one a huge loss. While companies are bound by law to follow guidelines, fraudsters find their way through many security barricades."

"The only way to safeguard oneself, in such a scenario, is to be vigilant while paying and to keep the mobile protected with a security plan. With these two simple steps, people can ward off almost all financial theft risks. As the current adjustment period makes way for settlement, we are sure that more people, across economic strata, will find digital payments way more convenient and may make it their preferred mode of payment,” he added.

Hence, Kaspersky has issued some key pointers to follow while making online transactions:

• Check for the ‘s’ in the ‘https’ on a portal that you are using
• Check and re-check the portal URL.
• Don’t share your financial information with anyone, especially over messages
• Not sure of the app? Don’t use it! Spend a little time in reading about an app, going through its Terms & Conditions and talking to current users before you punch in your card details
• Get yourself a mobile security plan. You’d be surprised at how much it’ll protect you.
• Only download apps from official app store

Also, read about CashNoCash and its free service of locating working ATMs.