APROPOS ‘Almost all Pakistani banks hacked in security breach, says FIA cybercrime head’ (Nov 6).

Credit/Debit card frauds are nothing new and unfortunately they are here to stay. While it is certainly the responsibility of the issuing authorities to keep up with the latest advancements being made in the field of information security so as to prevent data theft from happening as much as possible, it is also the responsibility of card holders to exercise caution while using them.

Despite most card holders being aware of how sensitive this piece of plastic is they seem to be sloppy in its handling. Here are some of the general security tips that can mitigate the vulnerability of one’s card to online financial scams: it is always advisable that the cards be swapped/charged personally or in front of one’s eyes instead of being handed over to anyone else for any kind of transaction. It should be noted that one doesn’t need a card to be physically available to do a transaction. While ATMs or shops we visit require a card to be physically charged on the machines, making an online purchase doesn’t require so. I would advise card holders to carefully read the security instructions provided by the issuing authority on the use of the card. However never share your card information especially the three-digit CVV code printed on the back of the card as transactions involving virtual use of the card in almost all the cases require this code.

So as long as it is not exposed or shared, your card is relatively less vulnerable to pilferages.

M. Haris Zohaib Akbani
Karachi

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2018