So many big name stores have been hacked by identity thieves in the past year or so. Home Depot was one of the last ones I heard about, and now I'm hearing that Dairy Queen has been targeted. I read an article online today that said about 400 of their stores have been affected so far. Are our cards not really safe anywhere anymore? Should we go back to paying with cash? I've already had my stuff stolen once; I definitely don't want it to happen again!!
Wayne Parham Messages: 18752 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
You wouldn't believe the complexity of the systems and the security that's in place. But there is one thing that can undermine even that - an inside job. No matter of digital security can protect a company if someone inside the company with secure access decides to "break in." There is no "break in" - because they're already inside.
gofar99 Messages: 1939 Registered: May 2010 Location: Southern Arizona
Illuminati (5th Degree)
Maybe if we instituted the death penality for hacking it would slow it down. Also allow hit men to go after hackers not in the US. A bounty system might work.
You wouldn't believe the complexity of the systems and the security that's in place. But there is one thing that can undermine even that - an inside job. No matter of digital security can protect a company if someone inside the company with secure access decides to "break in." There is no "break in" - because they're already inside.
That's a good point, Wayne. No system is hacker-proof, but an inside job is easier by far.
I generally use my debit card for purchases but since it's been potentially compromised twice in the past 12 months, I think I'm going to use my credit card now.
It's not comforting at all to think that many of these so-called "hack" jobs might actually be inside jobs! That means there's pretty much nothing that can be done to protect your credit or debit card. I had my card hacked earlier this year, all of my money stolen, and then the whole account over-drafted by several hundred dollars. I got the money back, but not before it made most of my bills that month late. Now I only use my debit card at my bank's ATM machine; everywhere else, I just pay with cash.
gofar99 Messages: 1939 Registered: May 2010 Location: Southern Arizona
Illuminati (5th Degree)
I am considering the barter method. I have twice replaced my debit card this year so far because of hacks at places I had shopped. I have two free account watchers now from the companies.