Security threats attack the ozone layer of the tech world with a mission to spread terror and destroy privacy on the internet. This issue has been bugging the online community for a long time now, but it is only recently that it has reached a certain pinnacle of fame because of high profile menaces in the last 2 to 3 months.  The magnitude of influence reaches browsers and beyond, and increases costs of repairing damages.  LulZec became one of the most talked about hacking groups this summer, and many celebrated when they were dissolved, thanks to global efforts.  However, LulZec is just a portion of a bigger society that targets an even bigger space.

You’ve been living a lie if you think that all this time, you data is hundred percent safe online. Not to spread panic, but it’s an important consideration especially for online banking, where your money is at stake.  You have to be more vigilant than ever before. Dave Marcus, Director of Security Research for McAfee Labs, stressed that in order to protect online accounts from hackers, self-education is needed since most of the time, it is not the technology that falls short, but the individual:

“Most instances of banking fraud are not due to the bank’s technology being compromised, but to people unwittingly giving out their personal banking information to criminals via phishing scams and copycat sites, or their computers being infected with malware.”

The antivirus and internet security expert shares important statistics and guidelines on safe banking within the virtual soil.

The Figures

54%: the percentage of Americans that worry more about identity and financial data theft than losing their job.

80%: the percentage of Americans that utilizes online banking in 2010. It was just at 4% in 2004.

18-24: age group that are overly confident on how to use technology but a little careless in ensuring protection of their data in the internet.

24-45: age group with the most number of online banking users. This is also the range where people tend to intertwine personal and business usage of the internet.

Over 45: the more senior generation that are less tech-oriented, but the most cautious about their online information security.

The Precautionary Measures

• Clean PC’s using diagnostics tools available, paid or free
• Find security software partner that is reliable and comprehensive
• Run security scans on your computer daily
• Put away distractions when dealing with online banking transactions
• Review financial accounts you receive and readily report suspicious transactions
• Never ever respond to promotions that are seeking for your personal information

Fear of being caught is no longer an effective means for cyber culprits. The more authorities chase and pin them down, the more they become agitated, to the point of building espionage hacks and blatantly petrifying cyberspace.  In fact, hacking incidents become the drivers behind a series of updates and upgrades within strategies and solutions companies like Symantec and McAfee.

Furthermore, laws encompassing online security issues are somewhat weak, lacking muscle. Many were surprised when an alleged hacker was freed immediately after posting bail, along with reports that this person was only used to derail the hunt for LulZec members. While security solutions and malware oppressors are available in the market, individuals must also learn how to safeguard their properties to the best that they can and measures available.