What is digital skimming?
Digital skimming, also known as e-skimming or web skimming, is a growing cybersecurity threat. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities on websites and online platforms to steal users' confidential data such as credit card information, passwords or personal data.
How digital skimming works
During digital skimming, hackers infect the systems of online retailers and service providers by introducing malware. This malware enables them to read and access user input such as credit card details and passwords unnoticed. The stolen data can then be resold or used for fraudulent purposes.
Examples of digital skimming
A well-known example of digital skimming is the attack on the British airline British Airways in 2018. The data of approximately 380,000 customers was stolen, including credit card information, personal data and booking details. Another example is the attack on Ticketmaster's website in the same year, in which the data of over 40,000 customers was compromised.
The disadvantages for users
In addition to the obvious loss of personal data and financial resources, digital skimming can also lead to a number of other disadvantages for users. These include, among others:
- Lengthy procedures to recover stolen identities
- Difficulties in recovering funds due to fraud
- Loss of trust in online platforms and services
Protective measures against digital skimming
To protect yourself from digital skimming, users should follow the following steps:
- Regularly update your software and use security programs such as antivirus software and firewalls.
- Be careful when visiting unknown websites and look out for suspicious signs such as missing HTTPS encryption or unusual URL structures.
- Use complex and unique passwords for different online accounts and use two-factor authentication when possible.
- Regularly monitor your bank and credit card accounts for suspicious activity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question: Is digital skimming only a problem on e-commerce websites?
Answer: No, digital skimming can occur on any website or online platform where sensitive information is entered or stored. This includes not only e-commerce websites, but also social media platforms, online banking services and email providers.
Question: How do I find out if my data is affected by digital skimming?
Answer: It is often difficult to determine whether you have been a victim of digital skimming before fraudulent activity occurs. However, if you learn that a website or platform you use has been affected by a security incident, you should immediately change your passwords and review your credit card transactions.
Question: What should I do if I suspect I have been a victim of digital skimming?
Answer: If you suspect you have been a victim of digital skimming, you should immediately change your passwords and contact your bank or credit card provider to report possible fraud. Continue to monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and, if necessary, notify the appropriate authorities.
Question: What measures do website operators take to prevent digital skimming?
Answer: Responsible website operators take various measures to prevent digital skimming. This includes regular security audits, implementing encryption and authentication technologies, and training employees in cybersecurity.
Conclusion: Digital skimming is a growing online threat that both users and website operators must continually deal with. However, users can increase their security and protect themselves from this invisible threat by taking precautions and being aware of the risks.
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )