Question: Gloria is concerned that her online banking transactions could be intercepted if she uses public wifi. which of the following could she use to prevent access to her online transactions?
Answer: VPN
To prevent unauthorized access to her online banking transactions while using public Wi-Fi, Gloria should implement a combination of security measures, with a focus on using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN creates an encrypted connection between her device and the VPN server, ensuring that her data is transmitted securely and preventing eavesdroppers or potential attackers from intercepting or accessing her online transactions.
Here are additional measures and detailed explanations for protecting her online banking transactions:
- Choose a reliable VPN service: Gloria should research and select a reputable VPN provider with a strong focus on privacy and security. Look for features such as strong encryption (AES-256), a no-logs policy, and a kill switch to ensure her data remains protected even if the VPN connection drops.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): By enabling 2FA for her online banking account, Gloria adds an extra layer of security that requires a secondary authentication method (e.g., a fingerprint, a security token, or a one-time code) to access the account. This makes it more difficult for attackers to gain access to her account, even if they obtain her login credentials.
- Use HTTPS: Ensure that the bank’s website uses HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) for encrypted communication. HTTPS encrypts the data transmitted between Gloria’s browser and the bank’s website, safeguarding her information from potential eavesdropping or man-in-the-middle attacks. She can verify this by looking for a padlock icon in the address bar of her browser.
- Keep software updated: Gloria should regularly update her device’s operating system, web browser, and any security software (such as antivirus and anti-malware programs) to minimize vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. She should also enable automatic updates, if available, to ensure her device stays up-to-date with the latest security patches.
- Be cautious of public computers and Wi-Fi networks: Gloria should avoid using public computers for online banking transactions, as they may have keyloggers or other malware installed that could capture her login information. Additionally, she should be wary of connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, as attackers could potentially intercept her data or create fake Wi-Fi hotspots to steal her information.
- Use a strong, unique password: Gloria should create a strong and unique password for her online banking account, combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. This makes it more difficult for attackers to guess or crack her password using brute force methods.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments: Gloria should be cautious about clicking on links or downloading attachments from emails, as they might be part of phishing attempts to steal her login credentials or other sensitive information. She should verify the authenticity of any emails related to her banking transactions before interacting with them.
- Regularly monitor account activity: Gloria should frequently review her account transactions and statements for any signs of unauthorized activity. If she notices any suspicious transactions, she should report them to her bank immediately. Regular monitoring allows her to quickly detect and address any potential security breaches.
- Secure her home Wi-Fi network: Gloria should ensure that her home Wi-Fi network is secured with a strong password and up-to-date encryption protocols, such as WPA3. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access to her network, which could potentially compromise her online banking transactions.
- Security awareness and education: Gloria should stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices. She can subscribe to newsletters, read security blogs, or attend webinars to keep up-to-date with the latest information on how to protect her online banking transactions and other sensitive data.
By implementing these security measures, Gloria can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to her online banking transactions, even when using public Wi-Fi networks. A combination of technical and procedural controls, along with personal
No. | Security Measure | Brief Description |
---|---|---|
1 | Reliable VPN service | Encrypt data and protect transactions by using a reputable VPN provider. |
2 | Two-factor authentication (2FA) | Add an extra layer of security with secondary authentication methods, such as a one-time code. |
3 | Use HTTPS | Ensure secure communication with the bank’s website by using encrypted connections. |
4 | Keep software updated | Minimize vulnerabilities by regularly updating the OS, browser, and security software. |
5 | Caution with public computers/Wi-Fi | Avoid online banking on public computers or unsecured Wi-Fi networks to reduce risks. |
6 | Strong, unique password | Create a complex and unique password for online banking accounts to prevent unauthorized access. |
7 | Avoid suspicious links/attachments | Be cautious with email links and attachments that could lead to phishing or malware attacks. |
8 | Monitor account activity | Regularly review transactions and report suspicious activity to the bank. |
9 | Secure home Wi-Fi network | Protect online banking at home by using a strong password and up-to-date encryption protocols. |
10 | Security awareness and education | Stay informed about cybersecurity threats and best practices to better protect sensitive data. |