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One Step Ahead: Almanac Security Tips - 2013 |
| In each issue, Penn's Journal of Record, The Almanac publishes helpful tips and hints for dealing with information security and privacy matters. This page is a collection of all those published thus far. |
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|  Spring Cleaning Your Office? Know What to Do with E-Waste
Keep Your Identity Safe When Filing Taxes This Year
Why use Penn+Box when Storing Data in the Cloud
Mobile Device Security - 3 Recommendations for Cloud Users (Hint: That's You!)
Be Aware of QR Code Risks
It’s Data Privacy Month: Update Your Facebook Privacy Settings and More
How Are You Celebrating Data Privacy Month?
Stay Secure while Working on Public Wi-Fi Networks
Protecting Your Finances During This Year's Holiday Shopping Season
Cloud and You
Security and Privacy Online Training & Tools
October: Free Secure Disposal of Paper and Electronics at Employee Resource Fair; NCSAM
Student Privacy - What Do I Need To Know? A FERPA Reminder
Top 10 Tips for Securing Your Smartphone or Tablet
Working Off Campus? Some Tips to Consider
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Tuesday, December 4, 2012 - Almanac Vol. 59, No. 14Protecting Your Finances
During This Year's Holiday Shopping Season
Growth of online purchases continues to outpace sales at traditional "brick and mortar" outlets. In fact, by 2020, it's estimated that nearly $500 billion of merchandise will be purchased online. Regardless of how you choose to shop this holiday season, being vigilant and following a few simple precautions can help protect your finances:
- When shopping online, check for HTTPS:// or a locked padlock to give you the assurance that you're using a "secure server" site.
- When shopping offline, watch to see if credit cards are taken away from the counter and/or out of your sight when your purchases are being authorized. If you can't see your card or the clerk, you don't know if your card information is being written down surreptitiously.
- Use credit cards instead of debit cards. The maximum liability for unauthorized charges on a credit card is $50. The liability for unauthorized use of a debit card can drain your bank account immediately which can lead to bounced checks or missed payments. In addition, liability for unauthorized debit card purchases can be much higher than the $50 max on credit cards, depending upon when you report the loss.
- Use credit cards instead of writing checks. Checks can easily be altered to change the payee and amount. If you do find yourself writing checks, use a pen with pigment-based rather than water-based ink, and either write the payee name yourself or ask that the store stamp be applied in your presence.
A final caution in these times of heightened credit awareness: under Federal law, you are entitled to one free credit report from each of the 3 major credit reporting agencies per year. For the report to be truly free, without qualification, you must visit https://www.annualcreditreport.com/ which is the official provider of free credit reports authorized by the Federal Trade Commission.
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