Most Indians still keep their personal financial information in their smartphones, specifically in contacts list, notes or other digital storage – a recent report shows. About 17 per cent of those surveyed mentioned storing their bank and credit/debit card information in their contact list or notes. Even more worrying, 30 per cent informed that they share the passwords with their family and staff.
Unfortunately, these methods are prone to hacks and threats, especially since Artificial Intelligence (AI) is capable of cracking passwords within a minute. To counteract such threats, it’s encouraged to use password manager applications and complex stand-alone passwords. This creates a secure digital vault, where passwords and accessing data can be conveniently stored without exposing it to danger.
The report also highlighted that a large majority of the respondents had shared their Aadhaar card for various applications, suggestions, bookings and so forth. Just 14 per cent mentioned having their passwords memorized, 18 per cent stored them in their computers or laptops and 39 per cent kept their important information elsewhere.
The mentioned LocalCircles is an online community platform, which is dedicated to engaging with local groups of like-minded people, discussing any aspects of local lifestyle from transportation to education, health or politics. It enables people to reach to their local networks in order to improve their living standards. As such, the platform can help in spreading awareness on digital security issues as well.
Google has also introduced a new authentication method called ‘Passwordless Login’, where users no longer need a password to access their accounts. Instead, users can login just by verifying their identity via their smartphone. It’s a secure and easy way to protect devices and databases.
Maintaining digital privacy and reducing the risk of cyber-attacks is key in today’s world. As such, one should be aware of methods of keeping their data safe and make use of countermeasures such as password managers or Passwordless Login, when given the chance.
