Data breach

One of the more sensitive objects in everyday life is dealing with credit cards. Many have heard of (or even experienced) a credit card fraud, but usually in connection with ATMs.

Recently there has been a massive internet data breach at Sony’s. Around 77 million of personal information has been stolen. There is no evidence that credit card data had been taken, however the not encrypted personal information (name, date of birth, etc.) could have been exposed to a potentially dangerous third party. Many have ignored the fact that FB users (and other social network users) make personal information publically accessible willingly making internet data breach unnecesaary.

Regarding from the corporate communication angle, Sony responded correctly (although a little bit late) and made the occurrence public. In many cases goes the internet crime by unnoticed, because victims are scared of public embarrassment.
Certainly Sony had gone through a dilemma of either informing its customers or not – personally I think they made a good decision in going public. Their customers will be more aware of possible scams and will know how to react.

Although Sony has been exposed to public embarrassment, they managed to keep at least some trust of their customers, although many of them feel reluctant to give away their credit card details in the future.

Personally I don’t use the credit card much or often, I also don’t store much money on it as I only use it on special occasions – shopping on trusted internet pages or travelling. But one can not avoid dealing with credit cards nowadays, so how to protect oneself in times when online shopping is a everyday occurrence?

Scambusters created 21 tips to help you avoid inconveniences regarding credit card crime.

Be vigilant, be safe.