Monday, 29 August 2016

Save Yourself From Online Scams

In recent years, there has been a big increase in the number of online scams. Cyber criminals are always coming up with new and innovative ways to gain access to unauthorized data - both personal and payment related information of internet users.

As reported by Payza scam alerts, one very damaging attack in recent years was the Heartbleed bug wherein hackers were able to exploit a weakness in the encrypted data of the OpenSSL protocol. While Payza states, its servers were not exposed and its users were safe, several e-commerce vendors were forced to reconsider their security measures on account of this attack. As businesses learn and further strengthen their servers, it is becoming very important for internet users especially those making online purchases, to be aware of ways to keep their information safe and secure.

Here are a few watch outs recommended by online payment processor Payza’s scam alert system, that can save you a lot of trouble.


Basic Measures

As far as possible, avoid storing credit card information online. If your credit card is the number is stored by the web application, then there are various means by which hackers can try to access and misuse it. It is better to enter sensitive information every time you make a purchase. Always ensure that data is being transmitted over SSL. You must also verify the site’s security certificate while entering credit card information.

Payza scam alerts also recommend that online shoppers should make it a habit to regularly check their credit card statements. This way they can find fraudulent charges on their cards if any. There are also online banking apps which help users to check their statements. You should always double check any charges that you do not recognize and contact your bank immediately if you suspect a fraud. A little diligence can go a long way in protecting you from online frauds.

Virtual Credit Cards

Use virtual or disposable credit cards for your day to day online shopping. Most virtual cards let you create prepaid cards. They can be used as normal credit cards and your real credit card number is safe. Thus keeping your personal information away from online merchant sites.

Watch Out For Phishing Attacks

Phishing is an attempt by fraudsters to gain access to your personal and bank/ credit card related information by pretending to be a trustworthy entity - this could be via an email or an online form. Never click on links in an email if you do not know the sender.

Remember, a few simple measures can keep you safe online.

Sunday, 21 August 2016

Indian Cuisine: Dal Makhni and Paneer Masala at Rio Olympics

As the Olympic fever rages on, here are some facts about the Rio Olympics village that you were probably not aware of. Also referred to as the Sportsmen Village, the Rio games village is the biggest ever in the history of the Olympics games. It’s 31 odd buildings can house up to 18000 people from across the world. It also includes shops, restaurants, cafes, transportation and a main cafeteria for meals.

Indian food on the Menu


What might surprise you is that this is the first time Indian food is available on the official menu for athletes. There are strict rules and regulations regarding food for players at Olympics Games. They are only allowed to eat food cooked in the village kitchen and they are not allowed to bring their own food into the main dining area. While there has always been international, continental and Asian food on the Olympics menu for a long time, Indian food has so far never been served to players.

Behind the scenes

India Won 2 Medals - Sakshi Malik Won Bronze Medal in Women's Wrestling & P.V.Sindhu Won Silver Medal in Badminton 
Indian food has made it to the Rio Olympics menu after consistent efforts by the Indian side. It is a proven fact that familiar food keeps players physically and mentally fit and accelerates their acclimatization to a new place. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian sports ministry was determined to ensure its players were provided with everything they needed to deliver a grand performance.

Repeated requests were made to the Olympics Games Association to allow an Indian kitchen at the Olympics games village. Initially their request was turned down on the premise that a separate kitchen for a single country’s players would not be cost effective. India responded by assuring the Rio Olympics Association that its contingent would be bigger than ever before. Besides Indian food is popular with players from other countries as well especially Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Consistent efforts by the Sports ministry and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have finally helped bring Indian Cuisine on the Olympics games lunch table.