Credit cards and computers, Mexico

[Joe Kiernan]

Being computer challenged shall we say, whats the safest way to protect your info when doing things like paying bills, transfering money between accounts etc from some wi fi spot in Mexico (or any where I suppose) using your own computer?

Is there some type of protection I can get put on my computer while still here in the PNW.

Thanks

[rdempsey]

A VPN is a very good idea. You can't trust wi-fi anywhere.

Why You Should Start Using a VPN (and How to Choose the Best One for Your Needs)

[DeepFrz]

Try this. It takes some reading but is worthwhile.

http://lifehacker.com/search?q=secure+browsers

[msponer]

Use a VPN

Use hardware 2-factor authentication for your bank. And Gmail, if you use that, since email is often the 'password recovery' system for many sites. So you don't want your email compromised.

Have good computer hygiene. Don't install icky programs on your computer. Search bars or deal sites or shopping helpers or free games you download etc. I wish I could describe it better, but when online my parents are so naive. They are the computer equivalent of wide eyed small town tourists in New York who give the guy outside the subway station money for his insane story about a broken down car. Every time I see them their computers are filled with junky browser extensions (and etc) that they've downloaded. Whatever that is, don't do that.

[loadedmind]

VPN is definitely the best route as others have stated. privateinternetaccess.com is the one I use. They don't maintain logs.

[Rough Magic]

I use Wytopia, and you can get a live human to talk to in tech support. They've been helpful, and I've never been aware of down time. Using them (in Mexico) I was able to see Netflix and HBO from U. S.

Use two step authentication for your bank and email. I set mine up to text message me on my cell. Then even if the bad guys get your password, they can't log in without the texted code. This also alerts you that someone is trying to log into your account.

And get a good password generator (I use LastPass) and use a long complex password.

Happy sails, Dave

[zeehag]

i do not use online banking here.
i have problems with bank cancelling card with fraud in home depot usa.
i call em on fone.
i have no outstanding debts i usa and on ly use a limited funds card to pay for items i need to purchase or i usecadh only.
is a bitch to regain a card when bank cancels it for fraud happening in usa.

[fjjack]

I agree with using VPN. Keep things simple on your computer and don't click on any UPDATES or Ad's. Setup your online banking to send you an email or txt message for every purchase. So if your account is used you will be flagged the same day. I lost a CC in BVI and of course the honest person who found it immediately started to make purchases.