Use caution when pressing Ctrl+C

These days we are very dependent on Internet for anything and everything. The amount of transactions we make through internet using credit and debit card is increasing. Everyday we discover new kinds of online frauds which predominantly employ techniques to steal the credit or debit card information. I read an article from times of India newspaper on this and thought of posting it so that we can all be cautious while making transactions online. The article begins.....

Everytime you do a harmless keyboard shortcut Ctrl+C in your computer, the text you copy online may be stolen on the web. This copied data is accessible on the internet when you visit websites that use a combination of javascript and ASP or any server side language like JSP, PHP, from which the data that you copy can be transferred to another server.

Most websites are javascript enabled. Not convinced? Try copying some text and just visit sourcecodesworld.com/special/clipboard.asp, a website that provides free source codes and projects. You necessarily need not even press the ‘paste’ button. The ‘paste’ happens automatically. The website just provides an example of what could potentially happen to you, especially if you have copied your credit card details, bank details or any other sensitive information.

“This is one of the main reasons that credit card companies and banks ask you not to copy, paste your card and bank details. Everytime you copy some information, it gets stored in your computer clipboard. In case, you end up visiting a malicious website or a phished site, your information can be easily stolen. This information can be read in a hidden manner, that you will not be aware of it being seen by someone else. So, anyone who wants to steal your info can do so easily and store it in his backup for future reference and use it at a later date,” G Anbarasan, an IT expert told The Times of India.

Sourcecodesworld.com says this hacking can be done by a simple source code. This happens especially if you are using Internet Explorer. One of the ways it can be avoided is to use a better browser, Anbarasan says. Internet Explorer, one of the most famous browsers has had many technical glitches over the years.

But for those who are dependent on using Internet Explorer, Sourcecodesworld.com says this problem can be rectified by the following action: Under the tools tab, click Internet options, go to custom level and in the security settings there, select ‘disable’ for the option ‘Allow paste operation via script’.