I’ve never heard of a virtual card before! Time to check that out and get something set up for online purchases. Thanks so much, Jason- another excellent and informative post.
Paypal is a nightmare. I got on their bad list because I was using VPN when making a purchase, and since then I have not been able to close the Paypal account...I just have to wait the associated credit card to expire. Such a pain.
I used a pre-load card for most online and retail purchases, on the assumption that the limited amount of money on the account is less of a loss than if I used a debit or credit card. Does that minimise my risk?
Yes, do that please! It's connected to a card, but I would be interested in other security aspects other than what type of card etc (which was covered in this article already).
So… there are all of these things to do (like this post and others) now to secure our present (right?). And then the Digital Privacy Toolkit. And the Digital Detox will deal with something different …? Where do services like Kanary fit in? If I pay attention to my current life, the urgency of this stuff is tipping me over 😵💫. Is there an overall framework or graphic you can offer so I can understand the relationship of each of these “classes” of things to each other? Is there a hierarchy of actions (or is it, as my manager used to say “it’s all important, you need to get it done”)…
I’ve never heard of a virtual card before! Time to check that out and get something set up for online purchases. Thanks so much, Jason- another excellent and informative post.
Where does PayPal fit into your list? With Venmo and Zelle?
Yes it would be in that category. Better than the others listed but still has many privacy concerns and considerations.
here is a good example: Dior says client data stolen in cyberattack
The key LVMH subsidiary is the latest in a string of big name European retailers to be hit by cyberattacks.
https://www.lemonde.fr/en/france/article/2025/05/14/dior-says-client-data-stolen-in-cyberattack_6741284_7.html
Paypal is a nightmare. I got on their bad list because I was using VPN when making a purchase, and since then I have not been able to close the Paypal account...I just have to wait the associated credit card to expire. Such a pain.
I used a pre-load card for most online and retail purchases, on the assumption that the limited amount of money on the account is less of a loss than if I used a debit or credit card. Does that minimise my risk?
Yes absolutely. Worst case you would only lose what’s on the card
What do you know about the security of Garmin pay?
I’m not familiar with it. I’ll do some research and I’ll message you my findings if you’d like!
Yes, do that please! It's connected to a card, but I would be interested in other security aspects other than what type of card etc (which was covered in this article already).
Sounds good I’ll reach out when I’ve completed my research
So… there are all of these things to do (like this post and others) now to secure our present (right?). And then the Digital Privacy Toolkit. And the Digital Detox will deal with something different …? Where do services like Kanary fit in? If I pay attention to my current life, the urgency of this stuff is tipping me over 😵💫. Is there an overall framework or graphic you can offer so I can understand the relationship of each of these “classes” of things to each other? Is there a hierarchy of actions (or is it, as my manager used to say “it’s all important, you need to get it done”)…
What do you do if you use a debit card and the bank itself (a regional bank only) doesn't offer any virtual alternatives?
re: cant get a credit card due to a lack of credit history and no outstanding debt.