Cathy wants to buy a new watch online, but is concerned about security when making the purchase. Which of the following increases the chance that her payment is NOT secure?
a. Shopping on a website that uses 3D Secure protocol
b. Shopping on a website that uses Transport Layer Security
c. Shopping using an e-wallet
d. Shopping on a website that uses the HTTP protocol
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: d. Shopping on a website that uses the HTTP protocol
Explanation:
When shopping online, security is a crucial factor in ensuring that personal and financial information remains protected from cyber threats. If Cathy makes a purchase on a website that uses the HTTP protocol, her payment is not secure, increasing the risk of data breaches, identity theft, and fraud.
Why is HTTP Not Secure?
1. Lack of Encryption:
HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) does not encrypt data transmitted between the user’s browser and the website’s server. This means that sensitive information such as credit card details, addresses, and passwords can be intercepted by cybercriminals using man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.
2. Vulnerability to Cyber Attacks:
Since HTTP transmits data in plaintext, attackers can eavesdrop on communication, steal login credentials, and exploit security flaws in the system. This makes HTTP websites highly vulnerable to hacking attempts.
3. No Identity Verification:
HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure), on the other hand, uses TLS (Transport Layer Security) to encrypt data and verify the legitimacy of a website. HTTP lacks this feature, meaning Cathy cannot be sure whether she is dealing with a genuine online store or a fraudulent website designed to steal financial information.
Why Are the Other Options Safer?
- (a) 3D Secure Protocol: Adds an extra authentication step, reducing fraud.
- (b) TLS (Transport Layer Security): Encrypts data for secure transmission.
- (c) E-wallets (e.g., PayPal, Google Pay): Use tokenization to protect card details.
To stay safe, Cathy should only shop on websites using HTTPS and look for security indicators such as a padlock symbol in the address bar.
Now, I’ll generate an image illustrating this concept.
Here is an image illustrating the difference between secure and insecure online shopping. Let me know if you need any modifications or further explanations!
