Can anyone get personal information from my computer from outside the home

Question

Hello, Is it possible for someone to get information from my computer from outside the house
? thanks

Answer 1

Sadly your credit card info is easy to pickup from the following insecure methods:
1. Connecting to a passwordless WiFi, or one with just WEP or WPA version 1 encryption.  Always use WPA2. Make sure your password is not in any dictionary of any language.
2. Delete all browser cookies for retailers that have had credit card transactions before using the computer in a WiFi hotspot that has no password requirements.
3. Connecting to a website without at least 128 bit RSA key encryption and entering your credit card number in such a website.  Browsers have a method of determining your encryption either by clicking the lock icon, or hovering over the lock icon, or viewing the web browser security settings.  When making online transactions, do not save your credit card number to any website, and secure the website you are making a transaction with, with a password that isn't found in any dictionary.
4. Look at your credit card receipts wherever you use your credit card.  Both the customer copy and the retailer copy should have all but the last 4 digits Xed out.  If they are all visible, inform the retailer there are more secure credit card machines that do, and you won't purchase anything with them by credit card until they use such machines.
5. Gas stations, it is better that your receipt is not printed at all, and if it is, don't forget to check with the attendent if they have a copy of the receipt and get it from them.
6. Credit card wireless scanners.  Apparently people have managed to scan other people's back pockets and get the credit card number off them.  If at all possible don't leave your credit card in your back pocket, and use your front pocket, or a purse that you always keep an eye on.
If your bill online or otherwise indicate charges you don't recognize, get your number changed immediately, and dispute the charges within 60 days.  If you don't you may be liable for them.  Otherwise you are usually only liable for the first $50.