Embrace “Zero Trust” in everyday life
Over the years, there has been a lot of confusion over what “Zero Trust” is and is not. Some consider it to be just an “Information Technology” buzz word, some from the IT world consider it to be a design construct and some even feel it has no meaning at all.
What is Zero Trust?
Zero Trust (ZT) is a quality/characteristic of an entity to check & verify the authenticity of another entity before proceeding with any type of a transaction.
Entity: It can be anything from a business unit, IT system to even a human being.
Transaction: It can be anything from a business to even a personal deal.
“Zero Trust” is not restricted just to technology but can be implemented in our day-to-day life too. As a matter of fact, the lesson of “Zero Trust” was first taught by Chanakya as part of “Chanakya Neeti” where he explained why “you should not trust even the most trustworthy”.
Let us start from one of the most important aspect of life which is “Money”.
How to adopt Zero Trust in everyday banking?
Internet Banking: Even if the bank’s website looks as same as yesterday, we should always-
- Check whether the domain name seen in the browser is correct. Fraud websites look almost same as the genuine one but uses domain names which look very similar for e.g., hdfcbaank.com, axjsbank.com, icicbank.com etc.
- Ensure the website is HTTPS enabled, i.e., the “lock” sign renders a valid certificate of the bank after clicking as shown below.
Mobile Banking: We usually download the first app that we get in our search list and start using, assuming it to be legitimate. We should always-
- Check the details of the app before downloading like the publisher, security features, any evident abnormalities, reviews etc. It is very easy to develop a look-alike app which might even have a higher rating and number of downloads.
- Avoid transacting from your mobile banking app if you are connected to any public Wi-Fi. Such Wi-Fi are prone to vulnerabilities and can lead to data exposure or fraud.
Phone Banking: Banking over the phone is one of the most convenient medium. But it has its own share of risks too. We should always-
- Check if the bank’s customer care helpline number is correct as per their official website. Fraudsters can trick us in using a fake phone number which can be a look-a-like of the official one.
- Never share sensitive information with anyone. Fraudsters call us over the phone trying to impersonate as the bank’s employee. Once they gain our trust, they trick us into sharing sensitive information like CVV numbers, PIN numbers etc.
UPI transactions: Being the fastest mode of payment, UPI can also be a risky one. We should always-
- Verify the owner of the UPI handle is the intended person to whom we wish to transfer the funds.
- Verify the payment request (if any) is from the intended person and the agreed amount before transferring the funds.
- Stop, if you are requesting money from someone and you are asked to enter your PIN. You are asked to enter PIN only when you are transferring money.
ATM Withdrawals: ATM was the default banking option for all of us couple of decades ago. Today even though the visits have reduced, ATMs still pose the same old risks & some new too. We should always-
- Check if there is someone suspicious around the ATM.
- Check if there is a security guard outside the ATM.
- Avoid using ATM at late nights or in deserted areas.
- Avoid asking help from strangers.
- Do not share your ATM pin with anyone in any case.
- Verify there are no unusual devices attached to the ATM card slot like “Skimmers”.
- Ensure you remove your cash & card immediately after completing the withdrawal.
- Ensure you do not leave your receipt/card or any other belongings in the ATM room.
How to adopt Zero Trust in personal life?
“Zero Trust” can be applied in every facet of life. You are the best judge 😊
