Shopping online without a SmartSwipe makes you vulnerable to cyber thieves. There are many ways in which hackers can steal your sensitive information without you knowing it. Here is a list of some of the potential threats you face when shopping online without a SmartSwipe.

Privacy-invasive software – This is software that monitors your computer with the intent of stealing sensitive information and is often of a commercial nature.

Spyware – Software that could be on your computer without you knowing it. Not only can Spyware monitor what you are doing (including watching you type in your credit card number), but it can actually change how you interact with your computer.

Crimeware – Software designed specifically for the purposes of identity theft so the attacker can access your online banking or online shopping accounts.

Man-in-the-middle attack (MITM) – An attacker sits between your computer and the computer you are trying to communicate with (the shopping site), intercepting, and even changing, the information.

Trojan – You install software that apparently performs a useful function, but it actually has a hidden agenda. Once inside, the attacker can watch your screen, save their files to your computer and even control your computer.

Keystroke logging – A method of recording your keystrokes. This is a very common way to monitor mouse operations and obtain screen shots or monitor what is typed on your keyboard.

Phishing – You get an official looking email from a trustworthy source (like a bank or PayPal) asking for information of some kind (usually passwords, SIN numbers, credit card numbers etc.). Of course, the email is actually from a fraudster posing as someone legitimate.

Memory sniffing – A program that effectively “sniffs” out your memory, revealing passwords, credit card data and other such information.

Exploits – Software or a sequence of commands that take advantage of a bug or vulnerability on your computer to take over your computer.

"A recent test of best-of-breed anti-virus vendors and Web browser anti-phishing filters revealed that more than half of active malware and phishing threats on the Internet go undetected, with an average detection rate of 37 percent for malware and 42 percent for phishing." Cyveillance, February 2009