The upside and downside of online wallets

By Jennifer Lee
11 December 2000 10:13 AM
Tags: privacy, security, wireless, yahoo!, ssl, aol, wallet, passport

Are online wallets worth the risk?

AOL and Yahoo! Wallet pose less of a risk in privacy, since their wallets work only on their online stores.

AOL stands behind its consumer privacy policy, and offers digital wallets as a consumer benefit. However, privacy is still an issue with all three wallets, because they connect your personal profile with your shopping habits.

When shopping, keep in mind that online wallets offer a level of added security. No Web site, even a secure site, is impervious to hackers. In addition, your privacy is also at risk when you shop on the Internet, even while using an online wallet: Regardless of whether you actually purchase an item or not, your fingerprints are on everything you "touch" online.

By using an online wallet to manage your online shopping, you may actually be putting yourself at more risk of privacy violations.

More information on online wallets:

How to use AOL Quick Checkout
Secure your shopping through AOL Quick Checkout even if you're not a member of AOL

How to use Microsoft Passport Wallet
Avoid the hassle of signing in to separate e-commerce sites with Microsoft's Passport Wallet

How to use Yahoo Wallet
Make online shopping a cinch with Yahoo Wallet's security and convenience features.

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