Cybersecurity expert: Digital wallets, the safest way to pay this holiday season [Video]

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – As holiday shopping and travel kick into high gear, protecting your finances is more crucial than ever. While technology has made it easier to pay, it has also made it easier for criminals to steal your card information. According to cybersecurity experts, using your smartphone or smartwatch to pay could be your best defense against fraud.

More people are turning to digital wallets—apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay—to make purchases. These apps store your card information and passwords, allowing you to pay with just a tap. While the technology has become more popular recently, it has actually been around since the late 1990s.

Despite its benefits, many people remain hesitant about using their phone for payments. Dr. Ragib Hasan, director of the UAB Center for Cybersecurity, says digital wallets are much safer than traditional payment methods.

“When you use a physical card, you’re subject to …