Phishing Protection

Online Criminals Phish for Information

In a modern day where computer technology is continuously evolving, one cannot take the chance in leaving a system unprotected against the never-ending flow of risks that could put personal information at risk.

Many internet users think that spyware is the only threat to the security of vital data such as bank details, account passwords and other similar information. The reality is very different.

Over the past few years, phishing websites and emails have become a problem which is on the rise and continues to seriously threat mainly the financial industry but overall, anyone could fall victim.

Fact: It was reported by UK wide banks that fraud which occurred as a direct result of phishing cost the industry approximately £4.5 million in 2003 / 2004. This is nothing in comparison to the $500 million losses in the United States for the same financial year.

The good news is that there is wide range of anti-spyware programs available that will protect against spyware, adware, and bogus phishing websites.

What is phishing?

These websites are often stumbled upon by complete accident and the consequences can be extreme. Phishing sites work by posing as seemingly legitimate organizations, like financial institutions and/or companies that offer a range of mortgage services, where personal details will need to be inputted. Such websites can result in identity theft which costs millions a year in fraudulent transactions.

It is not just websites that result in scams, there are also phishing emails which are becoming extremely common. These emails are designed to look completely legitimate and may appear to have come from a bank or even from familiar companies like Paypal. There is more often than not a link contained within the body of such an email that will transfer a recipient directly to the bogus webpage.

Fact: In 2005, the term phishing was unknown to 9 out of every 10 internet users but with a larger existence of such websites, this is now becoming a widely known phrase.

Identifying a phishing website

Sometimes it can be difficult establishing the difference between a legitimate website and that of a false front page for criminal activity, but there are ways of noticing slight differences.

• One common sign with phishing websites and/or emails is that data that may be requested which would never be required to be handed over. The golden rule is to remember that no completely genuine financial organization would contact you via email unless prior approval was given to do so. If you are not expecting such correspondence then treat it with suspicion.
  On occasions where a person clicks on a link, the web browser address may be completely different than expected. If you are re-directed to unknown web space then close down immediately, as this is may be a sign of blatant fraudulent activity. Does a certain webpage make you doubt its authenticity? If so then it is almost certainly bogus and in this situation it is ideal to follow your gut instinct.

Anti-spyware software

The benefit of anti-spyware software is that most do not just block the potential risks associated with spyware, but they often also protect against the future threat of spyware and the ever growing number of phishing websites.

An ideal option which is chosen by many security-minded individuals is Spyware Doctor by PC Tools. With millions of downloads each week, this software is highly recommended and is the industry leader in detecting, removing and blocking spyware. Spyware Doctor is constantly on guard against unwanted software, adware, Keylogger spyware, Trojans, Hijackers, Identity Theft, Rogue Anti-Spyware, Tracking Threats, Pop-ups, bad websites, and Phishing. One optional plug-in offered is Email Guard that also protects against threatening content transmitted via email messages. Common email clients are supported such as Thunderbird and Outlook.

Phishing is one of the most dangerous types of spyware out there. Awareness and knowledge can help you identify potential threats and avoid its dangers, but you must also protect your computer and your personal information with a spyware remover.

Clare Stubbs –January 2009