Phishing

Virtual crimes are an invention of the modern world in response to the rise of the internet. Phishing attacks are a classic example of this. Phishing threats refer to fraudulent activities which are done to acquire sensitive information. This sensitive information could be your user name, password, or the details of a credit card. The attacks are usually targeted at online shopping websites and online banks. The major corporate victims have been EBay and Paypal.

Phishing attacks are usually done through email or any other form of instant message. They direct the user to enter account or sensitive details on a certain website. In some cases, it has known to be done through phones calls. The attacks have been on a continual rise in much the same way that the Nigerian Scam has not abated.

Often the content of the message provided through e-mail or the phone plays on the individual's fears by pretending to advise the end user about suspicious activity in his/her account. After that he/she is asked to verify personal information. This is a scam to procure the individuals user name or password. At other times, the recipients are also asked for a credit card number and expiration date of the card.

Phishing email scams trap many people because the look and feel of the email or the approach used by the phone operator appears to be legitimate. Phishing attacks can result in large financial losses. The main reasons cited behind the ever increasing e mail phishing attacks are that people are simply unaware, ignorant or simply too trusting.

Another problem that has resulted from e mail phishing is that people have used sensitive personal details to access public records and acquire important information. After the information is acquired, it has been used to create fake accounts in the person' name or perform illicit activities. Identity theft is another result of malicious phishing emails.

There are certain tips which help a person to avoid phishing attacks. The first one is not to reply back to any e-mail that ask for personal or financial information. Account details should always be used by direct login, not by clicking any link from an email. If you do receive suspicious emails, you should check the companies official website. Most companies do not actively request individuals to update their details by activating links through emails.

Working groups have formed in response to phishing attacks to raise industry awareness and to improve internet security. Most organizations are actively implementing advanced security measures to combat phishing attacks. End users need to exercise appropriate caution with all online activity that involves the use of sensitive information.

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