Phishing

Phishing security is simply the precautions that an individual or corporation should institute in response to the growing number of emails that are directed towards scam activity. Recent reports from Symantec corporation indicate that 1 in every 119 emails are targeting unwary consumers. In response to this rise in fraudulent activities, online security companies have released software solutions that aim to screen email, rate it according to perceived threat and isolate individuals from bogus emails.

There are several anti-phishing solution providers that create software and subscription services that can employed to defend against phishing. At the individual level, this software is a desktop solution that screens email and eliminates spam. A sophisticated matching algorithm is employed. Corporations can employ solutions at the server level as a phishing security precaution. You can also subscribe to database notification services to stay on top of the latest scam alerts. The software itself has a built in database which regularly updates to stay on top of suspicious activity.

Phishing Best practices:

(a) A simple rule of thumb to remember is to never activate or respond to emails that request sensitive account or personal details. This includes activating embedded email links.

(b) Always keep browsers up to date. This patches potential browser security flaws. You can stay on top of this by visiting the site of your official browser.

(c) Always install operating system updates. You can setup your system to automatically accept these from the official site.

(d) Install firewall, virus software and scan regularly for spyware and unwanted files. Keep all databases up to date. The software has built in automatic update scheduling.

(e) Do not store sensitive personal or account details on your personal computer without using a password protection program

(f) Always log out of any accounts including online banking interfaces immediately after you have finished.

(g) Avoid unsavory neighborhoods such as online casinos, warez and hacker sites.

(h) Do not provide credit card details by email.

(i) Do not update any account details over the phone unless you initiate the phone call. This is an identity theft security precaution. Some individuals target consumers by posing as company representatives for the express purpose of procuring sensitive details.

Exercising caution online is another form of phishing security. With perpetrators of online fraud using email and instant messenger services to secure details, it is prudent to avoid giving details to anyone unless it is a trusted source.

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