What is phishing and how can I stay protected online? Part 2

Published 12/05/2004 15:47   |    Updated 23/04/2008 11:39

What is phishing and how can I stay protected online?

 

What should a victim of phishing do?

 

If you suspect that you are a victim of phishing:

  • Alert the relevant organisation, your local Garda station .
  • Use up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Up-to-date software can keep unwanted or malicious software at bay.
  • Monitor your financial accounts and statements and notify financial institutions of any suspicious transactions.
  • Change passwords regularly; every 100 days is recommended.
  • Notify the company whose site is being forged or impersonated.

 

 

How can I aviod it from happening?

  • Use an anti-phishing toolbar. Anti-phishing toolbars are included in many of the common web browsers. Ensure you have the most up-to-date version.
  • Keep your anti-virus software up to date. Anti-virus vendors are also including anti-phishing toolbars with the latest versions of their products.
  • Monitor your financial accounts and statements and notify financial institutions of any suspicious transactions.
  • Never respond to any unsolicited email or phone calls requiring personal information. No reputable company will ever ask for this kind of information by email.
  • Ensure that any website requiring confidential information uses a secure connection. Always look for https:// and a padlock in the browser window and pay attention to error messages that the browser gives when it says a site cannot be trusted.
  • Never send personal or confidential information in an email.

 

 

Top Tips

  • Be suspicious of any emails and websites offering something too good to be true.
  • Be wary of websites asking you to hand over your credit card details to. Try to ensure that you get a reference about a website before you trust them.
  • Never reveal your passwords.
  • Monitor your bank account and credit card statements regularly and report any suspicious activity immediately.
  • Install the Microsoft ® Phishing Filter using Internet Explorer 7 or Windows Live Toolbar. Phishing filter helps protect you from web fraud and the risks of personal data theft by warning or blocking you from reported phishing websites.

 

Glossary

  • Phishers: criminals who pretend to be legitimate organisations, like banks or credit card companies who trick you into giving them your personal details.
  • Phishing: occurs when online criminals (phishers) pretend to be legitimate organisations, like banks, in order to trick you into giving them your personal details.
  • Pop up Ads: online advertisements that pop up in a new browser window.
  • Phishing scams: fraudulent email messages appearing to come from legitimate enterprises, like credit card companies and banks.

 

 

External site: www.makeitsecure.ie

 

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