Internet Security – What is Phishing?

This is part two of my multi-part series Internet Security – Your Computer and You. Here, I am touching on the subject of phishing.

Phishing pronounced as “fishing”, in simple layman’s terms, means deceiving you – the victim, to disclose valuable personal data, such as credit card numbers, passwords, account data, or other information.

Microsoft has provided a very clear and concise description of phishing.

Here is a short list of what you should take note:

1. Major banks and internet payment gateways like Paypal will never use url shortening services like http://tinyurl.com/yoopq4. Some other url shortening service providers are: TinyURL.com, MetaMark, SnipURL.com, NotLong.com. Reputable establishments will NEVER ask you to click on url shortened links.
2. Always check for the sender’s email address. For example: You have received an email that says it is from Paypal but the sender’s email address is money@paupal.com. Always check for correct spellings from sender’s addresses, to prevent yourself from being phished!
3. Always clear your cache after you have visited an online banking site, to prevent your cookies from being stolen and read by phishers.
4. Never log in to a web based internet banking facility on a public terminal, because you are running a high risk having your keyboard keystrokes captured by keyloggers.
5. Scan your computer for viruses very regularly!

Here are a few other helpful links you could use for free virus scanning and free spyware removal:

BitDefender – Free Online Scan
Panda ActiveScan – Free online antivirus to combat viruses, spyware and other Internet threats
Symantec Security Check
Free Virus Scan – Kaspersky Lab
Trend Micro Free Online Virus Scan”