Phishing Scams on the Rise

Jackie Binion | 17 January 2007 |

Phishing - another internet scam to get your private information. Phishing is defined as a criminal activity using techniques to encourage individuals to give out their secure information. Phishers attempt to fraudulently acquire sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card details, by acting as a trustworthy person in an electronic communication. Phishing is typically carried out using email or an instant message although phone contact has been used as well.

McAfee reported that they have seen a major uprise in key logging applications that are used to track typing activity to capture passwords and other sensitive information. This existence of this type of software has increased 250% between January 2004 and May 2006. In that same timeperiod, phishing attacks have increased hundred-fold. McAfee released a report regarding the increase in phishing activity that also provides practical guidelines that minimize the risk of identity theft to help readers protect themselves and prevent this increasingly common crime. Identity theft is a problem that we all face, not only online but in our everyday activities. Check out the report at McAfee’s company website.

Jackie Binion - Blizzard Internet Marketing, Inc.