On Being a Safe Internet User

Each website in the world is facing the growing problem of misuse of personal information and users around the world need to be aware and work together to try and put a stop to this practice. Please read on to learn more about the warning signs and what you can do to help yourself.

A major problem is e-mail spam which is such a common occurrence today that you may indeed think you know what to look for. Quite possibly you are aware that there are two types of email scams – and that these are known as "phishing" and "spoofing" - and as such may be more difficult to identify. Both practices concern fraudulent email where the supposed legitimate "address" was inserted to make it appear as if it came from somewhere or someone other than the actual source. Following are the warning signs you can monitor yourself online:

1. What is 'phishing' and how do you recognise it?
Phishing emails are used to fraudulently obtain personal identification information or account details. They can also be used to attract the recipient to download malware; bit like the ancient legend about Helen of Troy and the Trojan Horse. The message usually suggests there are issues with the user’s account that requires immediate attention; a link is usually inserted into the body of the email inviting the recipient to click to fix but unfortunately the link often leads to a fraudulent website where said user is asked to provide personal details regarding their bank account or to even download deliberately malicious software (malware). Institutions like PayPal or alert pay will never ask you to download software to access your account or use their services – they would rather you go to your browser and enter their site legitimately.

2. How is 'spoofing' different?
Fraudulent emails often include a fake employment offer or a very dodgy request to serve as an intermediary for the transfer of payment processing and money- usually involving millions somewhere overseas. These scams are basically appealing to the innate greed that humans enjoy! This scam is primarily intended for a general audience, and as such is normally to be found in the spam folder of one’s email account. As with phishing emails, the sender address is often camouflaged.

3. How to avoid phishing scams
While the number and sophistication of phishing scams sent out to consumers continues to increase dramatically, you should ensure that you take great care when giving out your personal financial information, especially over the Internet. There are many groups banding together to try and ensure safety for online users and from these a list of recommendations has been put together to help you from becoming the next victim of these amoral scams that abound on the internet..
• Do not give your personal banking details to email senders – check with your banking institution first to see if they are in the habit of contacting you or any of their members via email.
• For a quick answer and therefore a quick buck the Phishers tend to send out dramatic post/emails (including false) statements so that people react immediately
• The information they ask for would normally include usernames, birth date, passwords, credit card numbers, etc.
• Beware of “clicking” the link/s in an e-mail, instant messaging, to get to any web page if you think the message could be dodgy.
• If in doubt phone the company, or log onto the website by typing the Web address into your browser
• If you have to provide credit card numbers or account numbers then insure that you use a secure website or phone line.
• Always look for the locked sign at the bottom of the web page to ensure that you are using a secure website whenever you are submitting your credit card details or any other personal information via your Web browser.

author: a.a.gallagher

april 13th 2011