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Gone Phishing? Another Form Of Computer Crime
SecurityProNews
Staff Writer
2004-08-16
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Although this type of computer crime has been happening for years, it appears to be picking up steam.
Recently, Citibank and US Bank's websites were "spoofed" and their domain names were "masked" to appear like the real thing. The unsuspecting victim thinks that the bank wants them to log in to their account and make some changes or updates. Unknowingly to the victim, there are cyber criminals licking their chops as the victim reveals all their private information and bam…all their financial data such as passwords, account numbers, etcetera have been stolen.
Banks are not the only institutions being targeted. Just recently, AOL, Amazon, eBay, and many other large organizations have been hit. The criminals simply want any information that leads to your money, i.e., checking accounts, user names, passwords, bank routing numbers, and even social security numbers. If it leads to money or identities, it's a potential target.
Banks and online companies are fighting back however, and very strongly. "Technology experts are working hard to combat this threat by putting in anti-theft tools for computer servers and key systems" says Manuel W. Lloyd, a technology expert that owns three technology businesses. One of his businesses focuses on helping individuals and small businesses fight such cyber crimes. "What needs to be done is quite simple, but can get costly if not done properly..." says Lloyd."Most companies think that firewalls, spam filters, and Spyware tools will do the trick, when in fact, that's just the beginning". Lloyd continues, "Security must be indepth, not just a few buzz words that people hear and say, oh, we need that, let's get it. If individuals and companies want tighter security, discipline has to be a part of your anti-theft arsenal as well."
Lloyd suggests doing your own research. "One good place to go is a website that is dedicated to just helping to fight Phishing and other cyber crimes. The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) is an industry association focused on eliminating identity theft. Their website is www.antiphishing.org".
Mr. Lloyd does emphasize that "I do recommend getting all the tools such as a firewall, anti virus, anti spam, anti Spyware, and an anti key logger tools as a base defense, but nothing beats good old fashion street smarts". Geeks In A Flash!, one of Lloyd's companies, provides all these tools free of charge in an effort to help innocent victims of these cyber crimes.
Mr. Lloyd predicts that these types of crimes will only get worse as cyber criminals are harder to track, but insists that you, your company, nor the world have to be a victim. By putting the right tools, resources, and good old fashion street smarts into play, the world can win the cyber crime battle.
About the Author:
SecurityProNews is a daily online and email publication focusing on internet security issues.
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