How To Avoid Phishing

Don’t Click

Unless you are 101% certain, DO NOT click links in e-mails.  Though the message may look as if it is from your long lost friend or from PayPay, if you are suspicious, follow your instinct DO NOT click that link.   The URL may look legitimate, but the link under it could go to a different site.   To avoid phishing, go directly to your bank or Paypal websites by typing its URL into your web browser.  

Beware of Greeting Frauds

Online holiday greeting cards are great for phisers.  Disreputable sites can collect information from people who send cards, and then again from the recipient who clicks to watch one.  Stick to Hallmark store, or just send one via snail mail or much better just send cash.

Beware of Pop-up Security Fakes

Ever been surfing along and get a pop-up window telling you to scan or disinfect, and offering you a handy product to do so?  Seem to good to be true? That’s because it is – it is an adware.

Use Firefox as a Sheild

Both the Firefox and Internet Explorer have optional phishing filters that you check for sites trying to steal your information.  In Firefox Options, visit the Security tab, check the box next to “Tell me of the site I’m Visiting is suspected forgery,” and go extra distance by checking the second button for “Check by asking Google” to get up-to-date phish listings.

Use Internet Explorer as a Sheild

Internet Explorer 7 comes with a Phishing Filter built in, but you have to it on via the Tools menu, where you can also report suspected phishing sites.  Internet Explorer 6 users can install the Windows Live Toolbar and the Windows live OneCare Advisor add-in to fight phishers.

Protect Skype

Information stealing is not limited to the Web and e-mail.  It can happen with other programs such as Skype and VoIP services.  In fact, a malware Trojan horse pretended to be a Skype to steal user name and passwords.  The solution:  Update your AntiVirus software.

Check Rogue Software

Software you may install may also be stealing your information – especially software that claims to help you by finding spyware.  If you suspect the a program, check it against the list of know bad-guy applications at www.spywarewarrior.com.

Get Extra Filters

McAfee and Trend Micro offer third party phishing filters (SiteAdvisor and TrenProtect, respectively) to augment what browsers can find. The OpenDNS service provides extra phishing protection too.  To see how it works. Visit go.pcmag.com/opendns. 

Excerpt From:  72 Tips for Safer Computing (PC Magazine – February 2008)