The use of the Internet to steal people's personal details such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, user IDs and passwords is called "phishing" (pronounced fishing). This is accomplished by the fraudulent impersonation of a trusted institution or corporation such as a bank or credit card company.
Phishing is growing all the time and the techniques and technology used is becoming ever more sophisticated. However by following these simple rules you can greatly reduce the chance of falling victim to phishing.
Never reveal your passwords. Not even to a family member or close friend. Of course you trust your family and friends but once you have revealed a password to them you can never be sure that they will not unwittingly reveal your password to someone else. There may be occasions, due to sickness or accident for example, when you have no other choice than to allow family or close friends to access some on-line accounts. Following such occasions you should change your passwords as soon as you possibly can.
Use secure passwords. Never use a password such as your middle name, your pet's name, your date of birth and so on. These may be easy to guess. Nor should you use any word that exists in the dictionary. A strong password uses a combination of letters and numbers and symbols. It is possible to create such passwords in an easy to remember format. For example, the password A$4A10c looks quite random but may be remembered as "A dollar for a dime". Using a technique such as this You can have lots of fun creating your own secure password.
Use good security software (an anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam and firewall are a minimum requirement). Once installed don't forget to keep all your security software updated. Many require an annual license fee in order to keep working at their best. You should never allow your security software to become outdated or allow the license to run out.
Use the most current versions of Internet browsers. Most of the current versions contain their own anti-phishing filters and blacklists to help keep you safe. A recent trial by a popular consumer magazine in the UK (you know WHICH one) recommended Firefox as their browser of choice.
Never click a link in an email. Phishing emails can look exactly like a regular email from your bank or credit card company and you may be tricked in to clicking their link which will take you to their website where any username and password entered will be recorded. To prevent this never, ever click on a link in an email instead open your Internet browser and type in the website address of the institution concerned.
Regularly check your on-line accounts. Log on to your account and investigate any action that you don't recognise. It may just be that the details of a retailer transaction are not easily recognisable so investigate before you take action.
About the Author
Tim Maguire holds a Masters degree in Computer Science and is a full-time computer consultant. For further help in protecting your PC against spyware, computer virus, hacking, spam, phishing and general PC security you should visit his website keepyourpcsafe.co.uk
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