What is Phishing
What is phishing? In simple terms, phishing is a scam by an individual attempting to persuade would-be victims into providing sensitive information. The scam begins via email typically with requests account information, such as usernames or passwords, which could lead to identity theft.
When you consider the fact that spam remains a huge problem, putting a complete halt to these fraudulent emails seems almost impossible. Remember that these emails are well designed and look as if they have been sent to you by legitimate companies. They look and sound official. Phishers create websites that look just as good as the one they are impersonating. You never want to provide your personal information or click on a link that may send you to a phishing website.
If you have clicked on a phishing email link, you may have downloaded a virus or spyware. This malicious software can search your computer for sensitive personal information, and pass it to fraudsters.
So how do you protect yourself from phishing? Although complete prevention is virtually impossible, there are some logical precautionary measures you can take in an attempt to reduce the potential of being conned by phishing scams.
The following steps will help you protect yourself:
1. Never Click on links within emails
The text you see as a hyperlink may not be where the hyperlink takes you.
2. Use a Personal Firewall
A firewall monitors both incoming and outgoing internet traffic from your computer. This can protect your computer from being hacked into and can also block malicious software from accessing the internet.
3. Use Antivirus Software
To protect against worm attacks and other threats like trojans use anti-virus software. Virus programs can search your computer for personal information and pass this information to fraudsters. Antivirus software can detect and delete these malicious virus files before they can attack. It is important to keep all antivirus software up to date with by scheduling regular update checks.
4. Use Antispam Filter Software
Quality spam filters can reduce the number of fraudulent and malicious emails you are exposed to.
5. Keep Your Software Up to Date
Fraudsters and hackers are continually finding vulnerabilities in software operating systems and internet browsers. Software vendors are constantly updating their software to fix these vulnerabilities and protect consumers. Keep your operating system, web browser and internet security software up to date.
6. Utilise Antispyware Software
Have you downloaded some music, files or documents and suddenly started getting annoying ads popping up on your screen? This is a sure indication your computer is infected with spyware!
There are some very effective internet protection software packages available. The following are some features to look for when in the market for antivirus software.
Antivirus
Antispyware
Antispam
Antiphishing
Identity theft protection
Two-way firewall
Parental Control
Other features such as home network protection, URL filtering, data theft and online fraud prevention allow you to confidently e-mail, shop, bank, or share photos knowing your privacy and files are well protected.
This information should enable you to make a better-informed decision when it comes to Internet Security software for your computer.
Note: Specifications and pricing are subject to change without notice. While every attempt has been made by Campad Electronics in the production of these specifications, possible errors or omissions may still occur. Campad Electronics neither assumes legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any product specifications and pricing supplied.
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