Beware of the latest Phishing Emails! There has been an increase in malicious phishing operations. Phishing emails are largely associated with identity theft because the author makes you think you are accessing your banking institution, retail store, credit card company, government agency or another venture of business which you do currently use. The email asks for you to verify personal information i.e., social security number, bank account number, savings account number, credit card number, and many others. That information is used to steal your identity.
The user clicks on a link in an email directing them to a false web address, which looks correct and all signs say it is a legitimate business. The email makes the user think that there is something urgent that they need to take care of immediately.
Even if you don’t provide the requested information, just clicking the link may install malicious software such as key loggers. Key loggers keep track of every key typed obtaining passwords and other information you typed.
Phishing is more dangerous that ever because the attackers switch between many different servers making it difficult if not impossible to track or stop them.
Most ISP’s (internet service providers) provide a spam blocker, which if you don’t have active we suggest doing so. Ask the company that provides your internet how to setup your spam filter or blocker.
Just a rule of thumb: never connect to an institution’s website through an email. To connect safely always type the address of the institution in the browser or by clicking on a favorite previously created.
