Phishing gives way to keyloggers

[FinsnFur]

First; what is phishing?
In the field of computer security, phishing is the criminally fraudulent process of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.


Phishing attacks are a common way thieves steal your information online. It begins with an email that appears to be from your bank, or other trusted institution, asking you to confirm details about your account. The problem begins as soon as you click on the link in the email. Unknowingly, you’re sent to a false Web site the criminal has set-up to look like your bank’s site. When you enter your information, the criminal captures and saves it for future use.

NOTE: Your bank (and other trusted institutions) will NEVER contact you via email asking you to confirm information. Immediately delete any such requests; NEVER click on them.

Criminals are realizing phishing attacks are becoming less effective. They’re switching to more sophisticated techniques, such as installing a keylogger. Once established, the keylogger captures everything you type (including passwords). It can also be used to infect your computer with a Trojan virus, which gives them access to your computer to copy files and other personal information.

The list of online threats hackers can use to steal your identity is rising: some reports state the number of Internet threats rose three-fold in the last year to 1.7 million. While some threats are more damaging than others, the fact is you need to take action by using appropriate precautions to protect your identity online.

Get the latest on ways to detect, deter and defend against identity theft.

[alscalls]

One thing I noticed here lately is E-mails that say they are from PayPal asking for personal info and password....
It looks real .....even has their Logo and everything

It always says your acct. has been FLAGGED and you may not use the Acct. again until you click their link and give your password.
I contacted PayPal and they are investigating each one and admit it has been a problem.....

Thanks for the heads up Jim !!!!

[FinsnFur]

But PayPal, will never address you by your real name. These phishing emails do.

Another fails safe is to hold your cursor over the link they are asking you to click. (Without clicking)
Where the links points to will be revealed in your status bar, and it wont be https: www.paypal.com

[pitw]

What the "L" is a status bar  .  Sounds like a place Tiger would pick up a cougar .

[FinsnFur]

It's the long bar running across the bottom of your computers screen, directly above the "Start" button.
Click something on the forums and watch it. It tell you where it's going, and what is happening. hence the term "status bar".

[alscalls]

[pitw]

Well I'll be danged.  See this talking stuff works  I now know what a status bar is .  What good is it .  I kinda like the idea of catching a cougar better .

[alscalls]

 

[HaMeR]

  What good is it shrug 

 

Click something on the forums and watch it. It tell you where it's going, and what is happening. hence the term "status bar".

   That's the best I can explain it Barry.   

[FinsnFur]

Looks like we taught Al what it was too. This talking stuff DOES work

[alscalls]

I have had CS classes........so when I got my degree.......I got a little more stupid........
The E-mails have never gotten me.......I report them ......I just thought I would warn others.

[Hawks Feather]

Where the links points to will be revealed in your status bar, and it wont be https: www.paypal.com

Hey Jim,

That link went right to PayPal and had your user name and log in password.  I just finished ordering LOTS of Christmas presents.  The family will thank you on Christmas morning.

Jerry

[FinsnFur]

 

[msmith]

I kinda like the idea of catching a cougar better .

I'm with Barry on this one.