Online Self-Defense - Don't Phall for Phishing!

   It's Cyber Security Month!  And the more things change, the more they stay the same.  The key advice for online self-defense I've given in the past is just as true now.  So to help us all celebrate, I'm "re-featuring" a few articles I've run in the past.

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   I said in part 1 that this would be a 3 part series, because everything comes in 3's.  Well... it's still Cyber Security Month and I would be remiss if I didn't write about phishing.  So we'll just call this part 4 of 3!  Here are parts 1, 2 and 3.

   As you probably know, phishing refers to an attempt to fraudulently get your personal information by masquerading as a trusted source. Examples include: a fake email that looks like it came from your bank; a fake fraud warning message that looks like it came from your credit card company, or; a distress message that looks like it came from a "friend" asking for money.

Online Self Defense - Don't Click!

   This week I'm presenting at the Cyber Security Summit in Minneapolis.  I hope to see you there!

   It's Cyber Security Month!  And the more things change, the more they stay the same.  The key advice for online self-defense I've given in the past is just as true now.  So to help us all celebrate, I'm "re-featuring" a few articles I've run in the past.

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   This is the third post in my series on Online Self-Defense.  We've covered malware and passwords, two key issues effecting your online privacy and security.  If you've tried the simple tips I gave on those two subjects then you are now safer than most web surfers.

   Now, to keep you and your computer safe... don't click on that link!

Want someone's password? Just ask!

   SC Magazine recently put out an article entitled: More users than ever experiencing phishing attack attempts.  According to the article, phishing attacks are on the rise.

   Phishing is simply any kind of communication intending to extract (typically) personal information from someone.  The scam usually tries to either get the victim to visit a malicious website or directly provide their information, via a reply to the attacker or in an online form.

   Years ago, phishing emails were easy to spot.  They typically used obvious From: addresses, poor grammar and spelling, clearly misleading url's, and overall poor imitation of a legitimate organization's communication.

   But, as is often the case, the phishers have gotten better.  The emails look legit, the grammar and use of language is good, and the links often go to realistic-looking, but malicious, sites.  And email isn't the only delivery method.

   So, how do we avoid, and help others avoid, these attacks?

Online Self-Defense - Part 4 of 3 - Don't Phall for Phishing!

   I said in part 1 that this would be a 3 part series, because everything comes in 3's.  Well... it's still Cyber Security Month and I would be remiss if I didn't write about phishing.  So we'll just call this part 4 of 3!  Here are parts 1, 2 and 3.

   As you probably know, phishing refers to an attempt to fraudulently get your personal information by masquerading as a trusted source. Examples include: a fake email that looks like it came from your bank; a fake fraud warning message that looks like it came from your credit card company, or; a distress message that looks like it came from a "friend" asking for money.

Online Self Defense - Part 3 - Don't Click!

   This is the third post in my series on Online Self-Defense.  We've covered malware and passwords, two key issues effecting your online privacy and security.  If you've tried the simple tips I gave on those two subjects then you are now safer than most web surfers.

   Now, to keep you and your computer safe... don't click on that link!