Phishing Attacks Creating More Problems for Online Shoppers

As per the warning released by RSA Security, an Internet security firm, users who do online shopping should be extra cautious from fake Websites that lure them to buy items online using credit cards as the phishing attacks have become more targeted.

Phishing is a malicious practice in which fraudulent e-mails with viruses, spyware and malware are sent to deceive users into disclosing their credit cards details.

Jason Pearce, Director of RSA Sales Engineering, Asia Pacific, said that the phishing attacks have become very problematic as more than 7,000 attacks are being noticed per month, as reported by Inquirer on August 29, 2008.

Pearce further stated that the phishing kits are easily sold online and even sent to users' home. The phishing attacks have become so common and frequent that they can even target renowned brands like Apple, Xbox (by Microsoft) or Sony.

Moreover, these readily available phishing kits facilitate hackers to design bogus Websites resembling legitimate ones, and copy intricate details and logos to make them appear authentic. Then a hacker buys an e-mail database, commonly available for sale on the net, to accumulate it on the created Website. For instance - a bogus Apple Website prompts people to make online purchase by their credit cards.

The most disturbing aspect of following the online security world, especially for those who are not trapped in it, is the changing nature of threats. In 2007, the three most anticipated security threats included - e-mail borne phishing/malware, data leakage and Web-borne malware.

However, many organizations keep informing people that they do not ask personal information of customers on e-mail and also post alerts about phishing on their Websites. On the contrary, phishers are becoming smarter, employing new tactics to extract information. The implementation of advanced security procedures could thwart hacker's attempts of extracting sensitive details from unwary users.

Security experts further revealed that the phishing incidents have dramatically increased in the last eight months (January-August 2008), confirming by the increasing number of people falling victim to hackers' tactics as they think they are purchasing from legitimate sources. In fact, online attacks are increasing worldwide and around 95% hackers focus on banks and credit cards.

Related article: Phishing With A Redirector Code

» SPAMfighter News - 9/6/2008