Proofpoint Urges Online Users to Follow Secure Practices this Holiday Season

Security experts at Proofpoint's Attack Response Centre hope to see a major rise in attacks, including phishing mails, spam, social media exploits and malware attacks, made to take advantage of consumer approach during holidays.

As per the security company, spammers and hackers will turn up the volume of their attacks and look to take advantage of better mail and Internet use in the holiday season.

Proofpoint has suggested users not to click on links in doubtful mails rather open the browser and type the actual address of website in the address bar or call the firm using the phone number user already knows. The security company has also recommended that users should make sure of website's security while shopping online or revealing important details like credit card details or updating private information.

In addition, users are advised to be social media savvy. E-mail is not only the attack vector used by scammers and hackers. malware writers and scammers are exploiting the social media wave by frequently using harmful but persuasive mails that disguise as announcements like message warnings or friend requests.

Proofpoint also adds that security should be the top priority for users. Further, if a user's holiday means receiving or getting a new system, netbook or upgraded operating system, download an efficient desktop antivirus or web security solution before working online. Users should be very careful of Web pop-ups that provide "free security scans" or informs user that his\her system is attacked by a virus. Such claims usually result in forged antivirus software that is truly harmful software. Therefore, users are suggested to shop smartly and logically when online.

Finally, with Get Safe Online Week (16-20 November, 2009) terminating, online shoppers have been warned to be on alert. It states that while online shopping is convenient, comfortable, and provides value for money but wherever there is exchange of money, attackers (like hackers and scammers) are waiting to exploit any gullible user who is unaware of the threats.

Related article: Proofpoint Lists Top Five E-Mail Blunders in 2008

» SPAMfighter News - 12/2/2009