Phishing is a criminal fraud in which Phisher attempts to steal personal information such as user name, password, bank account number, pin, credit card number etc by pretending to be a trustworthy website. It typically involves sending an email or IM link that appears to be from a trustworthy source such as Bank, Credit Card Company, Paypal, ebay etc and then redirects user to a fake website where user enters personal information. These Spoof websites and emails mimic the appearance of the legitimate businesses by using copyrighted images. Phishers generally use fear technique to force users to take actions such as ‘Please, verify your user name/passwords. Otherwise, you account will be closed.’ or something similar. This information is then used for identity theft.
Phishing attacks may be avoided by changing a few browsing habits. Avoid following a link from email and directly enter website name in the web browser. Avoid replying and sending personal information in email. Keep your browsers anti-phishing settings on and pay attention to warnings.
