How to Avoid Cons that Lead to Identity Theft
Walter Mossberg wrote a very good article today in the Wall Street Journal, that discussed online social engineering attacks that are essentially cons designed for identity theft.
How to Avoid Cons That Can Lead to Identity Theft
I always check and double check all TV, Video, and Game links that I publish in this blog, in order to minimize any risks that readers might have. However, all Internet surfers have to be beware of the constant assault of phishers to steal their identity in order to steal money or cause other kinds of havoc. Here are some of Mossberg’s basic tips:
1) Never click on a link embedded in an email. Go directly to the site.
2) Don’t click on links to offers for free software or goods that your receive in an email.
3) Never download software from unfamiliar sites. It may well end up being a key logger which can trap everything that you key in through the keyboard and send it to thieves.
4) If a Web site tells you that you need to download special viewing software to see its videos, don’t do it!
5) Use Firefox 2.0 or Internet Explorer 7, that includes built-in features to warn you about, or block access to, known phishing sites.
6) Consider using security software that blocks phishing sites such as McAfee’s free Site Advisor ( we us this in conjunction with this blog).
7) Educate yourself by reading about social engineering and phishing, e.g. Microsoft’s site on phishing.
Safe surfing to all!
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