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| Security Threats |
| Phishing |
Phishing campaigns are online scams run by ‘phishers’, organised criminals, con artists and identity thieves. They use spam, fake web sites, spyware and other techniques to trick people into divulging sensitive information, such as bank and credit card account details. Once they have captured enough victims’ information, it is used to defraud the victims or sold on the black market for a profit. |
Phishers send out millions of spam emails containing a message that appears to come from a well-known and trusted company. Messages often try to evoke an emotional response to a false crisis and usually direct the recipient to a bogus web site, which like the email appears authentic. |
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The bogus web site urges the visitor to provide confidential information — social security numbers, account numbers, passwords, etc. Since the email and corresponding web site seem legitimate, the phisher hopes that at least, a fraction of recipients are fooled into submitting their data. |
| Worms |
A computer worm is an advanced self-replicating virus which installs a virtual backdoor into infected computers. Virtual backdoors allow hackers and phishers to perform malicious tasks towards other systems from the computer, providing cover for the criminals. Compromised systems are used extensively to send e-mail spam on behalf of hackers. Victims are usually unaware that their system is being used in this way. |
| Viruses |
A computer virus is a computer program designed to damage computer systems by; causing erratic system behaviour, crashing systems, corrupting software, deleting files and even wiping disk drives. |
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Viruses spread between computers by utilising networks and the Internet or carried on removable media such as a floppy disk, CD, or USB drive. The original virus may modify the copies or copies may modify themselves. |
| Spyware |
Spyware is a general term used for programs that covertly monitor your activity on your computer, gathering personal information, such as usernames, passwords, account numbers and even social security numbers. |
Spyware monitors and records a person’s internet behaviour, tracking websites visited and online activities, for example, emails and Instant Messaging (IM) conversations. After gathering this information, the spyware then transmits that information to criminal organisations. |
Malicious software and websites are the main sources of spyware. Websites offering ‘free’ software, music downloads or screensavers tempt people into downloading and unknowingly installing spyware to their computers. |
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| For further information on dealing with security threats please contact us, or Freephone (0800) 011 3919 |
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