Tag Archives: personal
Who is Phishing for Your Information?
Theres a new type of internet piracy called “phishing” (pronounced “fishing”). Internet identity thieves are “fishing” for your personal information. Theyre looking for ways to trick you into giving out your Social Security Number, credit card number and other personal information that they can use to their advantage. You could become a victim of identity theft and it could take years to clear your financial history and personal reputation. But understanding how these internet thieves work, will help you to protect yourself from having your identity stolen.
How do these thieves get your information?
Typically, you might receive an email from a company that you are familiar with that looks “real”. It has the company logo and they may call you by name; additionally, the tone of the email appears that the organization is looking out for your best interests. This email will warn you of some imminent danger to your account or credit card and that you need to take action immediately or you will suffer dire consequences (id fraud, or credit card fraud). There will be a link (underlined writing usually in blue) for you to click on that will take you to their website. And guess what? The website they take you to will look exactly like the organizations home page.
Next, you will be asked to “verify” your account, password, or credit card information. If you ever find yourself here, STOP! Do nothing. Do not fill in any personal information. Immediately exit from this website and delete the phony email that you received. This is how many become victims of identity theft.
How to know that this is a “phishing” email.
If you did not email this company asking for information about your account or for help with a problem, be suspicious. If you are still not sure because it looks so “real”, call the company yourself and ask. You can find these phone numbers on your monthly statement. If it is after hours and no one is there to take your call, wait until the next day. Dont fall for the “imminent danger” message and feel that you have to take action immediately. “Phishers” are hoping that you will take immediate action dont panic and let them trick you into clicking on their link.
What can you do?
Never give out your password over the internet or phone when it is an unsolicited request. Your credit card company knows your login information as well as your credit card number. They dont need to ask you for it.
Likewise, your bank knows your account number and social security number; they will not ask you to repeat it verbally over the phone.
Review all of your monthly statements as soon as they arrive. Check for unauthorized charges.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of identity theft contact M&T Management. Let a professional help you with identity restoration services.
Who is Phishing for Your Information?
Theres a new type of internet piracy called “phishing” (pronounced “fishing”). Internet identity thieves are “fishing” for your personal information. Theyre looking for ways to trick you into giving out your Social Security Number, credit card number and other personal information that they can use to their advantage. You could become a victim of identity theft and it could take years to clear your financial history and personal reputation. But understanding how these internet thieves work, will help you to protect yourself from having your identity stolen.
How do these thieves get your information?
Typically, you might receive an email from a company that you are familiar with that looks “real”. It has the company logo and they may call you by name; additionally, the tone of the email appears that the organization is looking out for your best interests. This email will warn you of some imminent danger to your account or credit card and that you need to take action immediately or you will suffer dire consequences (id fraud, or credit card fraud). There will be a link (underlined writing usually in blue) for you to click on that will take you to their website. And guess what? The website they take you to will look exactly like the organizations home page.
Next, you will be asked to “verify” your account, password, or credit card information. If you ever find yourself here, STOP! Do nothing. Do not fill in any personal information. Immediately exit from this website and delete the phony email that you received. This is how many become victims of identity theft.
How to know that this is a “phishing” email.
If you did not email this company asking for information about your account or for help with a problem, be suspicious. If you are still not sure because it looks so “real”, call the company yourself and ask. You can find these phone numbers on your monthly statement. If it is after hours and no one is there to take your call, wait until the next day. Dont fall for the “imminent danger” message and feel that you have to take action immediately. “Phishers” are hoping that you will take immediate action dont panic and let them trick you into clicking on their link.
What can you do?
Never give out your password over the internet or phone when it is an unsolicited request. Your credit card company knows your login information as well as your credit card number. They dont need to ask you for it.
Likewise, your bank knows your account number and social security number; they will not ask you to repeat it verbally over the phone.
Review all of your monthly statements as soon as they arrive. Check for unauthorized charges.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of identity theft contact M&T Management. Let a professional help you with identity restoration services.
Protecting Against a List of Malicious Attacks
A threat profile is a list of things that a malicious attack can do to a computer. When a penetration testing company is performing security checks against threats to a customers database or website applications, they focus on specific areas that coordinate with the threat profile. There are several diagnostics that an application security testing company can perform to see how easily a companys system can be breached. Once a threat profile has been established, the security company can begin web application security testing.
What Types of Threats Exist?
Different threats have different goals. Depending on who and what is attacking the site, different things may happen. For example, the idea behind the threat may be to steal credit card information on a companys clients or to cause an e-commerce site to malfunction and lose business. To protect an application against threats, a computer security company must first know what the system needs to protect against, before it can create and implement a plan.
What Does Testing Involve?
Checking and testing for possible security weaknesses is done through a battery of testing procedures. The plan for testing must first be custom designed with the particular application in mind. The security company tries to mimic the possible avenues that could be used to cause trouble. The tests are then performed. Depending on how in depth the process is and how many tests are performed, it can take anywhere from 10 days to one month. A quality security company will not rush the process and risk problems down the road for the sake of saving a few minutes here and there. Qualified personnel will take their time to verify that an application is as secure as possible through a variety of exhaustive methods. Tests using scanners are helpful, but people-driven testing tools are often more effective for preventing sabotage, malicious attacks, siphoning and other threats.
Certification
When consumers use a website for e-commerce or to exchange personal information, they want to know that its secure. They do not want their personal contact information, credit card numbers, financial details to be shared with other people. They want reassurances that any website or website application they use is safe from hackers and identity thieves. Without a security certification posted on the website, many potential customers will gladly take their business elsewhere in favor of personal safety. Once a website application has been authentically certified, it should be displayed where it can be seen. The site should be certified by experts who have had proper, up-to-date training in prevention of risks and thwarting attacks.