Quiz: Phishing basics 1

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into your inbox, there's a new form of spam e-mail on the horizon. "Phishing" is more than just unwanted and annoying e-mail. It could lead to the theft of your credit card numbers, passwords, account information, or other personal data.

Do you know how to spot a phishing scam? Take this quiz to see if you're savvy—or an easy target.

1. True or false: It's safe to enter personal or financial information into pop-up windows.

A. True.
B. False.

2. What is one way to tell whether a Web site offers security to help protect your sensitive data?

A. A small yellow lock appears at the bottom of the browser window.
B. Your friends shop at the Web site all the time and have never had a problem.
C. You heard about the Web site through an online search engine.
D. The security certificate for the site matches the name of the site.

3. Which of the following actions should you take if you think you've been tricked by a phishing scam?

A. Report it to the company whose e-mail address or Web site was forged.
B. Change the passwords on all your accounts.
C. Check your financial statements immediately.
D. All of the above.

4. True or false: Running antivirus software can help protect you from phishing scams.

A. True.
B. False.

5. Which of the following is generally NOT a sign that an e-mail may be fraudulent?

A. It asks you to click a link in the e-mail message to enter information about your account.
B. It conveys a sense of urgency.
C. It addresses you by first and last name.
D. It asks you to verify some personal information.

6. What is one way to tell if a security-related e-mail that appears to be from Microsoft is genuine?

A. It asks for your credit card information to validate your copy of Microsoft Windows.
B. The message contains an attachment.
C. Double-clicking the lock icon on the status bar takes to you a security certificate that is issued to the same domain name (www.microsoft.com) as the Web site domain name in the address bar (also www.microsoft.com).