Phishing a constant threat for web users
Tue, 13 Oct 2009
Although most internet consumers are now aware of how phishing works, many are still falling victim to such scams due to their increasing sophistication, it has been claimed.
Following reports that more than a quarter of a million AOL, Gmail, Hotmail, and Yahoo email accounts could be at risk from cybercriminals due to passwords being posted online, Carole Theriault, senior security consultant at Sophos, warned that phishing remained a serious threat.
She said that many web users were potentially leaving themselves exposed by using the same password for all their online accounts.
Consequently, Ms Theriault noted that online criminals could use the passwords posted online to access many other applications.
She advised that changing passwords regularly and using a unique password for each account is the best way for internet users to protect themselves.
"The technology needs to be in place to stop these things, but you also need to be vigilant," said Ms Theriault.
"I know it is hard to remember a million passwords. It does feel impossible, but there are websites [that can help you]."
In related news, the National Fraud Authority has reported that 97 per cent of employees lack confidence that their employers are properly protecting sensitive information.
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