Phishing and identity theft

Email can deliver a number of malicious attachments designed to attack your privacy and leave you vulnerable when you’re online - whether you’re shopping, working or socialising.

Installing adequate Internet Security software will offer the best protection against malware by installing phishing filters and spam filters.

But it’s also important that internet users understand different forms of crimeware and the tactics used by those committing internet fraud, such as phishing identity theft.

What is phishing?

Phishing (pronounced ‘fishing’) is a specific type of cybercrime that uses specialist software (also known as ‘crimeware’) designed to trick you into disclosing personal information.

A phishing e-mail may appear to come from a trustworthy person or business, such as a bank or popular online stores like eBay or Amazon.

The phishing e-mail will encourage you to divulge personal details such as usernames, passwords, PIN numbers and credit card numbers. These details lead to identity theft which will allow the criminals to steal money from your bank account or fraudulently buy goods on your behalf. Phishing is therefore a form of internet fraud.

Phishing protection

Protect your privacy and guard yourself and your family against phishing fraud by remembering that no legitimate business will ever ask you to give away sensitive information via e-mail or links to an online form.

Kaspersky’s internet security software offers phishing protection by blocking fraudulent messages with anti-phishing software. Try it with a free 30-day trial.