Phishing Warning

I’ve noticed a dramatic increase in phishing attempts over the past few days. While I see several over the course of a year, there’s been an increase as the financial situation has grown more worrying and the holidays approach.

 ”Phishing” is when a hacker attempts to get an unsuspecting user to provide personal information then used for identity theft, hacking etc.

I’ve seen several very genuine-looking emails from banks, online stores and websites that are asking that I click on a link and enter my username and password or other personal information.

Most companies with an online presence rarely, if ever, ask you to provide information in an email. So please:

1. Do not open email attachments.
2. Do not click on links in emails.
3. Do not reply to suspect emails.
4. If you receive an email from a company that you’re concerned about, call their customer service number (NOT any number in the email – hackers sometimes provide their own 800 to “verify” themselves).
5. Make sure you anti-virus software and spam filters are up-to-date.
6. See #1

Many people are forwarding jokes, news and informational emails. As innocent as this practice may seem, it’s a key way that viruses, worms and trojan horses make their way around the web.

Please email and surf with caution. If in ANY doubt, delete it.