Tech-Talk: Gone Phishing?
Georgia College & State University officials have noticed an increase in fraudulent Internet activity on the campus server and are taking steps to help students protect their privacy online.
According to techweb.com, in a recent study conducted by the National Cyber Security Alliance, seven in 10 Americans were likely to be victims of a virus, worm, or Internet fraud. “Phishing” is a form of Internet fraud in which an attacker takes graphics and logos from a reputable web site and turns them into a fraudulent e-mail or pop-up advertisement. The message usually tells a user that he or she is required to update certain personal information, such as credit card numbers, bank account information, social security numbers or a password.
According to Chad McDonald, director of campus computer support services, users are seeing a rise in phishing attacks.
“As far as Internet fraud goes, states McDonald, “[phishing] is the most prevalent means of committing fraud.” Attackers play the numbers by using popular services, such as eBay or CitiBank, in order to trick large segments of the population.
Students can take several steps to protect themselves from phishing scams. Suspect e-mails should be checked for odd hyperlinks or misspellings; these signs can be the first indicators that a message is phony. If a user still has questions, the majority of reputable companies have a phone number or e-mail address set up to handle abuse cases. Most companies have a policy that they will never request personal information over the phone or through e-mail. In addition, users can go directly to a company’s web site to check on information updates. Internet users are advised not to click on a hyperlink included in a suspect e-mail.
Throughout National Cyber Security Awareness Month, McDonald and GC&SU technology officials will be educating users to “think before [they] click.” On Oct. 29, the Office of Information and Instructional Technology will launch a cyber security web site with hints, tips, Windows tricks and information for making computing “a safer and more pleasurable experience” for students.
If you feel that you have been a victim of Internet fraud, please call the Department of Public Safety at (478) 445-4400.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Oct 15 2004. Filed under News.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
