RSSPhishing Attacks Rise, Public Oblivious
By Ed Oswald | Published December 7, 2005, 1:05 PM
Phishing attacks now affect one out of every four Americans every month, according to details of a survey released Wednesday by AOL and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA). The study is the only one to actually go into homes and see what malware resides on users' PCs.
Worse yet, more than two-thirds of respondents are mistakenly identifying scam e-mails as legitimate, meaning a large number of computer users are at risk of identity theft.
"Phishers are getting better at tricking consumers into revealing their bank account and financial information, and most Americans can't tell the difference between real e-mails and the growing flood of scams that lead to fraud and identity theft," said Tatiana Platt, Senior Vice President and Chief Trust Officer for AOL.
18 percent of respondents knew someone who had become a victim of an online identity theft scam. Only 42 percent had heard of "phishing," and of those familiar, only half could define it accurately.
Eight out of every ten computers lack at least one of the three crtical protections needed to stem online identity theft: updated antivirus protection, spyware protection, or a firewall. A large majority, 83 percent, also believe they were protected on their computers from online threats.
"As we move into a broadband world, where consumers have an always-on connection to the Internet, these core protections are even more vital," NCSA executive director Ron Teixeira said. "This is particularly troubling, given that more than two-thirds of those surveyed say they keep sensitive information on their PCs."
Even with all the bad news, the study did find some improvements since the survey was last conducted in 2004.
The number of homes with properly installed firewalls doubled from 28 to 56 percent thanks to the release of Windows XP Service Pack 2. Also, 44 percent of consumers are now ensuring their antivirus software is up to date, versus 33 percent last year.
The amount of infected computers has also dropped, with 61 percent of systems infected with spyware and adware, and 12 percent infected with a virus, versus 80 percent and 19 percent last year.
"Although we have made some strides in helping consumers protect themselves, the threats are growing broader and more dangerous, so the risk of failure can be that much more catastrophic," Platt added. "You can't lock just a few of the windows in your house and expect to stay safe from thieves.
Stuff em. If they're stupid enough to be fooled by these scams after all the publicity there's been as well as warnings from their bank/Ebay/Paypal whatever then tough.
They deserve all they get.
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|On the contrary, the only publicity I've seen about phishing recently is that people don't have to worry about it if they use *fill in the blank* product or service.
I think AOL's attempt at easing customers' minds is doing more damage than good.
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|I agree about the AOL attempt. Watching their new commercials about AOL security, it's quite easy to see how the "average" AOL user would be lulled into a false sense of security.
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|Is this really surprising? Recently I've noticed that a lot of internet service providers have been pushing adware/spyware/malware fighters with their services. This stuff has been around for years, yet the general public are now just getting wind of it.
Phishing scams, however, are young, and while the power user internet populus may be ready for them, the general public probably won't be for a while.
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|If people would stop using IE as their main browser and Outlook Express as their main email client it would drop those numbers down.
Another problem is that people just click on the link in the email where OE does not show you the address at the bottom of the program other email clients do so people obviously know why the link address is funny looking to them.
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|42 percent had even heard of phishing?
Thieves will love hearing that one.
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|Actually I am not surprise the numbers are not higher, perhaps they would be with an in-depth search for additional malicious code installed. Why aren’t the IPS pulling their weight on protecting their users/clients better, the basic protection from Telco’s just doesn’t cut it anymore.
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|IPS?
Did you mean ISPs, or am I behind on my acronyms?
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|IPS? Internet Portal Security I think....Makes sence to me lol
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|"Public Oblivious"
...and this is news?
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|Wow, I knew the figures would be bad but I didn't think they'd be that bad!
61% of systems with spyware and adware? I'm definitely in the wrong business.
As usual, it's easier to make money illegally...
It's no wonder spyware, adware and a whole load of other unsavoury stuff is so rife.
It's like taking candy from a baby!
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|I know being a techy, I see atleast 2 PC's a day come through this shop infected with Spyware. When they leave, they are fully knowleadgable and aware of the issue, and Leave usually with PC-Cillin Internet Security 2005. So I've done my part to help :)
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