Phishing - Smishing

All computer users have been exposed to scams on the in the internet through unusual emails and pop-ups making unbelievable offers that we hopefully deleted. Those who did not had our computers hijacked and behaving in ways we did not expect. Needless to say they ended up in the graveyard of dead systems if our technical people could not correct the problem. Our browser software now offers options to disable pop ups. Upgraded permissions in our operating system warns us before opening any software. There is a term the process of these unsavory attempts. This article explains the process call phishing.

Phishing is the term used to describe the illegal attempt to steal sensitive from unsuspecting people, most frequently over the internet. It often seeks to trick people into submitting their account passwords, banking or other financial information, or the answers to security questions. While some of the scams are clearly identifiable, due to their lack of professional appearance or poor grammar, others are sophisticated enough to create a money-making opportunity for the criminals behind the scams. Here are some of the newest scams to watch out for. Almost everyone has received some kind of email with one of these types of requests. The immediate reaction should be to delete the offending email.

Smishing is a type of criminal activity that is similar to phishing, but uses cell phone text messaging to bait its victims. The name combines(Short Message Service, the technology used for cell phone text messaging) with phishing. This deceptive practice sends text messages claiming various occurrences that require immediate action from the victim. For example, the message might indicate that you will be charged a daily fee for your recent (non-existent) subscription, unless you cancel your order.

The message could also indicate that your bank account or credit card will be closed unless you update your details within a short amount of time, or that the account has already been closed and you must respond to reactivate. The directions will state that you must visit a particular website (that may even appear legitimate) or that you must call a specified phone number to cancel, confirm, update or reactivate your account. Information that is collected can be used to make online purchases, or can be used to manufacture fake credit or debit cards that can quickly be distributed anywhere in the world.