CyberSecurity Malaysia Cautions People of Phishing Bank Websites

Today one of my blog viewers had posted an interesting link pertaining to "phishing" in Malaysia. This is the content for all the viewers:

CyberSecurity Malaysia have cautioned people to be watchful of fake or phishing websites used to carry out 'phishing attack' by disguising as reliable entities like familiar banking websites.

In this particular scam, cybercriminal mainly attempts to convince users to visit falsified banking websites. Usually, Internet users are persuaded by using e-mails that are so well written that users click onto a link which would redirect them to a phishing or fake website.

Worryingly, in Q1 2010, Cyber999 Help Centre of CyberSecurity Malaysia registered 143 cases wherein phishing websites targeted Internet banking websites in the country.

The agency asserted that the online users must know that as far as Internet Banking is concerned, banks never carry out online maintenance for their customers. It also noted that it is the customers and not the bank that fall prey to phishing scams.

For example, an e-banking scam victim from Malaysia recently told recently cited his unfortunate story. His money was deceptively transferred to some place in Romania. The victim also said that though online banking is convenient, it is very likely for unwary users, as in his case, to for fall for phishing scams. This is because the perpetrators behind such scams are quite brilliant, tech-savvy people. Websites designed by them exactly imitates the original websites.

The abovementioned example is not the only case and several other similar cases have been reported to CyberSecurity Malaysia.As stated by the agency, while it might not be possible for it to put a complete halt on the occurrence of such incidences, the Internet users can at least defend themselves if they gain know-how of cyber best practices, and take safety measures while browsing the Internet.

In case anyone receives a link to phishing sites or a phishing e-mail, he/she can immediately send it to Cyber999 Help Centre for further investigations.

Source:SPAMfighter News - 30-04-2010,
http://www.spamfighter.com/News-14294-CyberSecurity-Malaysia-Cautions-People-of-Phishing-Bank-Websites.htm

phishing

Phishing is The act of sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft. The e-mail directs the user to visit a Website where they are asked to update personal information, such as passwords and credit card, social security, and bank account numbers, that the legitimate organization already has. The Web site, however, is bogus and set up only to steal the user’s information.

To avoid getting hooked:

• Don't reply to email or pop-up messages that ask for personal or financial information, and don't click on links in the message. Don't cut and paste a link from the message into your Web browser — phishers can make links look like they go one place, but that actually send you to a different site.
  
• Some scammers send an email that appears to be from a legitimate business and ask you to call a phone number to update your account or access a "refund." Because they use Voice over Internet protocol technology, the area code you call does not reflect where the scammers really are. If you need to reach an organization you do business with, call the number on your financial statements or on the back of your credit card.
  
• Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly.
  
• Don't email personal or financial information.
  
• Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them to check for unauthorized charges.
  
• Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you receive, regardless of who sent them.

source:http://www.smh.com.au/news/web/aussies-still-ignorant-about-phishing/2007/10/04/1191091252153.html