Simple Steps to Prevent Online Phishing

Here at the ETSZONE network operating center (NOC) and helpdesk we get various alerts and questions every day about "phishing" sites. Phishing is when a web-site attempts to steal sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card information.

We've put together some easy steps to prevent online fraud and phishing:

1. Do not follow Links!

• When you need to log into an online service, avoid following links on webpages or e-mails - use the address bar instead and type out the address like https://www.wellsfargo.com

2. Make sure that you are on the correct page by verifying what is in the address bar.

• It is very simple to create a page that looks like another page. It is a lot more difficult to forge the URL.
• A site can have something.here.YOURBANK.com but be careful because YOURBANK.something.here.com could be a Phishinng/scam site

3. Use SSL (secure sites)

• If a website has http:// in front of it, it is insecure - your login could be captured
• If a website has https:// in front of it, it is likely secure
• Modern browsers will tell you when a page is secure. Look for these signs:
  

  

4. Up-to-Date Anti-Virus

• Is your anti-virus subscription up to date?
• Does your anti-virus have a web protection filter?

5. And when in doubt...

• Don't click or log on to anything, just give your ETSZONE helpdesk a call and we'll check it out for you!