Anti-Pharming and Anti-Phishing Software

Pharming and Phishing 

Just when you thought it was safe to go back online something new comes along. Step aside phishing, there’s a new kid on the block and its called pharming.

Phishing and Pharming have the same end result, duping you into parting you with your money, but

they go about it in a different way. With phishing you need to click on a link, usually within an e-mail,

that opens up your web browser (Internet Explorer) and takes you to a official looking bogus website,

so as long as you don’t click on the link you're safe, not so with pharming. 

What is Pharming?

Pharming redirects your web browser from the official commercial website and leads you to an official looking bogus website.

Even though you typed in a legitimate web address into the address bar of your web browser i.e. Microsoft Edge, website redirection schemes will take you to an official looking bogus website. 

When you arrive at the bogus website you will still see the legitimate web address in the address bar - unaware

that you are at a bogus website - you will then enter in your username and password and the information will be sent

to the scammer’s website.

What is phishing?

Phishing is a type of online scam in which attackers use fraudulent emails, messages, or websites to trick individuals into providing sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal information. The goal of phishing is to gain unauthorized access to a person's accounts or steal their identity for malicious purposes, such as financial fraud or identity theft.

Phishing attacks often use social engineering tactics to create a sense of urgency or fear in the victim, encouraging them to act quickly without carefully considering the legitimacy of the request. These attacks can be highly effective, as they often appear to come from legitimate sources, such as banks, social media platforms, or online retailers. To protect yourself from phishing, it's important to be vigilant and cautious when receiving unsolicited messages or clicking on links, and to always verify the legitimacy of requests before providing any sensitive information.

How to avoid

Here are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to a phishing attack:

1. Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages: If you receive an email or message from an unknown sender, be wary of clicking on any links or downloading any attachments. Even if the sender seems legitimate, be sure to examine the message closely for any signs of phishing, such as poor grammar or spelling mistakes.

2. Verify the source: If you receive an email or message from a familiar source but it looks suspicious, verify the legitimacy of the request by contacting the sender through a separate communication channel, such as a phone call or a different email address.

3. Check the website address: When clicking on a link, be sure to check the website address carefully to ensure that it matches the legitimate website. Phishing attacks often use fake URLs or web addresses that are similar to the real thing but with slight variations.

4. Don't share sensitive information: Avoid sharing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, over email or text message. Legitimate organizations will never ask for this information through these channels.

5. Use security software: Use security software, such as antivirus or anti-phishing software, to help protect against phishing attacks. Make sure to keep your software up to date to ensure the best protection.

6. Educate yourself: Stay informed about the latest phishing techniques and scams to help protect yourself and your personal information. This can involve regularly reading news articles or following reputable cybersecurity blogs.

HomeCareComputers  can install Anti-Pharming and Anti-Phishing software that will help protect you from pharming and phishing scams in real-time.

Tips And Suggestions

Anti-Pharming and Anti-Phishing

Banks, Building Societies and other financial institutions will never address you as 'Dear Customer' or

'Dear (email address)'

All official communications from organisations that you may be registered with, will always include some information that only you and they will know, but presume that every e-mail you receive is bogus until proven otherwise. 

Most often bogus websites contain, but not always, spelling and grammatical errors, this should immediately alert you to a bogus site.

Before providing personal information to a website, ensure that you are using a secure connection.

A secure connection will start with https:// and will have an icon of a padlock or Shild in the Address Bar.

Do not respond to e-mails asking for personal information.

Do not click on links within e-mails.

Presume that every website you visit is bogus until proven otherwise.

Do not enter personal information into a popup box.

Call us anytime, 7 days a week.

31 Geveze Way, Broughton Astley
Leicestershire, LE9 6HJ
Mobile Tel: 07941 563 279

Email: sales@homecarecomputers.co.uk