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Press Contact:
Contact: Carol McKay
or Mark Fernando
202-835-3323
media@nclnet.org
During National Cyber Security Awareness Month, Groups Helping
Consumers Protect Themselves
Washington, DCóIn observance of National Cyber Security Awareness
Month in October, the National Consumers League (NCL) and the National
Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) have partnered to warn consumers
about new computer-based scams threatening their bank accounts and
other sensitive personal information. The Washington-based advocates
are focusing their efforts on how consumers can protect themselves
from the evolving tactics that are used for online "phishing" scams.
Phishing is when ID thieves trick people into providing their social
security numbers, financial account numbers, PIN numbers, mothers'
maiden names, and other personal information.
In the newest form of phishing, called "pharming," a virus or malicious
program secretly planted in a consumer's computer hijacks the computer's
Web browser. When a consumer unknowingly types in the address of
a legitimate Web site, they're taken to a fake version of the site
without realizing it. Any personal information provided at the phony
site, such as passwords or account numbers, can be stolen and fraudulently
used.
"People want to be able to use their computers and go online with
confidence," says Susan Grant, Director of the National Consumers
League's National Fraud Information Center and Internet Fraud Watch
programs. "Phishing, pharming, and other sneak attacks erode that
confidence and need to be combated with all the tools at our disposal,
including educational information about how people can keep better
control of their computers and their privacy."
To arm consumers with the information they need to recognize online
phishing and prevent it, NCL is partnering with the National Cyber
Security Alliance to release new tips that include advice about
keeping computers secure from phishing attacks. The tips are on
both the www.fraud.org
and www.staysafeonline.org
Web sites.
"We are happy to partner with the National Consumers League to
work towards our goal to raise awareness of online scams, such as
phishing, and provide consumers with the tools necessary to protect
against emerging attacks," said Ron Teixeira, executive director,
National Cyber Security Alliance. "Cyber security is shared a responsibility
that requires consumer and businesses to work together to make the
Internet safe for everyone."
NCL has released new advice for consumers about avoiding becoming
a phishing victim. Sample tips from the site include:
- Don't click on links within emails that ask for your personal
information.
- Never enter your personal information in a pop-up screen.
- Protect your computer with spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware
software, and a firewall, and keep them up to date.
In addition to the new phishing tips, NCL offers a wealth of information
about other forms of online and telemarketing scams at www.fraud.org.
About NCL
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America's pioneer
consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social
and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States
and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.
NCL runs the National Fraud Information Center, which was created
in 1992, and the Internet Fraud Watch, which was created in 1996,
operating in tandem with the NFIC. Consumers from across the United
States and Canada can call (800) 876-7060, Monday through Friday,
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, or fill out the online form to file a complaint.
NCL staff provides advice and tips on how to spot possible telemarketing
or Internet fraud and how to report it. Fraud reports from consumers
are sent within minutes to over 200 appropriate law enforcement
agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys
general. For more information visit www.fraud.org.
About The National Cyber Security Alliance
A not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the National Cyber Security
Alliance (NCSA) is a central clearinghouse for cyber security awareness
and education for home users, small businesses, and the education
community. A public-private partnership, NCSA sponsors include the
Department of Homeland Security, Federal Trade Commission, and many
private-sector corporations and organizations. For more information,
and to review the top 8 cyber security practices, visit www.staysafeonline.org.
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