Last month, we shared tips on spotting a phishing email so you can avoid being a victim of email scams. This month, we wanted to dig into what pharming is and how to avoid becoming a victim and putting your data at risk.
Pharmers hijack our computers and reroute us to fake sites even when you may have entered a legitimate URL (web address). Pharming is much harder to spot than phishing, but there are still ways to take precautions.
Pharmers need to get onto your computer so when you type in a valid website, it takes you instead to a copycat website where they can obtain your confidential, personal information since you think you’re on the authentic website.
Take the following precautions to help avoid being targeted: 1.
Use a trusted ISP (Internet Service Provider) who is always working on defending against pharming.
When on a site, double check the URL address, pharming will re-direct the real URL with a copycat one that they’ve built. So, an example,
http://www.msn.com, is what you should see but if the site has been pharmed, it may read http://www.nsn.com
For any site that requires a login the address should be “secured” and read https: or have a padlock or key icon in the address bar or the bottom of the page.
Install a trusted anti-virus software and keep it up to date and use a personal firewall. 5.
Check the site’s certificates, to check the certificate, right click on the site, select Properties and select Certificates, verify the site has a valid, secure certificate from the legitimate owner.
We hope these tips help keep you and your business safe and secure from the complex online hackers plaguing the digital world. With all the advancements in technology, it’s normal to be cautious and even fearful for your personal and business online security.
When on a site, double check the URL address, pharming will re-direct the real URL with a copycat one that they’ve built. So, an example,
http://www.msn.com, is what you should see but if the site has been pharmed, it may read http://www.nsn.com
For any site that requires a login the address should be “secured” and read https: or have a padlock or key icon in the address bar or the bottom of the page.
Install a trusted anti-virus software and keep it up to date and use a personal firewall. 5.
Check the site’s certificates, to check the certificate, right click on the site, select Properties and select Certificates, verify the site has a valid, secure certificate from the legitimate owner.
We hope these tips help keep you and your business safe and secure from the complex online hackers plaguing the digital world. With all the advancements in technology, it’s normal to be cautious and even fearful for your personal and business online security.
For More Info : NSA Professional Services
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