Tiscali Members: Avoid online fraud

In a recent Tiscali poll on our website, nearly 70% of respondents stated that they were extremely worried that they might be at risk of fraud incidents as a result of recent data leaks by government departments and private companies. By contract, just 8% reported that it was a storm in a teacup. It would seem, people are worried.



The Basics
Criminals commit identity theft by stealing your personal information. This is done in several ways. We will consider how online criminals use online communication to target you. The worst of it is that you wouldn't spot it happening until it might be too late.

Making contact with you by email and pretending to be from a legitimate organisation is known as phishing.

Setting up a convincing looking website to which you are redirected and where you are encouraged to update your personal details; a username, password and some basic information about you is all that is needed to hack into your online bank account - this is known as pharming.

Another favoured mode of attack is known as keylogging. This happens when criminal software records every keystroke made on your computer, including all of your log-in details. Such software is generally spread by viruses or as attachments in spam.

Identity theft can result in fraud affecting your personal financial circumstances.

There are several simple yet effective measures you can adopt to avoid being taken advantage of. By far the best is to invest in top quality, evolving security software .which keeps up with fast developing online threats.

Norton 360 offers complete protection against ID theft, viruses and hackers, PC tuneup and file and folder backup with free support and lots more. See Norton 360 in action here.

Read on for below for our top 12 tips on staying safe online. Much of this may seem basic advice, yet you will be surprised at how many people do not heed common sense and find themselves compromised.

Guard your personal information Don't provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.

Beware of 'dangerous downloads' In downloading free programs to see pictures, hear music, play games, etc., you could download a virus that wipes out your computer files or connects you to the internet via premium rate telephone numbers. Only download programs from Web sites you know and trust. Read all user agreements carefully.

Pay the safest way Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or the offer was misrepresented.

See Part 2 for more tips on avoiding online ID theft

Guard against phishing, pharming, hackers and more. Intelligent protection updates as online threats develop. Protection against Windows holes. Wireless network protection even when connecting from public hotspots. Anti virus comes as standard and Parental Controls are also available. You also get PC tuneup and file and folder backup. Get protected today.