What is Phishing

What is Phishing

Phishing refers to the act of acquiring sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card details by pretending to be a reliable person or a company with a real need for such information. This activity is carried out using an electronic notification or message. The email asks the user to visit a website where they are required to update personal information, passwords, bank account numbers etc that the legitimate organization already possesses
The term phishing originated in 1990s by hackers who tried to steal account details from AOL.To do so they pretended to be AOL staff and send a mail to the potential victim telling him to give his password for account verification. Once they got the password they used it for criminal purposes like spamming.

Problems due to Phishing

Phishing has become a serious problem on the internet due to increase in the use of internet for financial purposes .

Another form of phishing -Pharming

Another form of phishing is Pharming, in which the hacker exploits DNS server software and obtains the domain name of the software. Thereafter he redirects the user from this site to another site where he tries to steal the personal details from the visitor.

How to tackle phishing

There are a number of antiphishing softwares available in the market now. Most of the times these softwares are integrated with web browsers and are helpful in preventing spoofing , the most common form of phishing.The most effective method to prevent yourself from phishing is to be extremely careful in providing your personal details like passwords bank account details online.

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Raheel Ahmed Khan
System Engineer
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