Download Web of Trust Cybercriminals have been capitalizing on the global financial crisis in the past few weeks by increasing the volume of phishing and spam messages being sent. The emails are not much different from older attacks, but because they are topical and look authentic, nervous consumers are at risk for falling for the scam. Security experts and the US federal government have warned that phishing and social engineering ploys are the highest risks currently facing the financial industry and consumers. Internet users should be on alert for fake emails that look as if they have come from an authentic financial institution. These phishing messages are seeking personal information – account numbers, passwords and Social Security numbers - which cybercriminals will use to empty out accounts and then sell on the underground market. Follow these security tips to get protection from phishing attacks: • Use WOT as preventative protection against online threats to avoid spyware, browser hijacking, identity theft, phishing and other Internet scams. • Financial institutions never require customers to give account information via email. If you receive an email requesting this data, don't reply. • Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software and update them regularly. • Use a firewall. • Review your financial account statements as soon as you receive them. Supporting Facts of WOT • WOT has been downloaded by over 1 million users • Information on over 20.6 million websites • Based on WOT statistics, 1 out of 20 sites is dangerous • WOT users can contribute by rating and commenting on websites • WOT partners with a number of trusted sources, such as PhishTank, TRUSTe, hpHosts, DNS-BH Malware Domain list and Artists Against 419 Resources • Financial phishing video: http://www.mywot.com/en/online-threats/financial-phishing or on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLYNsrZSsC0 • Screen prints, logos and photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mywot/sets Download Web of Trust