Malware & Phishing

By: mackenzie olson

Internet fraudsters send out spam, pop-ups,

appealing websites, and desirable downloads.

Recognize, Avoid, and Report

• Recognize malware• What to do when malware hits• Recognize phishing• Avoid getting hooked by phishing• Report it

Recognize malware• Appealing websites• Desirable downloads• Compelling stories• Computer slows down• Computer won’t shut down or restart

What to do when malware hits

• Stop shopping, banking, and other online activities

• Have active and current security software• Run it to scan for viruses and spyware• How could it have been downloaded• Don’t open unknown email attachments• Don’t download unknown software

Recognize phishing• Spam• Pop-up messages

Avoid getting hooked by phishing

• Don’t reply to emails or pop-ups• Don’t call a number they give you to

update your account• Update anti-virus, anti-spyware, and

firewall regularly• Don’t email personal or financial

information• Review credit card and bank account

statements

Report it• File a complaint with the FTC• Forward phishing emails to

spam@uce.gov• Also report phishing emails to

reportphishing@antiphishing.org

Malware and Phishing can steal your identity,

so take the steps in avoiding it.

Sources• OnGuard Online. Malware. [Online]

January 2008http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/malware.aspx

• OnGuard Online. Phishing. [Online] February 2008 http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/phishing.aspx