Panda launches phishing education campaign

Many phishing emails in circulation are practically perfect imitations

Security firm Panda Software launched a campaign this week designed to help surfers recognise and defend against phishing scams.

Phishing involves emails which appear to come from a reliable source, but actually direct users to spoofed web pages at which they may unknowingly enter confidential information.

Simple protection techniques listed in Panda's 10 Tips to Combat Phishing include typing URLs directly into the browser bar instead of accessing internet services through links. 

The tips tool is supported by a download allowing users to try Panda's antivirus product free of charge for one month.

Luis Corrons, director of Panda Software Labs, said: "This type of fraud is on the increase and new attacks appear every day.

"The problem is not just the greater volume of attacks but the increasing sophistication. Many phishing emails in circulation are practically perfect imitations."

The April virus trends report from BlackSpider Technologies, another security vendor, found that the total number of virus-laden emails fell by 56 per cent compared with March. Virus-infected emails now makes up just 0.79 per cent of inbound emails.

However, the Panda study found that the number of phishing emails in April rose by 35 per cent compared with March, indicating that phishing attacks are becoming the more favoured form of attack.

• Can you spot a phishing email? Take the Phishing IQ Test here