Vanessa Arriola
As college students, most of your time is spent on the Internet. Whether you are doing homework, shopping or checking you’re MySpace, much of your information is stored online. But be careful to whom you hand out your information, it could be a scam known as “phishing.” So, what is phishing? Internet phishing is a trick where people send out bogus e-mails trying to get your personal and credit information. Some scammers send e-mails that appear to be from legitimate businesses by using their templates. With this being said, by using Anti phishing security software, this should help you prevent threats and keep you have stored digitally safe. Mark Henderson, who works in the department of information technology here at Pierce College, said he’s not sure how long phishing has been around. There are many ways to keep your information safe from phishers. “Don’t just give out your information,” said Henderson. According to Henderson, pop-up blockers don’t really help in stopping phishing scams because some of the e-mails are sent directly to you. There are multiple Web sites that can give you more information on phishing and how to prevent this from happening to you. The OnGuard Online Web site offers many tips on preventing phishing. There is even a game that tests your knowledge. Using anti-virus, anti-spyware software and a firewall will help keep phishers from getting what they want. You also must update your software regularly. But don’t confuse phishing with hacking. They are two completely different things. “Hacking is a more deliberate and active task. Phishing is more passive, sending emails hoping for a response,” Henderson commented. Priscilla Quintero, a 20-year-old full-time student at California State University, Los Angeles, said she had never heard of phishing. “I was always aware of Internet hackers, but never knew that phishing was another form of scamming people,” Quintero said. Quintero has noticed e-mails from institutions where she has accounts offering her deals. “There have been times where I click on the link and then notice they need information that they should already have,” said Quintero. “So I usually just go back and delete the message.” Tom Johnson, a 35 year old computer hardware and software graduate, said he was taught about phishing in his computer classes. “I just looked it up on Wikipedia when you asked me about it,” said Johnson. With phishing becoming a more logical way of scamming Internet users, you have to wonder what is being done to stop it. Many firms and governments are sending out warnings to prevent phishing,” said Henderson. Remember, these people want your information, so they will use the professional templates from businesses you have accounts with. “That’s what makes it look legitimate,” Henderson said. As savvy college students, just be aware of opening attachments or downloading files from emails you receive, no matter who sends them to you.