What is Phishing and Email Spoofing?
The term “phishing” is a variant of fishing and the first recorded use of the term phishing was made in 1996. Phishing is the criminally fraudulent process of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, bank account information, or credit card information through electronic communications (Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phishing, 10/2/2008). Usually email is the main vehicle but instant messenger can also be used. Emails and websites appear to be legitimate and purport to be from popular online banks, auction sites, social web sites, or even from your company IT department. Within the email will be links that direct you to sites that appear legitimate, but ask you to enter personally sensitive information, such as email addresses, passwords, or even account numbers Never respond to these emails! No legitimate company or service will send you an email requesting you submit your password or account information for verification. In the past, phishing
