Phishing- what is it ? How does it work ? How to avoid phishing scams
 
Phishing is an e-mail fraud method in which the perpetrator sends out legitimate-looking email in an attempt to gather personal and financial information from recipients.
Typically, the messages appear to come from well known and trustworthy Web sites. These individuals, called phishers, use a combination of spam, brand hijacking, and scare tactics to bait their hooks and reel in private information. Fortunately, with some basic education, a good measure of caution, and the proper tools, you can steer clear of phishing nets and keep your identity safe.
 
How does Phishing work ?
 
Most of the time phishers send out the wave of spam email that looks like exactly genuine email from some trusted companies with their logo and trademark. This sort of email contains urgent message regarding false crisis that lures reader to click on spoofed web page. The web page, like the email, appears authentic, and in some instances its URL has been masked so the Web address looks real. The page urges the visitor to provide confidential information such as social security number, drivers licence number, account numbers, passwords, etc. Phisher sometime plants virus that is capable of capturing keystrokes as user types in password, account number, DOB and so on and send this information directly to the phisher.
 
How to avoid Phishing scams ?
 
Follow following steps to avoid Phishing scams,

1. Do not panic and use your common sense when you come across email asking you to provide confidential information especially of a financial nature. Financial institutions rarely, if ever, request sensitive information via email. If you receive email of such nature call your financial institutions to confirm it.
2. Do not click on web link on suspicious email , verify the address and explore it through address bar of the browser.
3. Never provide confidential information via forms embedded within emails. Instead, communicate that information over the phone or through a secure Web site. 
4. Phisher use scared tactics such as disabling the account, fine and so on, and lure you to provide your personnel information. Don't be fooled. Instead, contact the merchant who apparently sent the email to confirm its authenticity.
5. Make sure to keep your browser and operating system up to date. Check regularly for patches and upgrades, and pay special attention to security-related updates.
6. Never provide confidential information via forms embedded within emails, rather call your institute or visit their website to provide one.
7. Regularly update antivirus program to be protected from new viruses and give extra attention when submitting credit card number and other confidential information over a Web site, make sure the site is authentic and uses encryption to secure your data.