Phishing

Now a days Phishing has become a serious threat to the online banking system.Usually one becomes a victim due to lack of awareness on it.I read the following information on the HDFCBank site.Though it would be informative,sharing it here.Beware of Phishing
WHAT IS PHISHING

• Phishing is a modus operandi where in a customer gets an e-mail that deceptively claims to be from a particular enterprise (like your Bank) and asking for account sensitive information.
• Phishing is a spoofed e-mail that closely resembles the Bank notices. The mail aims to convince customers to divulge account sensitive information such as Credit Card Numbers, Passwords and PINs, Bank Account Details etc..
• These Phishing mails have a legitimate-looking URL or an image, which when clicked directs the affected user to the Phishing site where in the account sensitive details are captured.
• Alternatively, sometimes the customer is asked to download and install "Security" software attached to the spam e-mail and doing so by the customer, the scamster can retrieve all the account related details.

Some tips to Identify Phising Mails!

• These emails generally ask for sensitive account information like Usernames, Passwords, Credit Card or Debit Card Numbers over the email.
• The emails may include content, which is bound to make you react. For example, the email may have content which would state, "Please click here to update your Account Information in order to keep your Bank Account active". HDFC Bank will never send such emails. In such cases, always back check with the Bank.
• Secure Site: Always look on the address bar to ensure that the NetBanking site has https:// in the address link. The HDFC Bank address bar link is https://netbanking.hdfcbank.com.

PROTECTION FROM PHISHING

• Be wary of e-mail messages that ask for your account sensitive information such as Customer Id and IPIN details, Card related details or any other sensitive information in reference to your account.
• Unless the e-mail is digitally signed, you can never be 100% sure of its source!
• Do not click any links inside an e-mail of which you have the slightest suspicion. Instead use a web browser to reach a particular web address.
  (Type http://www.hdfcbank.com) instead of clicking on the link.
• Ensure that any Web site visited is secure when submitting sensitive information such as Credit Card numbers or using your NetBanking IPIN.
  1. One indication that a Web address is secure is if it starts with https:// rather than http://.
  2. Another indication is a padlock icon at the bottom of the screen, which when clicked, displays a security certificate.
• Ensure that your browser requirement is up-to-date for accessing NetBanking.
• Consider installing security software such as those offered by anti-virus specialists that can help detect virus, filter SPAM and/or ensure secure Internet Usage (firewalls).
• Turn off your computer when not in use, to avoid criminals gaining access and misusing it for fraudulent purposes, which includes launching Phishing attacks.
• If you receive any suspicious e-mail or website prompts which are asking for your private and confidential information in relation to your account with the Bank, please inform your bank people.
  
• If you suspect that you have become a victim of a Phishing attack and already have divulged your sensitive account information to fraudsters, please report to your home branch or call the nearest phone banking number.
  

Source:HDFC Bank
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