Some time ago I worked for a company that was serious about internet security. In fact, they were so serious that VPNing to work, as I usually do (since I work from home) was a 10 minute log-on ordeal as I entered password after security code to leap through firewalls and other security measures.
The firm I'm with now is quite a bit smaller. Logging in via VPN is almost instantaneous. The down side of going light on internet security is that I'm spammed and phished quite often (even while running Macafee's spam killer.) I receive e-mails regarding the "Fifth Third Bank," dozens of impotency drugs and replica Rolex watches a few times each day. Sometimes I feel as though I'm standing in the middle of New York's Time Square during the out of control 70's. Drug dealers, pimps, pickpockets and porn besiege me.
Out of curiosity, I wanted to find out what the financial institution with the unlikely name "Fifth Third Bank" was all about (we don't have any branches locally.) That search led me to Fraud Watch International, a company which claims to "combine anti-phishing education, monitoring and detection services, and preventative software solutions to consumers and corporate clients."
One of several freebies offered by their website is their "Phishing Alerts." This is a great place to refer elderly parents or gullible friends to check out the latest scams. (Believe it or not, I do occasionally get e-mails passed on from friends who believe some of these e-mail offers and notices are legit.)
The site also has some nice education sections on internet Identity Theft and "Nigerian" and Lottery scams as well as a free beta version of their own anti-phishing software. I'll give it whirl and let you know how I make out.
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