What should I be looking for?

Although the phishing attacks that lead to Malware are designed to be nearly impossible to distinguish from legitimate emails and messages, there are some common signs you can look for:

• Attackers urge the recipient to click on the link to update or verify account information, re-activate an account, or cancel an order.
• Attackers convey a sense of urgency and often mention negative consequences for failing to respond.
• Attacks are not consistent with other email messages from the business.
• Messages do not contain any personalization: the recipient's name, the last four digits of their account number, or other information that shows that the sender knows something about the recipient's account.
• Attacks often contain spelling errors and bad grammar.
• Messages often claim the user has ordered something that they never ordered.

• Don't open attachments from unsolicited emails at work or at home. This is the most common way computers become infected with malware.
• If you are unsure of an email's authenticity, call a phone number you trust (such as the one on your most recent statement, NOT the one in the email) to verify the company actually sent it and to inquire about why they need your information.
• Install a firewall to prevent unauthorized access.
• Install and run anti-virus and anti-spyware software on your computer and keep them up-to-date.
• Try to avoid spyware altogether by taking the following steps before loading software onto your home computer:
  • Read the license agreement. Learn what to look for.
  • Search the Internet for spyware reports. Use the software's name and the word "spyware" as your search keywords.
• Do not allow anyone to access your computer without your knowledge. Keep your computer turned off or locked when you're not using it.
• Never use the "save ID and password" option.
• Never write your user ID and/or password on a piece of paper and leave it near your computer.
• Install updates and patches for your home computer's operating system and all of your installed applications (e.g., iTunes, etc.).