So, how can you detect a phishing scam? First of all, any reputable agency will NOT ask for your account information, user id, password, SSN, or related information via an email. If you get an email asking you to go to a website and confirm any of this information be extremely cautious as well. Websites can be faked very easily. The Anti-Phishing Working Group has made it their mission to track and report this sort of activity. You can review their website for more information. If you do a lot of online banking or online purchasing and you're concerned about this threat, Netcraft has developed their own toolbar (yes, I know… another toolbar) to help you identify potential scam sites. Please review their site for more information.

Wireless (Wifi) Security

Another hot item found in many Christmas stockings this year is wireless routers. This presents a whole new host of security issues that need to be addressed. A wireless router makes it easy to expand your home network. No more dragging cables around your house, or trying to snake them through the walls. Simply purchase a wireless router and wireless network card and you're ready to go… right? Wrong!


Sure, you can plug everything in and if all goes well you can be up and surfing in no time. The problem is that wireless network is completely insecure. If you just set up the equipment and use it right out of the box you have very likely opened your whole network and Internet access to anyone else with wireless connection. The default settings allow ANYONE to connect to your wireless router and, by extension, your Internet connection. Wireless networking can provide connectivity beyond the walls of your home. Your neighbors, or even someone driving down the street with a wireless laptop could connect to your network without your knowledge. There are some steps that you should take to provide some measure of protection to your wireless network.

A good friend of mine has written some excellent guidelines for Wireless Security. The full guides are available via his website: Blackthorn Systems. He has written a both a Home Security Guide, and a Small Business Security Guide. With permission of the author, the primary steps for home users are: