Phishing email warning issued

Computer users, including those with broadband services, should know not to respond to phishing emails, it has been suggested.

It is also advisable not to open mysterious emails before deleting them, according to UK credit reporting group Equifax. Neil Munroe, external affairs director for the company, said that opening emails - such as those which claim to be from a bank or financial services company - could open people up to a "further bombardment of phishing type activity". Warning of current trends, which could be of interest to those with high speed internet, he added: "It's an interesting fact that something like three percent of people do respond to these emails and I'm sure small businesses are involved in that as well.

"Three percent, when you're sending out a large number like these phishing organizations do, is quite a nice return." In related security news, ClickZ.com recently indicated that 37 percent of online banking customers use their password at other less-secure websites.

Phishing 'dangerous to all sizes of business'

Phishing scams do not only target large businesses but are a danger for small to medium-sized enterprises as well, according to Equifax.

The credit reporting agency said that the cyber criminals behind phishing scams will target, individuals, big businesses and small businesses in the same way. External affairs director for Equifax Neil Munro said: "There's no doubt that corporates whether they be small businesses or large businesses are suffering from attempted stealing of identity the same way that individuals are. "Phishing can apply top those corporates the same way that it can apply to individuals."

Those running a small business may have more time constraints and therefore might not have as much time to practice safe internet practices, Mr Munro added. Also, figures from ClickZ.com show that many internet users are still not using the proper precautions when online. A full 44 per cent of those who bank online use the same password for all their online activities, ClickZ.com found.