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AOL seeks to block phishing sites
'We're trying to cut the lines before a phisher can reel them in'
AOL and security solutions provider Cyota announced yesterday that they are working together to identify and block access to suspected phishing sites, in yet another initiative aimed at tackling the on-line scam.
According to AOL, whenever a possible phishing site is identified, it will limit client access to that site, and inform any of its members who attempt to visit it that it is suspected of being a dangerous site.
Phishing - the practice of using fraudulent e-mail and fake web sites to solicit sensitive personal information from users - is growing dramatically.
According to a recent report by the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG), the number of phishing attacks in January jumped 42 per cent from those reported in December, while the number of unique phishing sites jumped 47 per cent in the same period.
A survey published earlier this month by the Pew Internet & American Life Project adds that 35 per cent of users have received phishing e-mail, and that 2 per cent have provided the information requested.
"Phishing and identity theft are the fastest-growing security threats on-line, and we will work around the clock to protect our members with the tools we have available," said Tatiana Platt, AOL Senior Vice President and Chief Trust Officer.
"By limiting our members' access to suspected phishing sites, we're trying to cut the lines before a phisher can reel them in and steal sensitive financial and personal information," she added.
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