Anti-Phishing Working Group: Crimeware at Record High

The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) focuses on monitoring criminal activity online. Specifically, the group is dedicated to reducing identity theft and fraud through monitoring and combating phishing, pharming, and email spoofing. And their most recent report shows some startling numbers.

Most notably, the number of crimeware-spreading URLs--this includes web sites used to host phishing and pharming attacks, spoofed web sites, and other sites that host malware of various types--more than tripled between July 2007 and July 2008. Probably most frightening is that many of the web sites weren't designed to be malicious. They are actually legitimate sites that have been infected with malware.

So what does this mean for you? First, there's the obvious fact that you're more at risk than at any time in the past. Second you absolutely must have the proper anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall installed. Finally, you should do everything in your power to practice safe surfing. Here are some resourced to help you get (and stay) protected:

Create Killer Passwords
Protect Your Computer from SPyware
Recognize Phishing Emails
Choose the Right Anti-Virus.