1. Security Issues: Phishing, Pharming, and Spam
By: Robert Ralston
Security Issues: Phishing, Pharming, and Spam

2. Phishing Definition from http://www.onguardonline.gov/:
Phishing is a scam where Internet fraudsters send spam or pop-up messages to lure personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims.

3. Pharming Norton Internet Security defines pharming as:
Pharming (pronounced “farming”) is another form of online fraud, very similar to its cousin phishing. Pharmers rely upon the same bogus Web sites and theft of confidential information to perpetrate online scams, but are more difficult to detect in many ways because they are not reliant upon the victim accepting a “bait” message. Instead of relying completely on users clicking on an enticing link in fake messages, pharming instead re-directs victims to the bogus Web site even if they type the right Web address of their bank or other online service into their Web browser.

4. Spam According to Norton:
Spam is the electronic version of junk mail. It involves sending unwanted messages, often unsolicited advertising, to a large number of recipients. Spam is a serious security concern as it can be used to deliver Trojan horses, viruses, worms, spyware, and targeted phishing attacks.

5. Protecting Yourself From Phishing
On Guard Online suggests many different ways to protect your computer and information:
Do not private information
Be careful when opening attachments, regardless of who sent them
Update all antivirus and antispyware software regularly
Do not reply to popups
If you think you have been scammed, report it on

6. Protecting yourself from Pharming
Norton suggests:
Keeping your computer updated
Review bank statements carefully and regularly
Remember that online offers that seem too good to be true…usually are.

7. Controlling Spam Norton suggests: Install a spam blocker
Try reading s in plain-text
If you think is spam, do not reply, just delete.
Reject all Instant Messages from those not on your buddy list.

8. Conclusion
Using common sense and remaining vigilant while on the internet is important to ensuring your identity and information is safe.
Companies such as Norton and government agencies are there to help solve any problems you may have.

9. Sources http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/