Identity theft 'main purpose of phishing'
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Identity theft and fraud are among the main driving forces behind phishing attacks, it has been suggested.
The Daily Vidette, news publication of Illinois State University, reports that malware such as spyware and viruses is often distributed with the aim of collecting personal information.
PC users are most at risk due to the fact that 85 percent of the university's students use such equipment over other types of computer, the periodical adds.
Carla Birckelbaw, director of computer infrastructure support services at the educational institution, explains that economic factors drive the use of phishing attacks for identity theft and fraud.
"Profit is certainly involved in phishing schemes ... it makes sense to target 85 percent of the market," she comments.
The university's student health services department recently revealed to the Daily Vidette that it is offering a secure web portal to students as a means of receiving the results of medical tests over the internet.
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