PhishGuard is a free software that detects and disables phishing and spoofing attacks aimed at stealing financial data. The software works in conjunction with Mozilla Firefox to warn users of known malicious sites before visiting them.
PhishGuard is a fantastic, free software service that is designed to be compatible with computers running any version of Mozilla Firefox 1.0 or greater, as well as Microsoft operating systems (Windows 98 through XP). It is a highly effective tool that utilizes the collective observations of internet users to detect and disable phishing or spoofing attacks in a timely manner, therefore preventing cyber criminals from stealing critical financial data.
Phishing attacks are carried out by hackers who create fake websites and emails that look like legitimate organizations. The aim is to lure unsuspecting internet users into a false sense of security, making them feel like they are dealing with a trusted party. Their simple login or account number entry screen then becomes a trap. As the user assumes this is a trusted site, they reveal sensitive information such as credit card numbers, bank accounts, passwords and social security numbers to the cyber criminals. This leaves them exposed to fraudulent financial transactions and identity theft. Detecting phishing scams is not an easy feat, as the scammer's emails and websites mimic the style and graphics of the genuine company, and appear to be genuine.
Once PhishGuard is installed on a computer, it quietly monitors sites visited with the browser. If someone attempts to visit a harmful site, a warning window immediately appears with information as to when the site was discovered and why it is considered harmful. It is still possible for the user to visit the site, but it is not recommended.
If someone suspects they have come across a phishing scam, PhishGuard can be used to report the offending email or URL (website address) within seconds. No confidential information is required to be shared, meaning that sensitive information is not exposed to cyber criminals. Once the monitoring team has verified a scam, it is added to the ScamBase database. The database is quickly updated and distributed to participating computers, immunizing them against newly discovered phishing scams.
Overall, PhishGuard is an outstanding software service that has been designed to protect its users from the negative effects of phishing scams. It is highly recommended for those who use Microsoft operating systems and Mozilla Firefox browsers.
Phishing attacks are carried out by hackers who create fake websites and emails that look like legitimate organizations. The aim is to lure unsuspecting internet users into a false sense of security, making them feel like they are dealing with a trusted party. Their simple login or account number entry screen then becomes a trap. As the user assumes this is a trusted site, they reveal sensitive information such as credit card numbers, bank accounts, passwords and social security numbers to the cyber criminals. This leaves them exposed to fraudulent financial transactions and identity theft. Detecting phishing scams is not an easy feat, as the scammer's emails and websites mimic the style and graphics of the genuine company, and appear to be genuine.
Once PhishGuard is installed on a computer, it quietly monitors sites visited with the browser. If someone attempts to visit a harmful site, a warning window immediately appears with information as to when the site was discovered and why it is considered harmful. It is still possible for the user to visit the site, but it is not recommended.
If someone suspects they have come across a phishing scam, PhishGuard can be used to report the offending email or URL (website address) within seconds. No confidential information is required to be shared, meaning that sensitive information is not exposed to cyber criminals. Once the monitoring team has verified a scam, it is added to the ScamBase database. The database is quickly updated and distributed to participating computers, immunizing them against newly discovered phishing scams.
Overall, PhishGuard is an outstanding software service that has been designed to protect its users from the negative effects of phishing scams. It is highly recommended for those who use Microsoft operating systems and Mozilla Firefox browsers.
What's New
Version 2.0.165: Maintenance release (minor bug fixes)
Version 2.0.161: Maintenance release (minor bug fixes)
Version 2.0.143: N/A