Phish report network open to consumers worldwide

Consumer input further helps the Symantec Phish Report Network's fight against online fraud and will aid in preventing other computers users from becoming victims. Consumers can visit www.phishreport.net/consumers.html to contribute.

One of the newest members of the network is the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance (NCFTA), a coalition of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from the public and private sectors. The NCFTA provides information and technical analysis of cyber incidents in a neutral, collaborative environment where critical information can be shared discreetly.

The phishing URLs that Symantec's researchers analyse is provided to the NCFTA's SMEs, who work to identify from where the phishing emails originated. Upon analysis of the phishing URL's origination, the information is provided to law enforcement, aiding in the effort to track down and stop cybercriminals from perpetrating further phishing attacks.

"Online fraud, which is often carried out through phishing attacks, is a growing problem that affects consumers and their trust in the Internet," says Gary Stoops, VP, NCFTA.

"Our goal is to identify the most significant threats and work with SMEs from industry, academia, and law enforcement to devise solutions to effectively detect and combat those threats. With our involvement in the Symantec Phish Report Network, consumers can feel confident that the data they contribute will help law enforcement strengthen its fight against online fraud."

The threat against consumers' confidential data online continues to grow. Symantec's most recent Internet Security Threat Report confirms that during the first six months of 2006, Symantec detected 157 477 unique phishing messages, equating to 865 unique phishing messages a day.

"While consumers can turn to transaction security solutions to help protect themselves from phishing, they can also help protect other computer users by acting as good cyber citizens and contributing to the Symantec Phish Report Network," says Premlan Padayachi, consumer country manager, Symantec Africa.

"The addition of the NCFTA to the network further strengthens the Symantec Phish Report Network's ability to make a difference in protecting consumers from online fraud."