The state of Internet security

Express Computer: "What a difference six months can make. In the previous edition of the bi-annual Internet Security Threat Report (ISTR), covering the period January 1, 2004 to June 30, 2004, Symantec identified phishing as one of the top threats to watch out for in the coming months. Phishing is an attempt by a third party to solicit confidential information for financial gain. Perpetrators attempt to trick users into disclosing credit card numbers, online banking information, or other sensitive information that is then used to commit fraudulent acts. The prediction proved to be on the mark. Symantec detected 10,310 new phishing attacks in that six-month period. "