PC security/fraud.

[Finless]

I use Ad-Aware by Lavasoft (which I think/thought had been taken over by Microsoft?) on my work PC and I don't know if anyone is interested but the latest 'security info' is Lavasoft News - December 2007

[Finless]

This has been up on the HSBC online business banking for a few days:-

Security Alert Update 29/11/2007

Further to the security alert of 28/11/2007 (below) we are receiving reports from customers who responded to the phishing emails saying that they have been receiving telephone calls from people claiming to be from HSBC. Typically during these calls details are asked about the business (to further aid identity theft) and about the security device, the serial number and the security code.
Please be aware that HSBC will never ask you for the security code from your security device or your logon password over the telephone.
If you have recently responded to any emails which appear to be from us and receive a call from someone claiming to be from HSBC which you are not expecting, please provide them with no details. Take down their department and extension number and contact the helpdesk on the usual number.
For more information about phishing and how to protect yourself and your business whilst online please visit either our online security site. They can then arrange for you to be put through to that department. Do not call back on a number given to you during the call.
Security Alert 28/11/2007

Over the last week we have become aware of a dramatic increase in the number of phishing emails being sent to our customers and others, claiming to be from us. These emails typically ask you to complete an online form or confirm your security details. Their aim is to capture information about you for identity theft and to compromise your Business Internet Banking logon security details.
Please be aware that we will never send an email asking you to complete an online form or confirm your security details.
If you receive an email like this, we recommend you delete it immediately and perform both a virus and spyware scan on your system. Never click on the links within these emails, not even out of curiosity.
If you are concerned that you may have accidentally responded to an email like this in the past, we recommend you scan your system for viruses/spyware and change your logon details (username and password) as soon as possible. If you require assistance in changing your details please contact the help desk on the usual number.
For more information about phishing and how to protect yourself and your business whilst online please visit either our online security site or the government sponsored site www.getsafeonline.org.

[wilbo]

This is the standard response nowadays from the financials.

The thing to remember is that you have been cold called.

I have had my bank ring me up, start speaking to me and then start to request security details from me. I always so No. I will ring them independently.

If you are in any doubt whatsoever - then say to the person on the phone - that you cannot be sure of who they are - and that you will call back independently. Do not ring back on any number they give you - instead find out the head office number yourself.