Security technologies go phishing

In the computer industry, that usually means that when a problem arises, somebody figures out how to solve it and make money in the process. One of the latest computer-related problems to arise is phishing, in which e-mails lure unsuspecting victims into giving up user names, passwords, social security numbers, and account information after linking to counterfeit bank, credit card, and e-commerce Web sites. Organized crime frequently uses phishing. So far, phishers have hit only a small percentage of financial institutions $150 of 9,000 in the US - but the number is rising and attackers are targeting other industries, such as e-commerce. Nonetheless, major phishing incidents have already eroded consumer confidence in online banking. Banks and many other affected organizations are fighting phishing via public education. Some companies are using litigation. However, the focus for numerous companies is on antiphishing technology.