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Introduction

In a major shift, cybercriminals are now intent on stealing data they can exploit for financial gain. No longer content with random attacks and minor disruptions, they’re employing elaborate schemes and technologies to steal large amounts of valuable information. And home users are being targeted more than any other group.

However, this doesn’t mean you can’t use the Internet with confidence. With a solid set of security tools, you can stay ahead of the cybercriminals and keep your identity safe.

Threat Report

Symantec’s latest threat report confirms a trend that has been gaining steam over the past few years. Driven by profit, cybercriminals have begun to focus their efforts on stealing confidential information. To see this trend in action, one need only consider the malicious programs cybercriminals are now creating.

In the last half of 2006, 66% of the top 50 most reported malicious programs were threats to private data. And while large institutions, including banks and credit card companies, are among those targeted with these and other threats, 93% of all targeted attacks were aimed at home users.

The fact is, criminals can make money off our identities, and they’re devising all sorts of ways to steal our personal information. Working together, they’re building networks of zombie computers, or botnets, from which they can launch large-scale attacks or distribute phishing emails. And instead of attacking just once with a virus or worm, they’re using keystroke loggers, Trojan horses, and other “back door” applications to infiltrate our computers and steal our private information as we go about our business.

Meanwhile, phishing scams are growing more widespread and elaborate. In the second half of 2006 alone, Symantec blocked over 1.5 billion phishing messages, and 84% of the brands spoofed in phishing attacks were in the financial business.

These numbers match the larger trend. By increasing volume and using fake banking sites to con victims, it appears phishers are increasing their efforts to steal key information from individuals—especially information they can use for financial gain. Phishers are also working in less random ways. They’re infiltrating databases and social networking sites to learn more about their targets and to refine their attacks.

Protect your identity

Although identity theft and attacks against home users are definitely on the rise, there’s no need for alarm. With the right tools, you can protect your confidential information as you work and play online.

Online transactions are at the heart of many identity theft attacks, and protecting yourself when you do business online is critical. Norton™ Confidential offers that protection. It filters out fake Web sites, confirms the authenticity of most major shopping and banking sites, blocks keyloggers, and protects your passwords. With Norton Confidential, you can conduct business without worrying about your identity every time you make a purchase or log into a Web site.

As the threat report makes clear, however, attacks on confidential information aren’t confined to transactions. From conventional threats like viruses and hackers to the latest botnets and spyware, cybercriminals are using a variety of means to steal identities.

Traditional tools like personal firewalls and antivirus programs block hackers and malicious programs, and they can also help prevent becoming part of a botnet. Meanwhile, antispyware and antispam tools bolster your defenses by keeping unwanted software of your computer and dangerous emails out of your inbox. And with an all-in-one product like Norton 360 you can get all this protection—and more—in one place.

Conclusion

The statistics are clear. Cybercriminals are setting their sights on our identities with increasing sophistication. But with the right tools, we can continue using the Internet with confidence.