Symantec Phish Report Network opens to consumers in the Middle East

As one of the world's leading antifraud communities, the Symantec Phish Report Network, launched in May 2006, allows member companies to contribute and receive fraudulent Web site addresses that they can use in their antiphishing solutions to help protect users from online fraud. 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.

Symantec also welcomes the newest member of the network, 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 analyze is provided to the NCFTA's SMEs who work to identify where the phishing e-mails 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," said Gary Stoops, vice president, National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance. "Our goal is to identify the most significant threats and help law enforcement 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."

Computer users who suspect they have received a phishing e-mail with a fraudulent Web site address can go to the Symantec Phish Report Network website and submit the URL to Symantec. After reviewing the URL to confirm it is fraudulent, it is entered into the Symantec Phish Report Network. Member companies and organizations, such as the NCFTA, can then utilize the data to help in the fight against phishing and prevent other consumers from accessing the Web site and providing their confidential data to fraudsters.

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," said Arthur Wong, senior vice president, Symantec Security Response and Managed Services. "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."