A framework of anti-phishing measures aimed at protecting the online consumer's identity

This is an "interest rather than work" article that I found in The Electronic Library (Volume: 25 Issue: 5 Page: 517 - 533) by Rika Butler (University of Stellenbosch, Republic of South Africa)
Abstract:
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to aim to educate the Internet consumer, who may be a potential phishing victim, and to suggest a framework of anti-phishing measures, following the staggering increase in the number of recent phishing attacks. Phishing describes a method of online identity theft, in which phishers typically pose as legitimate organisations when sending deceptive e-mail messages to internet users. When they respond to such e-mails, victims are lured to malicious web sites, where they are duped into disclosing their personal details. In this way, phishers are able to commit identity theft, with possibly devastating consequences for the victim.
Design/methodology/approach
After a literature review of the available sources, the phishing threat is investigated by analysing the modus operandi of phishers and the basic components of a typical phishing scheme. A possible solution for the phishing problem is examined.
Findings
Phishers continually target the weakest link in the security chain, namely consumers, in their attacks. Educating the online consumer about phishing, as well as the implementation and proper application of anti-phishing measures, are critical steps in protecting the identities of online consumers against e-mail phishing attacks.
Originality/value
This article proposes measures that Internet consumers can take to ward off phishing attacks, as well as remedial actions that they can take after falling victim to such an attack. By implementing these measures online, consumers can minimise the risk of becoming victims of successful phishing attacks, as well as remedy the negative effects of any past disclosure of

Article Type: Literature review
DOI: 10.1108/02640470710829514
Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Deloitte comments on plans to scrap degree classifications

from Deloitte UK headlines by ukwebteam@deloitte.co.uk
The proposal to introduce a Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR), and possibly phase out degree classifications would make assessing graduate candidates more difficult, according to Deloitte, the UK's largest private sector graduate employer.

I am fed up, sick to the back teeth, any other phrase that you can think of (including unprintable, unrepeatable-in-polite-company ones) with this government mucking about with qualifications. The more things change the less easy it is for employers, as the spokeperson from Deloitte makes clear, to differentiate between different candidates.

EVENT - Demand-led Approach to Skills

The Institute for Employment Studies (IES) will hold its annual Employment Policy Conference on 6 November 2007, examining the recommendations of the Leitch Review one year on, and discussing how they can be implemented. Speakers include Mike Campbell, Director of Development at the Sector Skills Development Agency; and the conference will culminate with a keynote address from David Lammy, the Minister for Skills.

More ...

I don't believe it!

I have nothing waiting in my drafts folder.

I started to think "wonderful", "great" and other such congratulatory words when I realised that I was so far behind on the reading of other people's blogs that I hadn't been putting anything into the drafts folder! And I don't normally write, as do many others, on original themes.

EVENT: Free Software as a Social Innovation

London, 2nd November 2007

Free Software is a unique social innovation that promotes an empowered, sustainable and inclusive information society through its freedoms of use, studying, modification and redistribution. Popular Free Software applications include the Firefox web browser, the Wordpress blog engine and the Juice podcast receiver. Free Software Foundation Europe and M6-IT would like to invite you to a one-day event at The Hub in London on the 2nd of November. The event will help people learn more about Free Software and provide opportunities for hands-on experience with the technology. It's organised as part of the work in the STACS project.
Spaces are limited and people with little or no experience of Free Software and those who can help spread awareness of Free Software in their field or geographical area will be prioritised. A contribution towards travel and accommodation expenses may be available.
Applications for places must be received by 19 October, and the selected attendees will be contacted by the 22nd of October.

More information: http://www.fsfeurope.org/projects/stacs/london.en.html

Via Demos Greenhouse 4 October

Can I have a pat on the back?

Congratulations are in order -- I've caught up with all the "held in draft" posts.

Brickbat -- I've still got over 1,000 posts in my reader to get through and will probably find more that I should have put into drafts on the way.

And, of course, when the pressure is on the inclination is to skip over things that I would have picked up when more relaxed!

Recruitment not retention the problem for older workers

Older workers still encounter difficulties entering the workforce, though they are increasingly retained in organisations across the country, according to new research.
Read more...
The People Bulletin from AP Information Services

Hobbies indicate cultural fit of candidates

59% of employers claim that life outside work gives a clear indication of whether or not a person might fit well with a company's culture, but one third of candidates do not list hobbies on their CV.
Read more...
The People Bulletin from AP Information Services

Privacy Library

ResourceShelf is one of favourite sources for telling me about things I might otherwise miss, and my least favourite in that it's a pain to read through! Anything that's worse gets ditched regardless of the usefulness of the content.

A lot of what I pick up I keep in my "personal interest" file (e.g. lists of art galleries and cultural heritage sites) and don't blog about. Much of the content is, as I think I've said before but probably not in this blog, is very US-centric and on issues such as copyright and privacy the law is so different that it's not of interest to readers in the UK. But, and that should be a BIG BOLD BUT, the Privacy Library originated in the US and is definitely not US-centric.

ResourceShelf says:

This apparently went live in May, but we just spotted it.
"Morrison & Foerster is pleased to announce the launch of its Privacy Library. This free resource provides links to privacy laws, regulations, reports, multilateral agreements, and government authorities for more than 90 countries around the world. The website provides companies with an essential tool to help them navigate the privacy labyrinth."
Source: Morrison & Foerster LLP (a global law partnership)

I would like to route you directly into the UK page but you must sign the disclaimer notice before you can access the information. Start here
Note: on my ADSL connection it was a bit slow to load but it's worth the wait!

LSC's Business Cycle

Only of interest to readers in England -- but still important

Since 2003/04 [academic year August-July], the LSC has run an annual cycle of business which seamlessly rolls from one academic year to the next. The cycle synchronises our policy development, planning, procuring and challenging performance process to ensure we are all pulling in the same direction and working together to strengthen our impact at the front line. Challenging performance will be an ongoing process throughout the year with formal reviews held during the spring and autumn.

View the Business Cycle Model or Download the Business Cycle Word document
For enquiries about the business cycle please contact:
Dean Williams on 024 7682 3342
Rebecca Loveday on 024 7682 3450

Country Codes - essential country data on tap

Country Codes is a collection of useful country information gathered together in a free downloadable and searchable database. Top level domains, longitude and latitude of cities, dialing codes, timezones, IP numbers per geography and so on for over 250 countries. The program provides checkboxes, that allow you to copy all or just selected information to the clipboard. In addition, it provides a handy link for each country that launches your browser with detailed information from the CIA World Fact Book and from the Wikipedia website.
Posted by Red (Red Ferret Journal) in freeware

Malware boom puts pressure on second-tier AV labs

Computer World said yesterday (4 October) that: "A jaw-dropping 185-percent increase in new malware variants over the second half of 2006 has increased the pressure on antivirus labs to find and contain the onslaught."
Full article
"Jaw-dropping" is the right phrase -- please keep your AV program(s) up to date (I have three different ones on my home computer since the free ones are slightly less robust than a paid-for one).
I would personally recommend the commercial version of AVG and can put you in touch with a third-party reseller in Northampton if you would like this. (Connection is that I am a continuing satisfied customer of Solve-IT Computer Solutions.)

Coping with violence

This came from School Library Journal so it was bound to be US-biased but I looked at the links provided and thought these were sufficiently generic to be of interest to UK readers.
Safe Youth
Teachers, school administrators, and parents looking for ideas on how to discuss school violence with kids, as well as students researching this important social issue will all find lots to read and think about here.
Stop Bullying Now
No one likes a bully. If you’d like to launch programming on stopping this menace then this website is a “must see”. The 12 animated cartoon webisodes cover various instances of bullying and how kids can correctly respond to each. The programs can be downloaded as podcasts. Kids can also download the Stop Bullying Now song as a ringtone on their mobile phone and play twelve cool online games. Created by: The Health Resources and Services Administration, Washington DC Teachers and home-schooling parents see also Education World.