Simply signing into an email account may be enough to put individuals' identity at risk.
With this in mind, RSA and Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. are teaming up to increase protections against phishing, Trojans and other online identity theft attacks, according to a recent release from the companies. This partnership will integrate anti-fraud technology developed by RSA, the security division of Massachusetts-based EMC Corporation, with Check Point's anti-virus software.
"Together, we can grow an even stronger security ecosystem in order to become a more effective and organized entity against the vast underground network of fraudsters," Christopher Young, senior vice president of technology, products and markets at RSA, said.
Phishing occurs when an individual or organization obtains personal information whether through fraudulent emails or websites. This information, which often includes full names, Social Security numbers, date of birth and address, may be used to open new credit card accounts or charge transactions onto the victims'.
A Trojan, on the other hand, is a type of malware that invades and individual's computer and is used to trace personal data. By tracking a user's keystrokes, the malware can note credit card information, online banking passwords and other sensitive information that can be used for identity theft.
RSA FraudAction Anti-Trojan and Anti-Phishing services currently provide real-time protection against these threats. This around-the-clock product helps detect, block and shut down devices used by online fraudster to take advantage of individuals' identities. It will soon be featured in Check Point's ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite and ZoneAlarm Extreme Security.
Both of these products already include 2-way firewalls, which stop hackers from entering an individual's network or leaving with personal information. Scan engines, online backup servers and dangerous website detection services further ensure that a consumers' internet browsing is down safely.
"The implementation of anti-Trojan filtering and identity theft protection helps address some of the key customer needs and pain points," Bari Abdul, vice president of consumer sales for Check Point Software Technologies, said. "We are pleased to add RSA to our list of technology partners as we work together to provide customers with strong levels of protection."
RSA FraudAction has already been responsible for shutting down more than 300,000 dangerous websites, according to the release.
In addition to using the latest anti-virus software, consumers may be able to protect themselves from fraud by deleting emails from unknown senders, avoiding making purchases from small online retailers and making sure their browser is secured before inputting information on banking websites.