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How to stop phishing in it's tracks

  • Published
  • By Airman Whitney Amstutz
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
In this day and age face-to-face communication has taken a back seat to the numerous avenues provided by modern technology. Throughout the United States and across the globe, in-person exchange has become obsolete to the speed and efficiency of phone calls and e-mail.

Unfortunately, advanced technology can put users at risk when the proper precautions are not taken. Phishing scams have been a long-time favorite for hackers and others intent upon the theft and misuse of personal information. It is important that servicemembers know how to protect themselves and the military against such attacks.

Master Sgt. Ronald Goon, 36th Security Forces Squadron NCO in-charge of training, recently received a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology and believes the first line of defense against phishing attempts is awareness.

"Phishing is an attempt to extract or solicit valuable information from individuals to gain access to their personal accounts and e-mails," Sergeant Goon said. "Scams are most often targeted at those who are not internet savvy and don't know very much about internet security. If servicemembers just took some time to read about the prevention of identity theft and passed that information along, we would see a decline in the amount of successful phishing attempts."

Scams can come at users through a multitude of different avenues of approach such as phone calls, e-mail, links and pop-ups. In addition to awareness, having solid protection software can divert many attempts to gain access to personal information.

"Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly," Sergeant Goon said. "Some phishing e-mails contain software that can harm your computer or track your activities on the Internet without your knowledge."

Tricare, the health care program serving active duty servicemembers, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees and families of survivors worldwide, is also commonly used by individuals seeking to steal information.

Recently, several Airmen at various installations reported receiving phone calls from an individual asking for information such as social security numbers, home addresses and dates of birth. Due to their suspicious nature, the calls were reported, leading to an investigation that revealed a phishing scam.

"Tricare, or any official agency, will never ask personal information over the phone or through an insecure website," said Staff. Sgt. Bradford Shanahan, NCO-in-charge of Tricare. "Any information we require will be solicited through official mail, or the servicemember will be asked to come into the office. For those who use Tricare Online, information is sent exclusively through our secure site."

It is vital that unusual phone calls and e-mails are reported immediately to the proper authorities. Key things to be on the lookout for include requests for personal or financial information. Legitimate companies don't ask for this information via e-mail. In addition, review all credit card and bank statements as soon as they are received to ensure the information is accurate.
Vigilance is the key to both information and operational security.

"Just like on the battlefield, attacks come from 360 degrees," Sergeant Goon said. "We have to have the knowledge and the skill to fight back."