Webroot Software Warns of Identity Crisis on Derby Day
Safe online habits to prevent identity theft and financial fraud are recommended
Tuesday 29th May 2007
Webroot Software Inc has reminded consumers that online gambling, particularly via horse racing sites, can attract fraudsters and online identity thieves. System and keystroke monitoring are the two most common methods of online data theft, and Webroot are offering free scans to check for these kinds of viruses.
The Derby, with its £1m prize, attracts many wagers from those who do not usually follow horse racing, as well as bets from those who do. When placing bets on the race, which takes place on June 2nd, online gamblers are advised to make sure their computers have updated versions of good anti-spyware and anti-virus software, and run full system scans on a weekly basis. According to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, special events such as the Grand National and the Derby, account for 40% of online wagering, and fraudsters are happy to capitalise on the lower levels of security that occasional punters may have.
All secure websites start with https, display a closed padlock symbol or say that the information is encrypted, as well as having a privacy policy which provides the user to request that their information is not shared.
