Sample Essay on a Cautionsary Fable Based on Sexual Preditors and Phishing

Sample Essay on a Cautionsary Fable Based on Sexual Preditors and PhishingHere is a sample essay on a cautionary fable based on sexual preditors and the latest problem: phishing! The Internet was filled with warnings as recently as two years ago that the use of the Internet was being used by predators to prey on innocent individuals. As a result, the threat posed by these predators has increased.Now, we are seeing a new trend in the increase of warning signs: people using the Internet to 'harvest' identities from unsuspecting individuals. This is where people who look like other people begin communicating with them online, and then ask for information that they can use for credit card or social security numbers, bank account numbers, and other types of personal information. In some cases, these criminals may even impersonate someone that lives at the same address as you do, or perhaps they will even have the very first and last name!If you have never heard of this new menace, it is s imply called a 'phishing' attack. What happens is that you log into your e-mail account, either to check an e-mail for a message or to sign up for a service, and that e-mail account is then compromised. If you use a computer or wireless Internet connection when your e-mail is in use, you run the risk of leaving your log-in information, which includes the password to your e-mail account, at risk.For instance, if you enter your credit card number, bank account number, or other sensitive information into a fake website, your information could be stolen in the process. If you look up a 'free credit report' on the Internet, it is possible that the report will be sent to the address of a known fraudster. The Internet has been used as a tool to advertise services and products that may not be legitimate. You should always do your research before giving any information out, especially information that relates to your financial account.There are many warning signs. For example, if you receive an e-mail from a source that asks you to reply that it will only contain information that you tell it to or that it will not contain personal information. These messages are commonly known as phishing or bait e-mails. The next sign is that the request for your personal information seems to be coming from a person who you know - you have met him in person or communicated with him through e-mail or telephone.The use of the Internet is considered to be one of the warning signs of phishing, because if someone knows where you live or work, he or she can make you think that your name and address are not safe. One of the reasons why it is so important to stay vigilant is because of the potential harm that can come from phishing attempts. Not only is your identity valuable but your financial information as well.One other sign of phishing is that the e-mail that you receive is trying to force you to send money to a suspect third party. Be wary of such e-mails. Another sign of phishing is th at a person who you may know may appear to be the victim of the crime, but he or she may be deceiving you about how serious the crime is.If you see any of these warning signs, know that it is a cautionary fable. However, there is help available in the form of the right training and the right tools.