Fraudsters often create websites that look exactly like authentic ones. For example, a fraudster may copy a charity’s website in an attempt to financially benefit from those who wish to donate money.
In the past, it may have been relatively easy to spot a fraudulent website, but criminals are now copying websites with increasing precision, making it even harder to spot the difference.
Ronald Noble, Founder of RKN Global, notes the importance of educating the public as to how to determine the legitimacy of a website.
Ways to determine a website’s legitimacy include couble checking domain names, avoiding websites that ask for payments by bank transfer, and being on the lookout for a return policy, as authentic websites will tell you where to return an item. However, until recently it has seemed as though only those who have a keen eye for understanding what a fake website looks like could be relatively safe.
There are attempts to protect against fake websites using technology. One example of such technological change has started to come into effect. The ‘Quad 9 Domain Name System’ service has been backed by IBM, the Global Cyber Alliance and the Packet Clearing House. It is a free service that allows people to change their home routers’ settings so that the address of any website they come across can be checked.
The new service, also known as the ‘Quad 9’, has been created in a bid to prevent people from accessing the millions of malicious websites that are just waiting to take money, bank details, and identity from innocent web users.
The Global Cyber Alliance’s President and Chief Operating Officer recently said that “Anyone can use [the Quad 9 Service]”. Although the service may not have a huge impact on malware that uses ever-changing DNS addresses, it does offer a very basic level of protection that could help innocent web users avoid falling victim to fraudsters’ schemes.
