Well this might be considered “encouraging” if it weren’t so discouraging. According to a report, 48% of over 22 million computers scanned were infected with malware used in phishing scams and password stealing apps.

I’ve preached this over and over – your anti-virus is only 1 layer of security. Don’t be lulled into a false sense. You have to stay vigilant and aware of layered security. The first layer is always common sense. Preventing 99% of phishing schemes is easy – read how here.

The main point is that you need to be aware of security even if you are just a casual computer user. I get on my technology soap box all of the time and try to preach about “prevention” since there is not a “cure all” solution except staying off the ‘net – and we can’t do that now can we?

There is only 1 printed magazine that I subscribe to anymore – that is Wired Magazine. For some reason, I just enjoy reading the articles and the layout.

This month’s issue contained a very interesting article on a guy name Max Butler. To quickly summarize – when the Fed’s busted him, his laptop had over 1 million credit card numbers. If you want an interesting read into the mind of someone who basically took over the underground market, then read the article.

There is also a cool 4 minute video that shows the machines used to actually print the plastic cards.

One Hacker’s Audacious Plan to Rule the Black Market in Stolen Credit Cards
http://www.wired.com/techbiz/people/magazine/17-01/ff_max_butler?currentPage=all

Second video discussing CardersMarket.com
http://www.identitytheftsecrets.com/cardersmarket-identitytheft-second-video.html

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Other Helpful Links
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FINANCIAL CRIMES REPORT TO THE PUBLIC
FISCAL YEAR 2006
http://www.fbi.gov/publications/financial/fcs_report2006/financial_crime_2006.htm#Identity

Facts and Stats
By Identity Theft Resource Center
http://www.idtheftcenter.org/artman2/publish/m_facts/Facts_and_Statistics.shtml

Visa Zero Liability
http://usa.visa.com/personal/security/visa_security_program/zero_liability.html

Visa Tips for Your Protection
http://usa.visa.com/personal/security/learn-the-facts/protection-tips/index.html