Gone Phishin’
We’re not talking about wide-brimmed hats, sun-screened noses and insect repellent. This phishing we’re referring to is bogus email messages used to steal personal information. Think—identity theft.
A new study shows email users open one in every six phishing email messages. Observing over 10,500 participants’ email behavior, the six-month study found the following phishing email open rates:
• social networks - 24.9%
• e-cards - 17.1%
• payment - 16.2%
• financial - 15.5%
• auction - 14.7%
Food for thought: It’s tax season and financial institutions are getting serious about their email marketing campaigns. But targeted phishing messages have a term: Spear phishing.
Naturally, phishing creates a lot of scrutiny. So it’s important to make it clear to recipients that your e-newsletter can be trusted. Include an icon or logo. Authenticate yourself. If your service is one that relays private information or messages, secure your sign-up and sign-in process. Consider using a two-factor user ID process. Whatever you do, email marketers, be sure to differentiate yourself from the bad guys.
Read more about the study by
Posted by MindComet on Feb. 12, 2007