FINANCIAL CRISIS AND BANK ACQUISITIONS CREATING CYBER SCAMS

What You Need To Know About Cyber Security In America *** October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month *** THE HONORABLE GREG GARCIA, Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Communications, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) PAMELA JACKSON, Director, Consumer Products, Symantec Corporation Background: Phishing scams related to recent bank acquisitions are on the rise in the United States. Due to the recent activity, The National Cyber Security Alliance would like to remind users to remain cautious when receiving unsolicited email that could be a potential phishing scam. Phishing scams may appear as requests for users to verify personal and bank account information, enroll in additional bank services, or activate new security features. The email messages may contain a link that, when clicked, will take the user to a fraudulent web site that appears to be a legitimate bank web site. The users may be asked to provide personal information or that can further expose them to future compromises. Additionally, these fraudulent web sites may contain malicious code. As the Internet continues to permeate every aspect of our life, governments, home users, businesses and educators are increasingly looking to learn how they can enjoy the benefits of the Internet while safeguarding themselves against the risks. While too often cyber security is viewed as complex and unattainable, this must not get in the way of our shared responsibility government, private sector, consumers to improve the security and resiliency of our cyber infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has joined forces with the National Cyber Security Alliance and other partners in government and industry to help Americans improve their understanding of what they can do to protect their computers, data and our critical infrastructure. For more information, please visit http://www.staysafeonline.org MORE ABOUT ASSISTANT SECRETARY GREG GARCIA: Greg Garcia was appointed by President George W. Bush in September 2006 to be America’s first Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Communications. In this capacity, Assistant Secretary Garcia oversees the National Cyber Security Division, the National Communications System, and the Office of Emergency Communications at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Garcia, a member of the Department of Homeland Security Leadership Team, is a nationally renowned cyber security expert who has dedicated his career to educating Americans and the global business community on the importance of cyber security to our global economy and our national security. MORE ABOUT PAMALA JACKSON: Pamela Jackson serves as director of Consumer Products for Symantec, makers of Norton security software. In this role, she is responsible for global strategy and marketing for Symantec’s award-winning consumer security products. Jackson holds a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor of science degree in electronics and computer science technology from San Jose State University in California. She is a member of the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), Symantec Womens Action Network (SWAN) and Delta Sigma Theta, a non-profit public service organization.