The reputation of UK brands can be trashed as a result
ofphishing attacks, says a survey of web
2,000 users.
But consumers believe they and their ISPs should take some
responsibility for tackling phishing threats.
Phishing attacks are e-mail scams that attempt to defraud
consumers of their personal information, such as bank account
details, by pretending to have been sent by a trustworthy entity
such as a bank or credit lender.
The online survey by YouGov, on behalf of messaging security
firm Cloudmark, found that 42% of those questioned would feel that
their trust in a brand would be greatly reduced if they received a
phishing e-mail claiming to be from that company.
The survey, however, also showed that 26% of consumers felt that
they should take some responsibility for protection against
phishing attacks. Another 23% said their service provider should
take responsibility, with 17% citing the sender's service provider
as being responsible.
Among its own user base, Cloudmark said the Natwest brand was
the most widely used for phishing attacks in the UK.