How to Test Antiphishing
Phishing emails or instant messages are used by online criminals to lure unsuspecting users into clicking on a link to a bogus website, such as a fake bank website. Phishing websites often successfully extract financial information from people because they appear convincing. Security experts test anti-phishing software by clicking on known phishing links, but this is not recommended for novices. However, the Mozilla Firefox web browser, which protects against phishing, offers a malware test-site feature that allows people to test the software's efficiency without damaging their computer.
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Instructions
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Download Mozilla Firefox version 3 or later. This browser software also protects against other forms of malware and is updated regularly to block new threats. It works by checking websites visited against known malware sites. However, it only works on Firefox. Using another web browser to open mail will not protect you, even if Firefox is installed on the computer.
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Configure the software. Anti-phishing protection should be turned on by default but you can test this on Firefox's security preference panel. Go to "Tools," then click on "Options" and "Security." You are now ready to test the software.
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Test the software. Go to Firefox's Phishing and Malware Protection website (see Resources) and select the "How do I use the phishing and Malware Protection Features?" question. Click on the "phishing test site." The browser should block the test site, demonstrating that your software is working effectively. Bear in mind that no software is 100 percent effective against phishing or other Internet threats. You can protect yourself by not following links sent via email, particularly if they claim to be from banks or other institutions that ask for your credit card or other financial details.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not attempt to test anti-phishing software by following email links from suspicious websites.
