The event, sponsored by Charles Schwab, Ernst & Young, Mail Frontier, RSA and Symantec, included more than fifty executives from consumer-facing and security-focused companies that recognize the need to create a safe environment for digital communications with customers. Sessions included a review of the current state of phishing and spoofing trends followed by an overview of current consumer education efforts and new ideas with broader reach to educate a mass audience on the dangers of phishing.
"Nearly half of our users said they don't know if they have been targeted by phishing attacks in a recent MSN study, pointing to a real need for consumer education," said Jacqueline Beauchere, senior marketing manager, Safety Technology and Strategy Group for Microsoft.
"Phishing continues to be a growing problem that requires a combination of solutions at various levels -- from elements built into authentic communications that can't be replicated by phishers to protection at the desktop level," said Matthew Moynahan, vice president, Consumer Products and Solutions, Symantec Corp. "Consumer education also plays a crucial role in preventing computer users from becoming victims of phishing, and coordination between members of the security industry, the financial sector, e-commerce, and the government to help educate computer users is vital to developing an effective plan of action against phishing threats."
"An educated consumer is the first line of defense and a key way to stop phishing in its tracks," said Kris Bortz, Vice President, Global E-commerce, Visa International.
"Phishing and ID theft are eroding trust in the Internet. This industry has no intention of sitting by while consumers lose money and piece of mind to scam artists," said Fran Maier, executive director, TRUSTe. "The response to this summit has been simply overwhelming. These businesses want to do right by their customers and end the free ride for those who prey on the public's trust in reputable companies."
"The threats of phishing and identity theft are widespread and these problems can affect all organizations," said Brian Tretick, principal, Technology & Security Risk Services for Ernst & Young. "Organizations might feel helpless as their brands are hijacked, but there are steps that can be taken to re-gain control over their customer relationships. It is important that organizations effectively communicate the dangers of phishing with their employees, with their business partners, and most importantly with consumers."
"Phishing and spoofing are serious threats to our ability to provide that security for our customers. We will take all necessary steps to stop attacks through technical safeguards like blocking access to phishing sites and scams, and by educating consumers about how to stay safe online," said Tatiana S. Platt, chief trust officer and senior vice president, integrity assurance for AOL. "AOL has always been committed to providing a safe environment for people to gain the benefits of digital communication,"
"We've worked hard to develop systems to curtail phishing attacks and save our banks and cardholders from incurring losses," said Ravi Aurora, vice president of Security and Risk Services at MasterCard International. "But fighting fraud continues to be a shared responsibility. Through collaboration in conferences like this, we can build a safer and more trusted environment for online commerce."
Other companies participating in the Phish Fry include American Express, Washington Mutual, eBay/Pay Pal, Monster.com, McAfee and DoubleClick.
