Website Domain Names Stolen From Hosts Identity Theft Protection Expert www.IDTheftSecurity.com

31 Jul 2008 · 2 min

Watch on YouTube

1:31

This content was created by Robert Siciliano. This content was uploaded by Robert Siciliano. This is a YouTube video titled "Website Domain Names Stolen From Hosts Identity Theft Protection Expert www.IDTheftSecurity.com" (uploaded 2008-07-31). It is a short interview/conversation between a host/interviewer and Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, about a domain name system (DNS) flaw that can redirect users to spoofed bank websites and expose online banking credentials. Siciliano explains the risk and gives consumer advice (keep your OS and antivirus updated, monitor bank/credit card statements, and contact financial institutions about unauthorized charges).

Well, there's a major security gap and it was just discovered on the internet. Right now hackers are stealing personal information from people who are doing their online banking. High-tech companies are scrambling to fix the problem, planning an emergency meeting next week. With me now is Robert Siciliano. He's the CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com. All right, Robert, what exactly is going wrong? Explain this to us.
Well, what has been discovered is a flaw in the domain name system that allows a hacker to basically redirect what you what you type into your web browser. So for example, if you type in yourbankname.com, it may very well redirect you to a spoofed bank's website or a fraudulent website designed to extract your username and password.
Pretty scary thing. What can I at home do if in fact this is something that I might face or a risk that I face every day?
Well, this really is out of the control of the consumer, but what you should be doing is making sure that your own operating system on your own computer is updated. Make sure that your own virus protection is updated. Paying close attention to your credit card statements, to all of the different online accounts that you have, and make sure that if there's anything going on in any of those accounts, that you call up that bank or credit card company to refute any unauthorized charges.
All right, Robert Siciliano, great advice. My husband just said to me the other day, he said, "Honey, have you ever reconciled, you know, a bank statement?" And frankly, I need to start doing that because you've given me some great advice. All right, Robert, thanks so much.