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Course Title:	How to Avoid Phishing Scams and Identity Theft
Instructor:	Richard De A'Morelli
Curriculum:	6 units, plus Syllabus and Final Exam
Time Required:	3-5 weeks
Textbooks:	None
Prerequisites:	None. All students may enroll in this class
CEU Eligibility:	Students who pass the final exam will earn 2 CEUs
Course Fee:	$15.00
Start Date:	No waiting...Enroll now and start learning today!

A cyber crime wave is sweeping the Internet. Online fraud and identity theft complaints soared 20% in 2009 and dollar losses doubled over the previous year. Cyber crooks are becoming more resourceful, and many Web users don't fully understand the dangers lurking in cyberspace. They believe that phishing and identity theft crimes only happen to other people...until it happens to them.

This in-depth course will give participants the knowledge and skills necessary to protect themselves from phishing and identity theft. It will explore the various tools and techniques that fraudsters use to steal passwords and other sensitive information, often with the full cooperation of their victims. This class is aimed at novice users but it is also a suitable refresher for experienced users and those in the corporate workplace.

When you have completed this course, you should be able to:

• Protect yourself against phishing and identity theft
• Safeguard your sensitive information such as passwords and bank accounts
• Learn to think before you respond to a phoney e-mail or click on a malicious Web link
• Know how phishing scams work and why they work so well
• Recognize forged e-mails and fake web sites set up by cyber criminals
• Understand how identity thieves can exploit your personal data
• Learn about increasingly sophisticated cyber crimes such as "spear phishing" and "vishing"
• Prevent fake antivirus popup messages from installing malware on your computer
• Research your bank's website and confirm that it is secure
• Understand why it is important to not post overly revealing comments on Internet blogs and social networks such as Facebook
• Be aware of what law enforcement is doing to combat phishing and identity theft crimes
• Proactively help law enforcement shut down phishing web sites and other cyber scams
• Know how to file a complaint with government agencies if you receive phishing e-mails
• Learn about new cyber crime-fighting technologies such as e-mail authentication, security tokens, and biometrics
• Resolve specific problems with online transactions such as eChecks and Web-based payments
• Know the steps that you should take if you are a victim of phishing or identity theft

Richard De A'Morelli is a web designer/programmer, author, editor, and former reporter. He currently is Webmaster of KSURF Knowledge Web, where he also teaches classes on computer technology, writing, and self-help topics. Richard lives with his wife Barbara on the scenic California Central Coast, where he spends his time surfing the Web, programming, and writing. His leisure interests include woodworking and civic involvement in local planning and land use issues.

Syllabus:  Getting Started (Course Syllabus)

Unit 1: Could YOU Be A Victim of Cybercrime?

• Just How Safe is the Internet?
• We're Not in Kansas Anymore, Toto!
• It's Getting Better All the Time (for Fraudsters)
• In the Beginning...
• A Tsunami of Cybercrime

Unit 2:  Phishing - How It Works and Why It Works

• What is Phishing?
• A Captured Phish
• A Closer Look at Citibank Phishing Schemes
• More Examples of Phishing Emails
• Don't Be A Phishing Victim!

Unit 3:  New Dangers in Cyberspace

• Spear Phishers - Angling to Steal Your Financial Info
• Something's Very Vishy - An Emerging Cybercrime
• Danger Lurks in Pop-up Advertisements
• Social Networking Sites: Playground for Fraudsters
• Fake E-mails from Government Agencies

Unit 4:  How Technology Can Fight Cybercrime

• Overview of Technological Solutions
• Scanning Software
• Server Log Analysis Software
• Email Authentication (Sender ID)
• User Authentication
• Shared Secrets
• Tokens
• Biometrics
• Fingerprint Recognition
• Facial recognition
• Voice Recognition
• Keystroke Recognition
• Conclusions

Unit 5:  Law Enforcement Responses to Identity Theft

• New Laws Combat Online Fraud and Identity Theft
• Increased Penalties and Tools for Law Enforcement
• Industry Responses to Phishing and Identity Theft
• Financial Institution Web Site Alerts
• Combating Cybercrime: Global Network Operates 24/7

Unit 6:  What To Do if You are a Victim of Identity Theft

• How to Tell if You're a Victim of Identity Theft
• Immediate Steps to Take if You Are A Victim
• Tips For Organizing Your Case
• Resolving Specific Problems
• Where to Find Help
• Staying Alert
• Getting Your Credit Report
• Safeguards you Can Take Right Now
• The Doors and Windows Are Locked, But...

Unit 7:  Final Exam

Enroll and start learning today! All course materials will be available when you start the class, so you don't have to wait for weekly lessons and you can truly learn at your own pace. You don't have to be online at any set time; study at your leisure from the comfort or your home or office.

The course curriculum will include tutorial lessons, suggested readings, and optional homework activities. If you are taking the class for enjoyment or self-enrichment, homework is optional but participation is encouraged. Students who approach online learning as an adventure and actively participate will derive the most benefit and enjoyment from online learning. Homework projects, if completed satisfactorily, will earn Extra Credit points which will be added to your Final Exam score and may increase the overall grade you earn in the course.

The Student Handbook provides useful information on how to make the most of your online learning experience at KSURF's Virtual University. Refer to this guide for helpful tips on how to access classrooms, post homework, and answers to most frequently asked questions.