IT security firm CipherTrust has launched PhishRegistry.org, an online "neighbourhood watch" scheme that will monitor the content of legitimate websites and alerts companies when attempts to duplicate their websites are detected. Organisations are then able to use these alerts to actively inform customers of phishing attacks. Additionally, users are able to register their own websites, as well as other legitimate websites that they may use such as financial institutions. The move is seen as necessary to combat the growing problem of phishing scams.
"Online fraud is a race between the bad guys, who rush to post false sites to snare unsuspecting users, and the good guys - legitimate businesses protecting their brand and their customers," said Dr. Paul Judge, chief technology officer at CipherTrust.
"Think of PhishRegistry.org as a 'neighborhood watch' that dramatically speeds the pace at which organizations are notified of phishing attempts - a significant advantage in the race to ensure trust in the Internet and in online communications."