Pharming is a scam practice where malicious code is installed on a personal computer or server, which redirects you to fraudulent websites without your knowledge or consent. The aim is to have you enter personal information on the fake website, such as a credit card number, bank account number, or password, which could lead to identity theft.
Unlike phishing, in pharming, a larger number of computers can be targeted because there's no need to individually attack each person, and no conscious action is required from each individual.
Some significant signs of pharming are:
- Pharming websites appear slightly different from legitimate sites, using different colors, logos, or graphics. Moreover, the URL of the website might be slightly altered. For instance, a pharming site could have spelling errors.
- A common feature among all these sites is the use of "http" instead of "https" in their URLs, meaning they use an insecure connection.
This is why it's important to consider the following:
- Keep your applications and operating system up to date on your devices.
- Clear your browser cache before using a new internet connection.
- Remember to install antivirus and antimalware software on your device and keep it active and updated.