Software developer targets poker phishing attacks
7th March, 2008
A software developer from the University of Buffalo is developing a new programme that can help protect people who play poker online from phishing attacks.
Criminal gangs use the email attacks to falsely obtain personal security information which can then be used to steal funds.
While they have typically focused on e-banking facilities, onlinecasinoadvisory.com says a growing number of cases have been recorded which involve online poker accounts.
Tackling the problem head-on, Dr Roman Yampolskiy has developed a unique new system which monitors personal gameplay and develops player 'DNA' based on their betting patterns.
Once a gambler's profile has been compiled, Dr Yampolskiy claimed the utility can flag up suspicious behaviour within one hour. He said the system is currently 80 per cent accurate and refinement work is ongoin.
Critics have poured scorn on the utility, however, arguing that it will be ineffective for highly-skilled, unpredictable poker players - and that it could further be adapted to give gamers an unfair advantage by calculating odds for opponents' hands.
Security experts say the best way of protecting against phishing attacks is to ensure spam filters are always switched on and to double check the origin of all suspicious emails.
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