Enhanced phishing protection for Windows, MSN and Windows Live

Microsoft announced yesterday that three new data providers, Cyota, Internet Identity, and MarkMonitor will supply phishing website data for Microsoft Phishing* Filter and SmartScreen Technology services.

The service is currently available via the Phishing Filter Add-in for the MSN Search Toolbar, which launched in final release yesterday, and the upcoming release of Windows Internet Explorer (IE7) for Windows Vista and Windows XP Service Pack 2, both currently in beta 1 testing.

The phishing information provided by the data providers will also be used to help Microsoft SmartScreen Technology detect phishing scams in email sent to MSN, Hotmail and Windows Live Mail beta customers.

* Phishing, a fast-growing class of online fraud and identity theft, often uses fake websites that resemble those of legitimate businesses, financial institutions or other trusted organizations to trick victims into disclosing sensitive personal and financial information that can then be used for criminal activity. Phishing sites can often last as little as a few hours or a few days before they are shut down, making real-time browser protection critical to help effectively safeguard users.

[Via Microsoft]