Microsoft Corp. today announced that three new data providers, Cyota Inc., Internet Identity and MarkMonitor Inc., will be regularly providing Microsoft with information on confirmed phishing Web sites as part of efforts to help enhance the protection offered by Microsoft� Phishing Filter and Microsoft SmartScreen� Technology. Microsoft Phishing Filter, introduced in July 2005, helps protect customers from phishing scams when they are browsing the Internet and is available via the Phishing Filter Add-in for the MSN Search Toolbar, which launched in final release today, and the upcoming release of Windows� Internet Explorer 7 for Windows Vista� and Windows XP Service Pack 2, both currently in beta 1 testing. The phishing information provided by the phishing data providers will also be used to help Microsoft SmartScreen Technology detect phishing scams in e-mail sent to MSN� Hotmail� and Windows Live� Mail beta customers. This cooperation underscores Microsoft�s goal of continuing to work with a number of organizations to employ an effective mix of data sources and other resources to help protect customers.

Phishing, a fast-growing class of online fraud and identity theft, often uses fake Web sites 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.