Introduction

Security Alert: Beware of PHISHING

NEW Services for 2005

Contest

Post Election Web Sites

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Inaugural Campaign HQ e-Newsletter

This is the first of what we plan to be a bi-monthly e-newsletter from TheCampaignHQ.com. In it, we plan to address what we feel to be important and interesting issues from the world of political campaigning, primarily focusing on information technology concerns and ideas. We also plan to keep people updated on what's going on at TheCampaignHQ.com. If you ever want to be dropped from the mailing list, just send us a note at NewsLetter@TheCampaignHQ.com, and we will be happy to remove you from the list.

Security Alert: Beware of PHISHING

Phishing is a high-tech scam. Generally the "phisher" uses an e-mail message to try and trick you into giving out sensitive information like your passwords, credit card numbers, bank account information, or Social Security number.

Phishing is nothing new, it used to be known simply as identity theft and the perpetrators usually did it over the telephone. Someone would call up and pretend to be from the bank asking you to confirm your account information, credit card numbers, PIN numbers, or passwords. The scam was limited by the amount of time it took to call each person, so identity theft never really took off until the advent of e-mail and web sites, which meant identity theft has become much more profitable and therefore widespread. Unfortunately, it is now an everyday occurrence.

Here's how it works:

• You'll receive an e-mail message that looks like it's from a business or organization that you deal with like your internet service provider (ISP), AOL, MSN, Yahoo, and Earthlink, your bank e.g. Citibank, Westpac, your online payment service, e.g. PayPal, or a government agency
• The message usually says that you need to "update" or "validate" your account information. There's usually a threat they will do something bad if you don't respond within a short period of time, such as close your account or charge you a fine.
• When you click on the link in the e-mail and it takes you to a web site that looks just like the legitimate organization's site, but it's a carefully constructed fake. This fake site tricks you into entering your personal information. Using this information, the scammer can then steal your identity and run up bills or commit crimes in your name.

Phishing is becoming big business. In September 2003, the US Federal Trade Commission reported that "9.9 million U.S. residents were victims of identify theft during the previous year, costing businesses and financial institutions $48 billion and consumers $5 billion in out-of-pocket expenses."

So how do you avoid phishing scams?

1. Be suspicious of all e-mails requesting personal information of any kind. If in doubt, delete it.
2. Check carefully the URLs (links to websites). They might be links to fake web sites. (EXAMPLE: www.TheWhiteHouse.gov, even though this clearly says if is going to the White House if you click on the link, you will be taken to our web site)
3. Even if it is from an institution that you use, like your bank or your ISP, telephone them to confirm that they did indeed send out a message. If the message asks you to enter confidential information about yourself, such as your password or PIN number, it is almost certainly a scam. Institutions like these almost never ask for such information over the internet.
4. Don't give your account details to anyone without contacting them first by telephone and making sure the e-mail is legitimate.
5. Install security software. Nowadays, you need a firewall and an antivirus as much as you need locks on your doors at home. You wouldn't go out leaving all your doors open, would you?

Some phishing e-mails contain software that can track your activities on the Internet without you knowing about it, so make sure you're screening your incoming mail with up-to-date antivirus software. You need anti-virus software that recognizes the latest, and that updates automatically.

A firewall blocks all communications from unauthorized sources and helps make you invisible on the internet. A firewall is especially important if you have a high-speed Internet connection. Hackers love to take over broadband machines because then they can use them to spread spam even faster!

There are a number of excellent antivirus and firewall products on the market. We recommend Norton Internet Security. It is an anti virus/firewall combo. Norton offers a top notch product that is flexible and has great update features.

New Services for a New Year!

In 2005, TheCampaignHQ.com will be rolling out several new services. In addition to our world class web site design, e-contributions and e-mail marketing campaigns we are adding the following services:

• Yard Sign Design & Printing
• Business Cards & Post Cards
• Hand Bill & Door Hanger Design & Printing
• Bumper Sticker Design & Printing
• Other promotional items like buttons, tee-shirts, coffee mugs and pens

We offer very competitive prices on these services. By having all of your design work done in one place, you ensure a consistent look and message for your campaign.

2005 Contest

Congratulations to Skylar Woods from I.C. Woods & Associates who was the winner in our summer contest. Skyler chose the Apple IPOD for her prize. We are currently planning our 2005 summer contest right now. If anyone has any suggestions for prizes please let us know what you'd like. Please keep ideas in the $300 - $600 range.

Post Election Web Sites

So the election is over and you were a winner... GO TEAM! What do you do with your web site now? We advise our candidates to keep their web site live year round.

Why? The web site can be an effective way to keep voters informed of current issues and help build a base for the next election.

How?

1. Avoid making the web site overtly re-election oriented - go for a more issue and personal web site.
2. Set up an e-newsletter to keep voters informed of important issues that come up.
3. Include personal things like family photos, information on recent vacations, and events in the district.
4. Don't ask for money! Keep things light and informal, but make sure if someone wants to donate they can do so.
5. If there is time to maintain it, think about starting a BLOG (Web Log) to keep a running conversation going with the folks back home.

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