Credit reporting agency Equifax has introduced an online tool bar for consumers to determine the safety levels of Web sites before they reveal personal information that could make them vulnerable to fraud.
The toolbar, which can be downloaded from Equifax's Web site for free, is powered by US Internet service provider EarthLink.
The bar includes EarthLink's ScamBlocker program which alerts consumers to known or suspected phisher sites and provides information on the safety level of each visited Web site. The tool accesses an encrypted database of known and suspected fraudulent Web sites that is frequently updated, to help protect users from the latest scams and attempts at identity theft.
The application also includes a pop-up blocker and a SpyAudit application that runs an analysed audit report detailing all spyware programs on user PCs.
Vince Corica, group executive, personal solutions, Equifax, comments: "In an age where phishing scams and online fraud are becoming increasingly prevalent, the Equifax Toolbar is a free offering that empowers online consumers to become more effective guardians of their confidential information and privacy."