Computer and Information Security Handbook, 3rd Edition

Chapter e59

Identity Theft

Markus Jakobsson¹, and Alex Tsow^{2,a     1}Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States     ²The MITRE Corporation, Mclean, VA, Unites States

Abstract

This chapter focuses on identity manipulation tactics in email and Web pages. It describes the effects of features ranging from URL plausibility to trust endorsement graphics on a population of 398 subjects. The experiment presents these trust indicators in a variety of stimuli, since reactions vary according to context. In addition to testing specific features, the test gauges the potential of a tactic that spoofs third-party contractors rather than a brand itself. The results show that indeed graphic design can change authenticity evaluations and that its impact varies ...