How do you know if an email is really from the person or company that you think he is? Email spoofing is a big issue these days. Almost everyone received an email claiming to be from a trusted entity such as eBay, PayPal, Chase, or a member of the Canadian parliament. How do you know if it's for real?
Google is working on a solution. Initially it has implemented the technology to ensure that email from your Gmail account with eBay and PayPal is really coming from eBay and PayPal. It works through a process of authentication standards; essentially, eBay and PayPal have keys and Google has the lock. Only e-mails which the keys will be compatible with the lock and the wind in your inbox. It is a good first step, and we applaud Google, PayPal and eBay to work together to fight against electronic identity theft.
At this stage, it works only via Google's Gmail, and only with email from eBay and PayPal. Internet security software is another layer of protection you can use to help identify phishing emails and cancel their effects. To find those that offer the best protection, see our Internet security software reviews.