Microsoft launches Internet fraud alert system

Microsoft has teamed up with security and consumer groups to set up a centralized service where security researchers can report incidents of internet fraud and hand over stolen personal data.

Internet Fraud Alert, which began operations immediately on its launch on Thursday, is a partnership between Microsoft and the US-based National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance (NCFTA). It is supported by organizations including Accuity, the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG), eBay, the Federal Trade Commission and PayPal, Microsoft said.

With the service, security researchers can use a centralized alert system developed by Microsoft to report stolen data — such as online account login details or credit card numbers — that they come across during their work. They can also use it to notify the financial and other institutions responsible for the compromized accounts, Microsoft said.

For more on this story, read Microsoft launches Internet fraud alert system on ZDNet UK.