• by April 20, 2005

America Online says it will block identity theft sites and track sites that are suspected of conducting illegal activity. It's all part of a new plan to fight what has become known as "phishing," or the practice of sending phony e-mail and creating fake Web sites to lure personal information from consumers.

AOL will partner with Cyota, a New York-based provider of online security solutions, to help identify and block sites suspected of engaging in identity theft and fraud. Such companies pass themselves off as legitimate, confusing consumers by asking for personal information.

AOL has touted several products and services in the last few months designed to increase the personal security of its members and consumers Web-wide, such as AOL Money Alerts, AOL PassCode, and AOL Official Mail. The company also plans to debut additional security products in the coming months.

The AOL Official Mail feature deploys a different color, icon, and look to identify legitimate and official e-mail from the company versus e-mail from a "phishing" scam. AOL Money Alerts alert members of unusual account activity on their registered bank accounts or credit cards. Members can choose a transaction size and receive alerts via e-mail, instant message, or wireless device. AOL PassCode, introduced recently, offers password protection. The keychain-sized pass code generator creates a six-digit code every 60 seconds that members must enter to access their account. The Minute commends AOL for taking the lead on personal security issues and for continuing to innovate in this arena.