Communications purporting to be from popular social web sites, auction sites, online payment processors or IT Administrators are commonly used to lure the unsuspecting public. Phishing is typically carried out by e-mail or instant messaging, and it often directs users to enter details at a fake website whose look and feel are almost identical to the legitimate one.
It may require tremendous skill to detect that the website is fake. A Commoncraft video’s explains phishing in plain English…

So how to be safe in online. These are the step i used to follow to be safe in online.
Step 1: Using Google
Generally I use Google to avoid phishing and spamming site. Whenever i want to login my online Bank account or just any site, i just Google it and click the top link from the search. Hoping Google won’t allow spam and phishing site. Also i have bookmarked the home page in Google. So it shows how may times i have clicked the pages. So no worry at all.

By this way i will avoid visiting unwanted sites because of  a misspelling.

Step 2: Always use latest version of browser
Firefox and chrome shows warning about possible attack sites. Chrome updates itself whenever new updates are available. Although this seems to be least important update will patch any security issues with the browsers.
Step 3: Using Firefox add-ons
Using Firefox add-ons like  WOT, Web of Trust or free Avg antivirus toolbars and add-ons we can potentially avoid phishing and malware sites. WOT warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. Protect your computer against online threats by using WOT as your front-line layer of protection when browsing or searching in unfamiliar territory. WOT’s color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites – green to go, yellow for caution and red to stop – helping you avoid the dangerous sites. Surf safer and add WOT to your Firefox now.
Step 4: Using firewall
Firewall helps to reduce unauthorized access to your computer. You can use free comodo personal firewall or try a trial version zonealaram and buy a professional version if you are satisfied. I use comodo firewall as a primary firewall and it does a pretty good job.
Any suggestion ? Any comments ?