Recently, one of the
largest Internet hacking schemes was uncovered. Overseas hackers were found to
have stolen 1.2 billion Internet usernames and passwords. This means that,
unless you change your usernames and passwords, the hackers can sign into your
e-mail or social media accounts and send spam from your e-mail address. Hackers
might even pose as your e-mail contacts and send spams to you. To protect
yourself from hackers, change your usernames and passwords for your e-mail and
Internet accounts. Avoid any strange or out-of-place messages that you receive
from your online contacts. Do not be swayed by advertisements or be tempted by
spam.
Such incidents of
hacking remind us to always be on our guard and protect our personal and
financial information. To avoid falling prey to hackers, do not use the same
password for more than one account. If your online account providers give the
option, elect for a two-step authentication log requiring two passwords. Change
your passwords regularly to frustrate persistent hacking attempts. Finally, be
sure to monitor your credit report regularly. If a hacker is able to steal
enough of your information to open an account in your name, regular credit
checks will help you find and correct the problem as quickly as possible.
READERS,
what do you think?
Does widespread hacking
make you want to be more careful online? In what ways?
Have you been a victim
of hacking? What did you do the fix the problem?
Reference:
O’Toole, J., &
Pagliery, J. (2014, August 6). Russian Criminals Steal 1.2 billion Passwords. CNN Money. Retrieved from http://money.cnn.com/2014/08/05/technology/security/russian-hackers-theft/index.html?hpt=hp_t1.
