Some nerd.

Hackers and Phishers and Scammers - Oh my!

This past weekend, several friends of mine have had their email, or Facebook accounts compromised. They keep saying that their accounts were hacked, but in reality, they were victims of a phishing scam, or some malware on their computer. This time of year, we’re all looking for some quick cash, getting tons of e-cards from our friends, and in general - we’re stressed out and distracted! Here’s a few tips on making sure your accounts remain under your own control.

Resist the urge to always use the same username and password!

If you use the same username and password combo for your bank account, your facebook page, your gmail, and your WoW guild forums, a phisher / hacker only needs to get a hold of ONE thing, to get access to all your other accounts!

The bank’s security is probably pretty good. Facebook and Gmail are probably not too shabby either. But your WoW guild with their free forum software with all it’s security holes… let’s just say all bets are off.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

When you get that email from Bob McMoneybags saying he signed up for this site, and got a $1000 gift card just for trying out a few offers? Don’t buy it!

Some of these sites are legit, but the vast majority are just gathering and reselling data to mailing lists - or lists of username / password combos.

Change your passwords regularly.

I know - it’s a huge pain to change passwords once a month. But doing so, at least for your most important accounts - bank account, email account, etc. - will save you from having to go back through and get these accounts back from someone later.

Do not keep a Passwords file on your computer!!!!

I know that with all these passwords to remember it’s tempting to store them on your computer, or to let your browser remember them - but resist that urge!

A file on your computer is only as secure as your computer is - and if it’s connected to the internet there is always the remote possibility of downloading something with a virus or malware. If you MUST write your passwords down, you’re better off writing them on a piece of paper, and keeping them in your filing cabinet beside the desk.

These four tips will save you from a world of headaches later on. I would hope it goes without saying that you should scan regularly for viruses and malware as well - things such as keyloggers can lead to major issues no matter HOW careful you are with the tips above.