Post by: krissel on October 07, 2012, 12:21:42 AM
In my case, I have separate credit card numbers for each place I do business so the hackers wouldn't get far. Nonetheless, there are a lot of ways one can fall prey to this kind of hack. And even if they don't get to your hardware they can still do damage to your online accounts.
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/08/app...an-hacking/all/
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/08/mat...ta-recovery/all
Post by: chriskleeman on October 07, 2012, 08:27:18 AM
And it doesn't stop there.
I've only recently begun to take my passwords much more seriously, which is a result of how many possible bots and spammers we see trying to get into the TS forum on a regular basis.
On that subject, by example: Here at TS, we have had a few periods, especially early this summer, of activity from certain IP addresses that have been hackers or bots trying to take over member accounts. Paddy did most of the heavy lifting, but we were seeing locked accounts here daily for quite a while from multiple attempts to get into those accounts. It became necessary to ban those IP addresses through the Forum software, as that same software limits the the number of log-in attempts, and many of the Admin/Moderator accounts were the ones being hit.
So on Paddy's recommendation, I strengthened the password here and other places I visit regularly on the internet.
But really, this gentleman's experience shows, even with a stronger password, how easily our digital lives can be turned upside down in a matter of minutes. As such, I'm definitely going to revisit the security settings at all the sites I use on a regular basis.
And, of course, back-up, back-up, back-up!!!
Chris
Post by: eric j on October 07, 2012, 10:03:22 AM
eric j
Post by: daryl66 on October 07, 2012, 01:23:02 PM
QUOTE(chriskleeman @ Oct 7 2012, 08:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A very chilling read, Kris. This is vital information for many of us here and anyone with a Google, iCloud or Amazon account and/or an Apple ID is at risk.
But really, this gentleman's experience shows, even with a stronger password, how easily our digital lives can be turned upside down in a matter of minutes. As such, I'm definitely going to revisit the security settings at all the sites I use on a regular basis.
And, of course, back-up, back-up, back-up!!!
Chris
But really, this gentleman's experience shows, even with a stronger password, how easily our digital lives can be turned upside down in a matter of minutes. As such, I'm definitely going to revisit the security settings at all the sites I use on a regular basis.
And, of course, back-up, back-up, back-up!!!
Chris
I was particularly interested in the "Amazon" portion of this guy's experience. I have always been concerned with Amazon. They do recognize "us" when their site is accessed, however anytime we purchase anything one of the options that is available is the ability to "delete all of the credit card info". While it is a bit of a pain to do that every time, and hopefully they do in fact do delete it, it does raise the comfort level a little bit.
I recently replaced "Her" lost iPad and expect delivery of "Her" iPhone 5 later this month. Intend to set up iCloud for her MBP, iPad, iPhone, primarily so her calendar and contacts stay synced. Also intend to create a new, different and much more complex Apple id for that endeavorer. Twitter definantly not an issue BECAUSE it is not now nor will it ever be used.
Daryl
Post by: Xairbusdriver on October 07, 2012, 02:45:21 PM
You're being involved with your Dad's care and my poorly named thread probably aided your missing it last Summer.QUOTE
They do recognize "us" when their site is accessed
That's a simple 'cookie' on your drive. Just delete them all or individually and block them from third-party sites. See any browser's Prefs.This hack still "smells" to me. First, I find it very hard to believe this "expert" could be so stupid as to not have any backups. Second, the "hacker" just happened to be a neighbor who he could talk with very easily. Third, he makes his living by writing stories about tech... strangely convenient to be the 'source' and the 'reporter.'
However, the whole thing at least brought to light the problems with both Amazon's and Apple's procedures, which they claim to have changed and educated those who use them. As I said, since this still "smells" to me, I suspect that is what the whole affair was supposed to be about. I guess he couldn't get anyone else to agree to be the fall guy and/or idiot.
Post by: krissel on October 07, 2012, 10:11:47 PM
Post by: Xairbusdriver on October 08, 2012, 09:09:44 AM
I was going to do the 'chiding' part via PM. I feared I was too negative and certainly didn't intend to cause bad feelings. Many of us know the extra duties we sometimes accept with love and care for our families. My 'cute' thread names and verbose style probably cause many to skip my epistles, truth be known!
Post by: chriskleeman on October 08, 2012, 09:19:46 AM
I had somehow missed your earlier thread as well, fyi.
And I definitely don't feel guilty either, I'm way too busy for that! 
However, might it be a good idea to merge the two topics?
Let us know,
Chris
