PROTECT YOUR DATA

We've had a few instances of members/friends/subscribers having their mailing lists exploited by con artists. Here is a cardinal rule: do not use the same password on your various password-entry accounts - especially your banking and other financial accounts. For example, it is fairly easy to steal your password if you have a FACEBOOK or TWITTER account. You get a real-appearing e-mail saying so-and-so wants to be your friend or follower, and you are then directed to click on a link to go to your account to accept or reject so-and-so. And at that link you must, as usual, enter your account name and password. But it is not a legitimate web page - and instantly you have compromised your information for the con artist to exploit. If you are using the same account name and password for your AOL, GMAIL or other accounts, in a few minutes that data too is available - and AOL and some of the other mailing programs store your address book online (so that you can use your account away from home on any computer). Voila - your mailing list is now usable for any purpose. And from that list they can find your bank, your broker, your lawyer, and other names that can help them truly mess up your life. Be safe - be secure - change your passwords 4 or 5 times a year, and use a different password for each of your vital accounts.