Hacking

Have I been hacked?

Hacking is when someone steals or gets hold of your password or account details and then looks at your personal information. If it happens to you it is never nice.  They may even pretend to be you and start to talk to your online contacts using your profile. 

A few simple steps …

However there are many things you can do to protect yourself and not fall foul of the hackers.  Here are a few simple steps:

• make your passwords strong – use a word that is special to you, add numbers to it and even some capital letters and keep it to yourself
• if you use a computer that others use then don’t save your profile on that computer – many sites let you save your details automatically but avoid this if others can use the same computer or laptop
• don’t put your passwords or other log in details on mobile phones where it is easy to find if your phone is lost or stolen
• and if you are in any doubt that an email account has been “hacked” or that postings are being made that you didn’t make then close that account and start again.  It can be annoying to have to tell all your friends about your new account or email address but it is a lot better than not knowing who is trying to be you online. 
• if your email has been hacked or you have any suspicion it is also best to tell your service provider and ask for their help and support as well.