“Save the regret. Separate your e-mail accounts.”
Over the weekend, Epsilon notified millions of customers that the company had experienced a break-in and email addresses were stolen. One consequence is that now it’s open season for phishing! Now, instead of using bait to “catch” personal information, a more direct line of attack against your private information exists.
You can avoid having your sensitive material, including your email address, exposed in this or some similar way. Josh Kaplan, President of RESCUECOM, strongly recommends that you take immediate action to set up a separate e-mail address for all online transactions – and ONLY use this address for online transactions. You should be aware that it is not safe to give your personal e-mail address used by your friends and family to any company.
Even “reputable” companies with whom you may have been doing business for years should not be given your personal email address. Companies regularly outsource their e-mail communication. For example, companies such as Marriott, JPMorgan Chase, Walgreens, Capital One, and others contracted with Epsilon to manage their email information and send out e-mail blasts to customers. Rather than directly overseeing the security of this information base, a third party is involved, thereby increasing the chances of compromised data.
Unfortunately, for many people, such as those affected by the recent data breaches at Epsilon, this warning may come too late. Be sure that you set up a separate email address for those online business transactions today. Consider setting up a new personal address as well if your existing address has already been compromised.
About RESCUECOM:
RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.
For More Information, Contact:
David Milman, CEO
315-882-1100
david@rescuecom.com
Filed under: computer help, Computer Support, Internet Security, phishing, rescuecom, rescuecom.com, security, tips, Uncategorized