CNN Data Doctor: When Criminals Take Over Your Web Mail Account

I'd like to thanks Bruce for alerting me to this CNN video.

A lot of people use Web mail because of its convenience. Criminals use Web mail too, but not in the way you might expect. Criminals will try to take over your Web mail account. Why? One, they can use it to send spam. Two and more likely, they hope to use your sign-in information (e.g., Web mail username and password) to access your financial and bank accounts. Simply, that's where your money is... and many people use the same sign-in information for several accounts.

The CNN video includes advice about how to prevent criminals from taking over your Web mail account, and what to do if they've already taken over your account. So, a word to the wise:

• Protect your e-mail sign-in information like gold, just as you would protect your sensitive personal data
• Don't use a computer you think might be compromised or infected
• Practice safe Internet surfing habits, so you don't become a sidejacking victim
• Keep the anti-virus software on your home computer up-to-date
• Use strong passwords as part of your Webmail and account sign-in information
• Consider a Fraud Alert or a Security Freeze on your credit reports, if your sensitive personal data has already been stolen or exposed
• Stay current with the identity threats and scams. Reading I've Been Mugged is a good first step
• Realize that you may have to change your identity protection tactics, since criminals change their methods and scams
  

There are several posts in I've Been Mugged that can help you with each item listed above.