Recent media reports have thrown light on some very disturbing facts. No less than 500 billion people have had their data stolen in 2014 from Yahoo by computer hackers. These hackers have swiped personal information associated with half billion accounts with the Internet giant. The hackers revealed names, e-mail addresses, phone numbers, birth dates and, security questions and answers. It is frightening to know how your stolen data may be put to use. What can be done to prevent this from happening? One suggestion is to keep changing your password frequently. Notwithstanding these problems of data theft, we rely on Information Technology for information, correspondence, communication and much more.
Recently I had a call from someone purporting to be from Microsoft. He asked me to turn on my computer and give him access 'to fix errors'. When asked what company he was from, he said Microsoft: knowing it was a scam, I tried to wind him up by repeatedly asking him his name and the company he worked for. The caller got quite nasty and was verbally abusive then put the phone down. Always ask the name, company and the person’s contact number. Then say you will ring the person back. If he is genuine, he will provide the details. Failing that, tell him to take a running jump!
Dinesh Sheth
Newbury Park, Ilford
