Russian Hackers Said To Haul In Over a Billion Stolen Emails, Passwords

A group of Russian hackers has reportedly amassed what may be the largest collection of stolen Internet credentials ever: 1.2 billion user names and passwords, plus 500 million email addresses. Hold Security, a Wisconsin-based information security company that uncovered the stash...

The other media reports I have heard say that the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT is blaming the Russians.

Sorry, but it is a commentary on the ineptness of Team Obama and its sycophant media that I have a difficult time BELIEVING THEM.

This smells like a "blame the Russians" ploy, used because the regime has had its collective butt kicked by Putin over the past six years.

Am I wrong?

Rule #1 on the web: Never use a password twice.

Step 1. Lets say you use the same password on a forum as you do your online banking. If the forum gets hacked then the bad guys have your email address and password.

Step 2. They log into your email account using that same password, and find emails from your bank.

Step 3. They log into your bank with the password you’ve been using everywhere else.

Step 4. They empty your account and you have a very bad day.

Rule #1 on the web: Never use a password twice.

Agreed but becomes impractical with multiple web sites. This is MY SUGGESTION (apply at your own risk!)

1) If the login is for a website that you only get information FROM and does not have ANY personal info, using a default password does no harm.

2) Use an encrypted password manager with a very strong, unrevealed password for access that is UNIQUE to you (don't share)!
---2a) Make sure that the database can handle password 'suggestions' and has provision for multiple-page logins.
---2b) If you have smart phone, tablet or other devices, make sure that the database can be shared by the devices.
---2c) Make as sure as possible that you can remotely 'wipe' the mobile device should it be lost!
---2d) DO NOT USE the 4 number unlock for the mobile device if there is ANY chance of loss!

3) Use the password generator to generate the passwords for all logins and security that you wish to keep secure.

4) Change your password periodically, especially the ones that relate to MONEY!

---

I use 1Password as I am a Mac user although there is a version of this for Windows. Remember that whatever you do and anything you do will make you just that much better protected. Having said that, NOTHING is perfect, if someone, especially government, has their eye on you, very likely you are toast!

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.