I don’t like to use Comcast Email or go to the Comcast Homepage much because if and when I ever switch ISPs, I would need to get a new email address and let everyone know. I’ve gone through email address changes before and it is a pain in the neck. Normal users worry about virus software and adware, but this stuff is on a different level.
So today I woke up to find that Comcast.net, the Comcast Homepage for users, was hacked. WTF?! Comcast is I believe the largest, hugest, most technically advanced ISP on the planet and they get their Comcast email site hacked. There was a message on the homepage saying This Site Is Under Construction and Coming Soon but of course no mention of it being hacked. They should be offering Free Credit Monitoring soon as well as recommending that everyone change their password.
Let this be a reminder to all of you to use a very strong password for your emails. Passwords should be complex and NOT something like your birth date, anniversary or pet’s name. People try to think of something they can remember and they make it too easy for a hacker. You should also change your email account password regularly. Once a month is reasonable. Some companies wit private data, such as health care providers and financial organizations, force password changes on their users weekly.
The hacking of Comcast Email service shows just how vulnerable a company with security issues can be. Most computer users just don’t understand how important it is to create strong usernames and passwords for their accounts. Even though companies, and internet service providers (ISPs) like Comcast, use some of the most advanced email security solutions available, hackers can and will still get through if they want to. The point is not to make it easy for them.
Though high tech security tools are used, the truth with companies such as Comcast is that much of their technical infrastructure includes a bunch of older, legacy equipment that is hacked together to save on costs. Having worked in IT for years, I saw first hand how spending on technology gets placed on the back burner which sometimes causes security issues. IT staff is forced to make the best of the security tools they have available to them.
The Comcast web email security issues demonstrates to us again that it’s vital for us to do what we can to protect ourselves with effective online caution and solutions. Changing your passwords regularly and avoiding simple passwords are an easy email security solution that will help. Hopefully Comcast Email users won’t have any issues because of this email security breach.
