This story really opened my eyes up on all the information access to the internet can give us. The fact that the hackers used two big name companies, Apple and Amazon, in order to hack Mr. Honan just baffles me. Why don’t these companies have a better online security interface seeing as they are two of the most used on the entire internet? My other question is why only protect an account with public information? By public information, I mean a billing address or the last 4 numbers of a credit card. Some people may not think the last 4 is public information, but just look how many places the card is used. Its really not too difficult to take a peak at the numbers while, lets say, working on a cash register. The fact that Amazon literally gave them the last 4 numbers of the credit card just through the use of fake information is ridiculous. AppleCare really should have required more information in order to access Mr. Honan’s account. The fact that the hackers actually got in and erased all his data makes me feel for him, but I say that he is not at fault. The companies that have allowed this to happen are at fault. Now lets get to how the got all this back.
I was amazed that Mr. Honan was able to recover 75% of his drive. The goal of the hackers was not to access his bank accounts or delete all his best memories, but to “prove that they could” hack into an account via the use of the Apple and Amazon. I do not think Apple as a whole had a big part to do with the recovery of information, but the personal interest and customer service of the associates at Apple. As quickly as Apple had given away his information, he got it back through the work of good employees. Its no surprise that Mr. Honan is now a fan of backing up his data. Apple’s idea of secrecy may not be the best thing in terms of its security mechanisms. They need to let their customers know what is being done to protect them from online hackers like the ones the gained access to Mr. Honan’s information. Honan mentioned that Amazon has now improved its security precautions which is a good thing seeing as so many people place orders from that company every day. If hackers with the wrong intentions got into his Amazon or Apple account, who knows what might have happened financially. Thank god his bill was only $1,690.
Exercise
After reading Mr. Honan’s article I feel I need to work on my digital security. Lets evaluate the practices I use now.
- I use different passwords depending what account its for. I categorize all my accounts.
- I do not use the same front name for e-mail, school, etc.
- I keep a written copy of my passwords. I believe there is no safer way of protecting information than yourself.
- I add security questions and recovery questions to many of my accounts.
- I add a phone number that must be called in order to change anything.
- I add in automatic security updates for my computer, IPod and Phone.
Looking at what I do to protect my account makes me think I need more. I feel no digital information will ever be completely safe. I guess that’s cause I grew up in a world where we had the big transition from pen and paper to keyboard and computer. Hackers have proven that they can access high value information through their tactics. Today in this age, digital security is something that we all need. It is definitely an important job of the future and I will work to improve my own digital security. After all these readings I feel somewhat safer, but also somewhat more accessible to hackers.
May all your online information be safe.