Did This Latest Hacking Scandal Hit Montana?

Well, as if times weren't crazy enough with recalls coming from every which way, whether cheese, cinnamon or kid's play ovens, the internet was feeling a little left out it seems. There is a new problem in town, and it is hackers behind the chaos.

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Even stranger, we are just now hearing about this hacking occurrence, though it happened in October of last year. How can we be living in the 21st century and just now find out about this?

Thank Goodness for Anti-Hacking Software Alerts for Information

In a new announcement through Norton Security, the health and ancestry website 23andMe was hit in October of 2023 by hackers. Nearly 7 million people are affected by this breach.

Hackers took advantage of an exploit of people re-using old passwords to access personal data including:

Names
Birth years
Relationship information
Genetic ancestry results

That information in turn is now being sold online to allow for identity theft.

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What To Do If You Think You Were Hacked in Montana

If you think you may have been a target in the hacking scheme, the company recommends changing your passwords immediately. The company website also stated that they "have taken steps to further protect customer data, including requiring all existing customers to reset their password and requiring two-step verification for all new and existing customers."

Have you been the victim of identity theft or a hacker? Tell us about your experience here.

12 Shrewd Email Tactics Hackers Use To Rip You Off

Computer hackers are working full-time nowadays --not only to hold major corporations hostage with ransomware -but they're also hard at work trying to gain access to private computers and personal information of unsuspecting victims. Surrendering access to these schemers could have disastrous consequences, but sometimes it can be difficult to tell what's legitimate and what's not. That's why I'm sharing 12 emails I've personally received that appear to be as bogus as a three-dollar bill.

No doubt, you have received very similar emails in your inbox and wondered if they were legit. A good rule of thumb to follow is when you receive an email from an unverified source - do not, under any circumstance click on anything in the email or download any attachments. That is exactly how hackers can gain instant access to your computer and your information.

Gallery Credit: Zane Mathews

5 Ways To Protect Yourself From Hackers

The FBI is warning about Chinese hackers targeting Idaho's infrastructure. Here's what you can do to protect your personal information from being affected...

Gallery Credit: Chris Cardenas