Account security and you

[SnakeCharmer]

As beta nears, the chances of your account being compromised by less than honest people increases dramatically.

There are several steps you can take to minimize the chances of this happening:

1) Keep your antivirus up to date with current releases. Nortons, McAfee, Defender Pro, and AVG are all excellent antivirus programs.
2) Routine use of anti-spyware programs such as Spy-bot and Ad-Aware (both free use), as well as keeping their definitions up to date. It should be noted that Spy-bot will pick up intrusions that Ad-Aware misses, and vice versa, so it is in your best interest to maintain both on the same machine.
3) If you must write down your password, make sure to store it in a safe place.
4) Routinely change your password, and avoid using a 'global' password for all email, financial, and personal accounts. Avoid using personal information such as birthdays, social security numbers, passport numbers, or any other personal identifiers.
5) If you're using an 'always on' broadband internet connection, the use of a firewall (physical or software) is highly recommended.
6) As always, do not share your account information with anyone. This can and will be traced by CME for improper usage.
7) If your computer is used by multiple individuals, do not use the 'remember me' selection on log in, and clear cookies and temp internet folders when you're finished.

As a rule, CME will not ask you for your password information. If anyone proclaiming to be a representative of CME / Firesky / MGM or anyone else contacts you asking for password information, immediately inform CME at community@cheyenneme.com for resolution.

To be updated as necessary

[Syco]

Something is afoot.

[zounce]

good post!
Working in the IT security field, I know the woes of how end users do "silly" things. Common sense is the best plan. If you think that there is an issue with a username/password, then change it.
Also, there are plenty of blogs out there with people who've had the issue before. Keep in mind the tools that they used and try them out. Lastly, I'm sure that most of the addicted bloggers and computer geeks out there who are in this community will definately assist with posted issues. It never hurts to ask.

[Lokolo]

I can't help but think if people are geeky enough to sign up for a BETA for a MMO I think they know how to put antivirus, firewall software on their computers and never have an obvious password.

[SnakeCharmer]

Originally Posted by Lokolo

I can't help but think if people are geeky enough to sign up for a BETA for a MMO I think they know how to put antivirus, firewall software on their computers and never have an obvious password.

You would be very, very surprised.

[[MS]Rocket]

If that were true Lokolo, there would never be a single account hacked. You can't assume because someone likes to play video games or likes a certain show that they are 100% computer knowledgeable unfortunately.

[RealLantian]

Great reminder SC!

Yes, I have just recently changed all my passwords as I noticed I was using a 'global' password. I'm definitely keeping my firewall up to date too.

RL

[Lokolo]

Originally Posted by [MS]Rocket

If that were true Lokolo, there would never be a single account hacked. You can't assume because someone likes to play video games or likes a certain show that they are 100% computer knowledgeable unfortunately.

I did not say 'anyone who plays video games'. I said anyone signing up for a BETA for a MMO. There is a clear difference. You think a football supprting Playstation player is different from someone who plays Stargate Worlds? I should think so.

And anyone applying for BETA will have some clear understanding of anti virus and firewall software if they even understand what a BETA is.

And Snake - indeed there are some not so smart out there, but I severly doubt they are going to read this thread and go 'oh, I should go out and buy anti virus software, no offence.

[Syco]

As was said, you'd be surprised. I for one know people who know what beta means, and sign up to participate in betas but couldn't tell you the difference between a firewall and an anti virus.

[[MS]Rocket]

Sorry didn't mean to make it sound like I was generalizing your post, just stating it's not a perfect world. So even if this info was helpful to only one person it did it's job imo.

[Lokolo]

Originally Posted by Syco

As was said, you'd be surprised. I for one know people who know what beta means, and sign up to participate in betas but couldn't tell you the difference between a firewall and an anti virus.

But do you have one?

[Khestral]

Originally Posted by Lokolo

I did not say 'anyone who plays video games'. I said anyone signing up for a BETA for a MMO. There is a clear difference. You think a football supprting Playstation player is different from someone who plays Stargate Worlds? I should think so.

And anyone applying for BETA will have some clear understanding of anti virus and firewall software if they even understand what a BETA is.

And Snake - indeed there are some not so smart out there, but I severly doubt they are going to read this thread and go 'oh, I should go out and buy anti virus software, no offence.

I played Madden last night on my ps2... and then I played some Lotro

What he is stating here is extreamly accurate and should be noted. This comes from taking hundreds of support calls when I worked at EA.

Trust me this is not a blind shot in the dark

[Paganstar]

Originally Posted by Lokolo

And Snake - indeed there are some not so smart out there, but I severly doubt they are going to read this thread and go 'oh, I should go out and buy anti virus software, no offence.

Even if they don't go out and buy the antivirus software most of the larger ISPs do offer free antivirus and firewall tools. Granted it is McAffee but that is better than not having one at all and it is free.

[Lokolo]

Originally Posted by Khestral

I played Madden last night on my ps2... and then I played some Lotro

What he is stating here is extreamly accurate and should be noted. This comes from taking hundreds of support calls when I worked at EA.

Trust me this is not a blind shot in the dark

I actually just meant people who don't play PC online games and just play on Playstation for example, have no PC knowledge etc, as I doubt those people are here.

Also no offence, but anyone calling EA for support do not deserve to have a PC lol.

[Philthy Animal]

I like to post my login/password on public forums so I can access them from anywhere in case I forget one . That way I dont have to remember anything

[[MS]Rocket]

Your signature is fitting

[Syco]

Originally Posted by Lokolo

But do you have one?

Of course I do. I have nice little set, all freeware, of course. But that wasn't the point, the point is that I know people who don't have them, and some of them are even registered for this beta.

Originally Posted by Paganstar

Even if they don't go out and buy the antivirus software most of the larger ISPs do offer free antivirus and firewall tools. Granted it is McAffee but that is better than not having one at all and it is free.

I'd rather use nothing at all, then touch one of those free antiviruses offered by my ISP, much less McAffee or Norton, in my case. Fortunately, there are far better products out there available as freeware.

[RealLantian]

Originally Posted by Philthy Animal

I like to post my login/password on public forums so I can access them from anywhere in case I forget one . That way I dont have to remember anything

1st rule of beta testing: Don't make your password, "password".

2nd rule of beta-testing: Don't put your passwords in posts, even if you think it's cleverly disguised in your words!

Also, what's the difference between a physical and electronic firewall?

[Syco]

Originally Posted by RealLantian

Also, what's the difference between a physical and electronic firewall?

Nothing, there is however a major difference between a physical and software firewall.

[zounce]

physical firewall....an appliance that sits between your pc and the internet
electronic...probably meant software...as in black ice or *shudder* ISA

[Syco]

Black Ice? ISA? Never heard of them.

[Liliane]

I think it's allways good to post security tips, even if people would know them allready. There are allways someone who could benefit from it.

I know my self people who knows very well about security stuff, but still they don't have any idea what security is. That may sound funny, but the different is knowing it and actually living by it. I mean, people knows it, but they don't care about it, because it restrict they actions.

Security doesn't starts from softwares, it's starts from attitude and knowledge. Learn to use computer so that there is minimal security risk. Security software and rules isn't there to make you safe, it's there to help YOU to make it more safer.

[RealLantian]

Originally Posted by zounce

physical firewall....an appliance that sits between your pc and the internet

My router.

Originally Posted by zounce

electronic...probably meant software...as in black ice or *shudder* ISA

Norton.

Black ice? Isn't that the stuff you slip on?

Another issue can be password reminders- which aren't meant to actually tell you the password.

[zounce]

Originally Posted by RealLantian

My router.
Norton.
Black ice? Isn't that the stuff you slip on?
Another issue can be password reminders- which aren't meant to actually tell you the password.

LOL, awesome.

blackice,/ here, but it's at EOL! IBM killz it!

ISA, it's a microsoft server software app....google it.

now-a-days, most routers can be config'ed with firewall "rules" in place. it's all about RTFM.

[Darelas]

Originally Posted by SnakeCharmer

As beta nears, the chances of your account being compromised by less than honest people increases dramatically.

There are several steps you can take to minimize the chances of this happening:

1) Keep your antivirus up to date with current releases. Nortons, McAfee, Defender Pro, and AVG are all excellent antivirus programs.
2) Routine use of anti-spyware programs such as Spy-bot and Ad-Aware (both free use), as well as keeping their definitions up to date. It should be noted that Spy-bot will pick up intrusions that Ad-Aware misses, and vice versa, so it is in your best interest to maintain both on the same machine.
3) If you must write down your password, make sure to store it in a safe place.
4) Routinely change your password, and avoid using a 'global' password for all email, financial, and personal accounts. Avoid using personal information such as birthdays, social security numbers, passport numbers, or any other personal identifiers.
5) If you're using an 'always on' broadband internet connection, the use of a firewall (physical or electronic) is highly recommended.
6) As always, do not share your account information with anyone. This can and will be traced by CME for improper usage.
7) If your computer is used by multiple individuals, do not use the 'remember me' selection on log in, and clear cookies and temp internet folders when you're finished.

As a rule, CME will not ask you for your password information. If anyone proclaiming to be a representative of CME / Firesky / MGM or anyone else contacts you asking for password information, immediately inform CME at community@cheyenneme.com for resolution.

To be updated as necessary

Thanks for the reminders, SC. I know many of us appreciate your efforts on our behalf.


TO the Nay-sayers: Even if this post helped NO ONE, it's alot better use of one's energy than posting negativity on a post that IS good advice!