Sorry to hear that Scout. It happens more than you think and it is a pain the ass. However once you are aware of it you are on top of it. Good luck.

I have changed the password on the account, so the hacker shouldn't be able to get in.

If anyone is interested I will set up a post on general computer security and passwords. Many people have a password which they which they believe to be secure and they use it in more than one location. With the internet so prevalent in our daily lives we visit so many websites and internet destinations that it is absolutely impractical to have a unique password for each use. I basically use three passwords, one for internet banking and secure financial sites, one for all other important internet destinations and a one for temporary or casual destinations.

Most people run into trouble with email and locations like hot mail. These sites get hacked all the time by would be spammers. Ever got an email from a friend who later you find did not send it? You may think you have a secure password but these guys use sophisticated algorithms that can decipher passwords in seconds or less. However you can develop very secure passwords easily. If there is an interest I will start a thread and show you how to do it as well as presenting a site that will test the strength of your password. I did not want to start computer related threads here because they are not on the topic prepping but it think this is a little different so if you are interested post here and I will do what I can to help everyone out.

ICRCC thank you for that. I've been delinquent in the password department. Now I've changed my important passwords.
Thanks again.

ICRCC,

You may be correct on internet and prepping, however, Opsec - Operational Security is a prepping topic and passwords are an important part of Opsec. It is in everyone's interest to have solid personal and family Opsec. So, you have my vote for a topic devoted to passwords and computer security tips. That could help a lot of people avoid the grief.

Cheers,

Mountainman.

Old Grumpy Scout here, formerly Old Scout.
I've been hacked and I have shut down my other computer. So until I (Old Grumpy Scout ) tell you it's cleaned up beware.

Old Grumpy Scout

Old Grumpy Scout,

Thanks for the heads up. Sorry to hear you have had some grief from hackers. Glad to hear you have contacts who can help scrub your machines.

Fingers crossed all turns out well for you.

Cheers,

Mountainman.

I have posted some pointers on how to make a secure password and also some useful related sites in the following thread: http://internationalpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=2059

Well It's the worst. We are going to wipe the old hard drive and rebuild. Please wipe Old Scout from the system.
I will stay as Old Grumpy Scout (I'm really not all that grumpy just the wife says I am )
Thanks all hope no one was hurt by this.