News Alert - Stolen Email Addresses!

I first heard this news on the radio today. Several email databases were stolen from Epsilon through a computer data breach. Epsilon is a data marketing company that creates marketing programs such as newsletters and coupons that are delivered to customers via email.

According to Reuters, about 50 Epsilon clients have been affected including Capital One, Citigroup,Target, Best Buy, Walgreen, Marriott, and Hilton.

Both Epsilon and the affected companies claim that only names and email addresses were stolen and not other personal information such as physical addresses and account numbers.

How Do You Protect Yourself?

Don’t open emails from people or organizations that you do not know.

Watch out for emails asking you for personal information e.g. account numbers, social security numbers etc.

Do not respond to such emails even though they may appear to have been sent by a legitimate company that you have done business with.

A legitimate company will never ask you to send personal information via email.

If you need to access a company's website do not do it through a link you receive via email. Instead open a different browser window and type in the company's website.

Alternatively, resort to old fashioned means of communication - the telephone.

Be Cyber-Safe!