[September 06, 2011] EDITORIAL: Cyberspace info: Try to maintain privacy Tweet Sep 06, 2011 (El Paso Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- In respect to the mega hack into the El Paso Independent School District's internal computer network, it's a good time to refresh a warning: Be careful about any personal information you allow to enter cyberspace. Last week an unknown hacker, or hackers, learned the Social Security numbers, addresses and birth dates of thousands of EPISD students and employees. It's possible the information can be used to steal identities. Somebody out there could become a numerical you, at least as far as banks, airlines and online merchandisers are concerned. Knowing a Social Security number can open ways to gain further personal information. At best, this hack could simply be a stunt to show both school officials and Internet overseers that it can be down. At this point it's not known if the information hacked will be used for criminal monetary gain. This is the latest in crime. It seems this age of computers is advancing faster than we can protect ourselves from certain aspects of it. It was good to learn that the social media giant Facebook recently announced it was setting up more protection measures for its many millions of users. But the phrase "going paperless" is now generally accepted. Book an airline ticket online using your credit-card number. Fast. Easy. Obviously there are certain companies we have to trust if we are to use the Internet for purchases. But we don't have to use it to advertise ourselves. And here's an example of an ignorant way it's done: Some post pictures and names of their children, the school they attend and a list of their favorite things. You're so proud of your son or daughter. So you boast a tad. This is an invitation to child molesters. They now know a lot about your child. This hack into a major computer network should serve as a reminder that if you put something into cyberspace, somebody else can find out what it is. ___ (c)2011 the El Paso Times (El Paso, Texas) Visit the El Paso Times (El Paso, Texas) at www.elpasotimes.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]