Big site was hacked..... are you safe?

[Darlene]

Monster.com: Hacked

With the economy the way it is these days, I'm sure there are a lot of you out there who are looking for jobs. Many people who are on the job hunt begin their search by using the Web. Often, the first place to start looking for a job on the Internet is the very popular job site of Monster.com.

Unfortunately, in times like this, when people are using Monster in record numbers, hackers are also trying harder and harder to get their hands on Monster's information.

Just a few days ago (on January 23, 2009), Monster was hacked and some of their customers' user information was put at risk. According to Monster.com, their database, with their customers' user information, was compromised.

That means the usernames, passwords, e-mail addresses and names that were used have fallen into the wrong hands. While Monster said sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, weren't leaked, they're still taking precautions.

On January 28, 2009, Monster put a security measure into place that forces all users who could have been compromised to change their password on their next log in. That will correct the issue with security on the Web site, but it doesn't change the fact that the hackers have gotten ahold of some passwords and e-mail addresses.

If you've used Monster.com in the past, you should keep your eyes open for fraudulent e-mails coming your way. Those e-mails may know personal information about you, such as your address, Monster username and password.

Keep in mind that no company will ever ask you for your password or personal information through an e-mail. If you think an e-mail is fraudulent, you shouldn't respond. Instead, you should open your Web browser and go directly to the company's Web site that contacted you. That way, you know who you're really doing business with.