As of lately I am receiving an increased number of SPAM from friends with hotmail accounts.
These are legitimate hotmail users, whose accounts are obviously compromised.
Mails I receive from half a dozen accounts all have links to VIAGRA sales sites (I don't need the stuff).
A net search of recent postings seems to confirm that the problem has been recognized...
... however the problem has not been rectified, spamming continues.
Spammers have access to complete mailing lists for each compromised account.
In many instances persons have been locked out from using their own accounts.
To reestablish ownership of your mail account you must contact your mail provider and go through a security questionnaire, or two or three.
It's a good idea to change your password and security questions on a regular basis, every three to six months seems to be most recommended.
Change all your passwords at any sign of problems.
It was probably my own error, but I was recently locked out from my online banking service.
A few mails with security questions answered, my account was restored.
Of course I recognized the warning signs and immediately made changes to other accounts.
It may also be a good idea to have an email account with an alternate provider.
I find it helpful when trying to recover lost passwords.
Worth looking at:
Aerial photos of the oil slick taken Jun 17 at TED BLOG
CUTE, but imagine the electric bill
