Hacking the Hack: Protecting your Facebook security

I have seen scores of folks, at least 5 this week alone, that have lost their entire Facebook account. I have researched two of the cases and it could have been easily prevented. 

There is definitely a hacker on the loose as this is too much of a pattern. I know exactly how to mitigate this activity from my IT background of more than 20 years. 

I change my password every quarter (4 times/year). I follow the password guidelines and ensure I can remember it but others cannot. I wouldn't recommend it being a password from another email, social media platform or the like. I have seen what hackers look for and it starts with how the password is structured and encrypted. 

I normally wouldn't say write it down. I will say keep a log of former passwords you use for various purposes and keep it in a good hiding place. 

I pick my security questions carefully also. I don't use my mother's maiden name, anything family related, cars, first addresses, etc.  All of these can be a paper trail to your accounts. 

I also would utilize Facebook security measures in the settings. Two are setting up a unique key and having five trusted people just in case you ever get locked out. A bonus one is requiring authentication in case someone does try to come for your account. 

I encourage everyone to stay safe and secure as possible. The very least I recommend is changing that password frequently. That's the most common way a hacker can take over an account and it gives you, the user, more peace of mind. 

STARS: How I have readjusted my commute to avoid the deadly I-85 Upperstate interstate

There is absolutely no secret that I-85 N/S between Gaffney and Greenville is a dieway at worst, a standstill at best. The death chute was added last year.  I and many others knew it was an awful idea. It only took numerous accidents, three last week and three fatalities to realize this. 

This horrible interstate stretch affected me in other ways. I had to leave for work in Greenville way early to beat the death chute and exit 60 where BMW traffic is heavy. At nights it was the worse for me. If I didn't get on the interstate by 7pm, I may not make it home by 9:30pm or by 10pm and that's with redirecting and taking back roads. 

I decided to get up at 3:15am on most work mornings when traffic and construction are both light to go to the gym, shower and then straight to work. This allowed me to leave straight from work at 6pm and arrive home some days as early as 7:15pm and late as 7:30pm. I beat all of the major traffic and jams, the death chute (especially since I drive on the outer lane of it) and I get home at a decent hour. I always keep my GPS running just in case of any unexpected accidents or delays

I planned, experimented and it has worked well for me. I have alternate routes and back roads I still use but my current plan reduces my chances and opportunities to do so by 90%. I feel safe and rested traveling on the current plan I have.