Hacker Hater

Yes, I said it, that word “hater” – but the truth is I have no use for hackers, and I doubt you do either. I am an early riser, and many times before I get up, I check my iPad (always close by) to see what happened in the world while I slept.

This morning I had a private message via Facebook from an author, Carolyn Strain, I met through a writer’s group. We have chatted many times on messenger and had built a friendship via our lives and interests. This morning when I checked there was a message from Carolyn asking how I was and if I got some sleep last night. Though generally, our discussion is about writing, personal subjects have come up before. Anyhow, I said I slept like a baby for six full hours – YAHOOO. We chatted a bit, and I asked how she was doing (recent illness) – that is where it went downhill. The response was, “I’m Carolyn’s brother, she is resting because she doesn’t feel well. Where are you from?” – I let him know I didn’t feel the need to engage in a private conversation with another man because I am married, and it is not appropriate. The next message had grammar content that gave me pause. My suspicions were quickly solidified; she had been hacked. The new profile pic I had missed was of a guy and his dog.

What is frustrating is I can’t even message her to let her know she’s been hacked because the guy will answer back as her. I hope a more personal friend will notify her. I had no other choice but to “Unfriend” her, and now I don’t trust to accept a “Friend Request” from her if she figures it out and tries to get in contact with me. This is one of the worse Facebook hacks I’ve encountered.

I have many friends on Facebook that are personal friends, so if I suspect they are hacked, I’ll contact them directly – problem solved. But I have made many friends through other authors, photographers, and like interests’ groups. I get it’s only online, but a friend regardless. We bounce thoughts off of each other, give advice or ideas when asked, or support when needed. So, I’ve enjoyed the friendships. As a shy introvert, Facebook has provided an excellent avenue for me to keep connected with family and friends in faraway places, connect with extended lost relatives, and meet many new friends. I guess, as this hacker, or hackers, infiltrate my contacts on Facebook, I will be forced to continue to “Unfriend” people. Hopefully, it won’t go on until all my friends have been eliminated, but that is a possibility. If you find I have had to “Unfriend” you, please take that as a sign you have likely been hacked, and I’m sorry to lose our connection. Which hacks me off.

That said, I will change all my passwords (in case he was successful with his dirty deeds) and move on with life. Maybe Facebook is too vulnerable now, and has run its course as my lifeline to the outside world – we shall see. Until then, be careful, my friends, real or online.