When it happens to you ...

Privacy is not something

that I'm merely entitled to,

it's an absolute prerequisite.

Marlon Brando

There has been a computer in my home since 1997 and I am very pleased to say it has never been hacked into or attacked by any virus that could not be removed with a proper download.

I must admit there have been times when I have chuckled to my self when I have received an e-mail from a close friend telling me she is in London, her purse has been stolen, and please send money.  There have been several of this kind floating around, but not effecting me in any particular way. 

I greeted this lovely morning as I normally do.  With coffee cup in hand, I check my blog and then my e-mails.  My inbox was cluttered with numerous 'failure to deliver' messages.  There were three e-mails from good friends inquiring about how to open a certain link I had supposedly sent ... groan! I had not sent any such link nor had I even seen it.  With embarrassment, I went through my rather lengthy contact list sending a blanket e-mail about receiving SPAM from me.  I really felt very badly.  Besides, it wasn't even a very exciting message like I was in Italy!  Some just had a strange link, others about foreclosure and some about coconut oil.  My account reflects the hacking occurred at 3:34 am from Japan.

That being said and done, the question that niggles at my brain is how my e-mail contact list got compromised.  I don't know the extent of those contacted, but I wonder where it had been accessible.  I am always very careful to use 'bcc' so others cannot see each others addresses ... it is a privacy thing.  I don't randomly 'surf' the Internet which might inadvertently expose my privacy. 

This may have been funny when it happens to someone else, but when it happens to you, it is upsetting.  Invasion of privacy on any level is not acceptable.  It is necessary for each of us to respect not only our own boundaries, but the boundaries and limitations of others as well.