Account Security

Well here we are a beautiful Monday evening and not a thing to do. All of my kinnies are running around slaughtering Bargheists and Wraiths while I’m playing solitaire on my laptop. Why? Compromised accounts that’s why! In today’s episode we’re going to learn all about account safety and how to make sure you don’t get your account banned like I did today. Also don’t back your cars into poles, did that today too. Don’t freeze your air conditioners into blocks of ice or upset your internet service provider. Don’t do anything I did today basically.

First and Foremost!

Do not give your password to anyone!

Do NOT give your password or user name to ANYONE. Not even people you trust.

Your password is basically the key and your user name is the lock. I know it’s obvious not to tell anyone your password but it is just as important to not let people know your user name. Your user name and password are like two pieces of a puzzle. If you give out your user name you are simply making things easier for anyone who wants into your account.

Second!

This is a spy using your computer. This is how it happens. For real.

Scan your computer for spy ware!

It is best to scan using multiple programs in order to provide a wider base of protection. Some programs may not detect  malware (viruses, spy ware, ad ware, and gray ware) that another program would! There are many many free programs out there that can suit this need! I personally prefer http:\\www.filehippo.com for all of my free software. This website offers a wide range of reliable and trustworthy programs (mostly free) for everything from computer maintenance and anti-virus to web browsers and DVD-burners. If you feel your account has been compromised the first step you should take is to run at least one anti-virus program and at least two anti-spy ware programs on your computer before changing any account information.

Choose a strong password!

Contains 8+ letters, numbers, and symbols with mixed capitalization.

Never write down your password!

Never write your password down!

A password that I recommend to many of the people I work with is No Access. You can turn this simple phrase into a very secure password with a variety of methods. Adding symbols, replacing letters with numbers, and mixing up capitalization all make for a very strong password.

-N04x3zz

-N0_4x3Zz

-N0-aX3zZ

The more detailed the better as long as you can remember it without writing it down!

Remember these easy steps and your days of unencumbered account access will be long and joyous. I just got an e-mail from myself that I did not send today. As you can see I have not been safe with my computer. Here are a few links to check out if you would like some more information.

Turbine’s Account Security FAQ:

Account Security

Blizzard’s Account Security FAQ:

Account Security

Vorand – The Interview!

So, the blog isn’t doing so hot these days. Kin members just aren’t coming by to check things out. What to do what to do…put the kin in the blog I say! I’ll be doing regular spotlights on kin members until I run out of people to interview! First up to bat is Vorand, or as I like to call him – Jim:

Love the 'stache Jim!

Gaming History: Started gaming with Asheron’s Call a few years ago then moved up the ladder to AC2 when it hit the shelves. Unfortunately AC2 did not last long and Vorand was forced into WoW slavery…that is to say the joys of World of Warcraft heh. Eventually, after developing a severe case of stat fatigue (he got tired of everyone getting hung up and high on stats), he moved onto Lord of the Rings Online. This was a very exciting move for him because he is a huge fan of the books and history of the series, having read them several times over. Avoiding Kins at first, Vorand ventured into the LotRO world alone until his mid-20s when he met up with Averydor and the rest, as they say, is history!

Advice for anyone new to the game: Take it slow and enjoy the story and graphics!

How about a look into the man behind the mask! Jim, Vorand’s player, is the old man of the kin. While not older than dirt he certainly gives trees a run for their money. I kid, I kid. This young at heart fifty-something is a regular spark plug! Married with two cats Jim has led a widely varied career path. Starting out as a veterinary technician/anesthesiologist while in college (he has a B.A. in Business) Jim eventually moved into the catering business as a cook. He is now a senior systems manager for a technical company, and has been for the last twenty years.

Ever wanted to know a few interesting facts about Vorand? Maybe his strengths and weaknesses? Hobbies?
Look no further!

Strength: He is a very positive laid back person who always looks at the upside of things!
Weakness: Procrastination! He always puts off those nasty chores if he can .

Hobbies: Professional photography! Jim did some professional photography on the weekends a while back but, with a lack of free time, he eventually gave up the ghost for recreational photography. He first started getting serious about photography around 18 and even studied under the well known photographer Ansel Adams whose work is pictured below. Jim looks forward to picking up professional photography when he retires!

Perhaps one of Ansels more famous photographs (I know it was in several of my textbooks):

Mother of the Great Depression

If I get any of Vorand’s work I’ll be sure to post it later! Thanks for tuning in for this edition of Refugee Spotlight! Tune in next time for the next Kin Interview.

Ooh look some of Vorand’s work!