How do I protect my e-mail from prying eyes?

Lindsays Grandma · ‎03-10-2010

A family member said something to me today that rang a bell and I realized it was a comment I made to a friend on my e-mail. I don't know how anyone can get in because I have a password that I use whenever I want to use it. My password is something that no one can guess, it is a very strong.

I need advice on what to do so it won't happen again. I have AOL and I know that anyone can get into it but never in my wildest dreams thought my e-mail could be violated. Your suggestions will be very much appreciated.

The moving finger writes; And having writ, Moves on: nor all your Piety nor Wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line Nor all your Tears Wash out a Word of it. Omar Khayam

ennui1 · ‎06-23-2013

Once you send something, you have no control over it. Are you certain the recipient didn't share it?

biancardi · ‎03-10-2010

ennui1 is correct--once you send off an email, it is fair game.

however, if you want to protect your account from hackers, change your password monthly. Do not allow the browser or application you are using auto-save it (where it fills it in for you or auto-logs you in) - make sure you are forced to type in the password everytime

also, you didn't say, but I would disconnect your email from any mobile devices you have.

If you can't fix what's broken, you'll go insane ~ Max
Look, I don’t like the taste of broccoli, but it doesn’t get tastier if you call it “Broccoli!”!
You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling. ~ Eames

Peaches McPhee · ‎04-19-2010

I think your relative got her info from someplace other than your email . . . from the friend or another source.

-- pro-aging --

Rochester, New York

BellaPaprika · ‎03-09-2010

It was either just a coincidence or the person you sent the email to shared it with your family member.

Luv2Decorate · ‎03-12-2010

I make a habit of not putting anything in writing that I wouldn't say out loud.

Emails can be passed along to others. If you have a personal conversation that needs to be had, pick up the phone. But then again, there is no guarantee that you aren't being listened to either.

Our emails are collected, mail is scanned, phone calls listened to.

apple1964 · ‎08-07-2013

I had to laugh at this thread ""prying eyes""? are you for real O/P? Nothing is secret anymore!

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

The only way to make 100% sure not a single person learns of your "big secrets" or things you want nobody to know? Keep them 100% to yourself. Talk to someone? You never know! Put it in an old fashioned letter? Up the chances since it is "in writing" and could be left in a conspicuous place for many to see.

Send it into "cyberspace"? It can be available for the "world to see" depending on who it might be that has the technological knowledge and a reason to want to know. Life as I've seen in for decades is becoming less private by the hour and as I said in my first sentence, 100% is only if one 100% keeps things only in their brain, period.

hckynut(john)

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

Easy .... Don't put it on the internet .... in ANY form!

chickenbutt · ‎03-09-2010

Make sure you don't leave the computer until you LOG OUT of your email/ISP.

How about just going to a freebe like Yahoo or Gmail and create a new email to use for communicating with your friends. Just always log out so people cannot come to your computer and go through your email.