Hackers recently revealed information from millions of LinkedIn accounts — including 8,000 accounts associated with USPS email addresses.
The information, which the hackers posted online, was stolen during a security breach on the business-oriented social media site in 2012.
Many of the passwords associated with Postal Service email addresses were easily guessable since they contained common terms (“postal” or “usps”) and simple number sequences (12345).
To secure social media accounts, the CyberSafe at USPS team offers these tips:
- Create strong and unique passwords. Use a variety of characters including letters, numbers and special characters
- Avoid entering email and social media account information into unfamiliar sites. Hackers often use fake sites to steal account information.
- Use different passwords for your personal and professional accounts.
- Avoid using common USPS terms or words for passwords or logins.
The Management Instruction: Limited Personal Use of Government Office and Information Technology guidelines explain the Postal Service’s rules for social media use while on the job.
The LiteBlue CyberSafe at USPS site has additional online security tips.