Compromised Computer And Social Media Accounts

 

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Hi, I am André Faust: On December 26th, my main computer was compromised by what I suspect was malware that decrypted my access codes to different social media accounts. I first became aware of a problem when Facebook suspended my account because they thought I was under 14 years old. Once I provided proof of my age, my account was reinstated. However, moments later, I received another email from Facebook telling me my account had been suspended for violating their community standards. I disagreed with the decision but was not given an opportunity to explain that my account had been hijacked.

I have been receiving notices that I only have 12 days to disagree before my account will be deleted, even though I had already filed a disagreement. The problem with Facebook is that they do not allow users to make a written submission to dispute their decisions regarding account termination. They act as judge, jury, and executioner, and users have no means of contesting or appealing their decisions.

I have created a new account, J André Faust. Additionally, after receiving notices from Google and Twitter of suspicious attempts to access my accounts, I checked my credit cards and discovered that around $10,000 had been charged to one of them. I immediately contacted my bank and was reimbursed the full amount for the unauthorized purchases.

To summarize:

Malware got into my computer, allowing the cracker to access Facebook and place content that violated facebooks community standards. The crackers did not only access Facebook but attempted to access my google and Twitter accounts. They successfully defrauded my credit card, for which the bank reimbursed me.

Hackers and Crackers are becoming very sophisticated and often work in teams, each member specializing in security aspects. Virus checkers are limited because they have to have identified the signature of malware before they can provide protection. In my case, I believe that it was a novel malware that had not yet been identified, and that is how it got past me.

While it is important to keep your virus/malware checker and browser security up to date, one may rarely experience an intrusion as I have. The point is that there are never any guarantees that your online activities are safe; even online shopping has the potential to reveal information that nefarious criminals can exploit. There are no absolutes in life, only probabilities that exist.

Thank you, and until next time take care and always hold that winning card.

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Facebook, Google and my Credit Card fall Victims to Hackers

By J. André Faust (December 27, 2022)

Early Monday morning, when I logged into Facebook to check my messages and see what new posts were posted. And what response I received for my Facebook posts instead, I was greeted with a message saying my account had been suspended. Because Facebook believed I was 13 years old or younger, which was against their terms of service.

Facebook requested a copy of my driver's license to prove my age. Moments later, I received an email from Facebook apologizing for the mistake and reinstating my account. Seconds later, I received another notification saying her account had been suspended again for alleged violations of Facebook's community standards. Facebook informed me that I could dispute this decision. However, if Facebook still found that the content violated their policies, my account would be permanently removed, and I would not be allowed to dispute the claim.

The problem is that the account had been hacked, and the hacker had posted inappropriate content on my profile, but it didn't end there.

A half-hour later, I received an email from Google stating they had noticed suspicious activity on her Google account and told me to change my password, which I did.

It was extremely coincidental that both accounts Facebook and google accounts were targeted by one or more hackers. So, I checked my bank accounts.

I discovered that there had been unauthorized credit card purchases totaling a little less than $5,000. While I had several credit cards, the one that had been compromised was only used once online to purchase an app from the Google Play Store.

Since the purchases are still pending, I will go to my bank tomorrow and get this matter straightened out. Unfortunately, my Facebook account is still suspended.

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Why The Ruling Class Should be Hated, not Worshiped

Image: Tristan Surtel, Wikimedia Common

 

By J. André Faust (Dec 26, 2022)

Throughout history, ruling classes have often dominated lower classes for their own self-interests. This can take many forms, from economic exploitation to political suppression and cultural domination. In this essay, I will explore the ways in which ruling classes have sought to maintain their power and privilege over the lower classes, and the consequences of this domination for both groups.

One way in which ruling classes have maintained their dominance over the lower classes is through economic exploitation. This can involve using their wealth and power to control resources and set the terms of economic exchange in their favor. For example, a ruling class might own the land, factories, and other means of production, allowing them to extract profits from the labor of the lower classes. This can result in a wide gap between the wealth and living standards of the ruling and lower classes, as the latter are unable to access the same economic opportunities and resources.

Political suppression is another tactic used by ruling classes to maintain their power. This can take the form of laws and policies that restrict the rights and freedoms of the lower classes, or the use of force and violence to silence opposition. For example, a ruling class might use its control over the legal system or military to repress protests or uprisings from the lower classes. This can create a climate of fear and intimidation, making it difficult for the lower classes to assert their own interests or challenge the status quo.

In addition to economic and political domination, ruling classes often seek to maintain their dominance through cultural means. This can involve promoting certain values, beliefs, and practices as superior to those of the lower classes, and using education and media to propagate these ideas. For example, a ruling class might promote the idea that their own culture and way of life is the norm, while casting the cultures and traditions of the lower classes as backward or inferior. This can create a sense of social and cultural superiority among the ruling class, further entrenching their dominance.

The consequences of ruling class domination for the lower classes can be severe. In addition to economic and political disadvantage, the lower classes may also face discrimination and social exclusion. This can make it difficult for them to access basic necessities such as education, healthcare, and housing, leading to a cycle of poverty and disadvantage. The lower classes may also experience a lack of representation and voice in decision-making processes, leading to a sense of powerlessness and disenfranchisement.

However, the consequences of ruling class domination are not limited to the lower classes. The ruling class may also suffer as a result of their own self-interests. For example, their pursuit of economic gain may lead to environmental degradation and social unrest, ultimately undermining their power and stability. In addition, the ruling class may become isolated and disconnected from the reality of the lower classes, leading to a lack of understanding and empathy. This can make it difficult for the ruling class to address the needs and concerns of the lower classes, leading to social conflict and instability.

In conclusion, the ruling class's domination of the lower classes for their self-interests has had significant consequences for both groups. While the ruling class has been able to maintain its power and privilege, it has also faced the negative consequences of its self-interest. Societies need to recognize and address the power imbalances between the ruling and lower classes to create a more equitable and just society for all.

 

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