Funadvice Logo
Post
More Technology Questions

Can the internet use your friend's usernames to send you advertisements?

This is really messed up if it’s true..two times I think a bot messaged me advertising stuff using my friends’ names.

Become an Expert →
Answer #1

yep. it means that theyre account got hacked. dont click it, its most likely spam.

Answer #2

It’s more of a hijacking than a full “hack”, but yes….that can happen, which is why it’s important not to publicly post your email address anywhere or open emails that look strange.

Answer #3

Actually, in SMTP (Simple Mail Transport Protocol) it is trivial to forge email. It isn’t necessary for your friend’s computer or email account to be compromised in order for email from a third party to appear to be from your friend. Generally examining the header of the email will reveal most forgeries but a knowledgeable person can make even it look convincing without further investigation. Spammers have various ways of harvesting email addresses.

Any important email correspondence should be encrypted or at least digitally signed with public key encryption.

Answer #4

they are hacked… let them know so it doesnt happen again… have them change there user name (or delete it and start-ovr) and change there password…

More Like This
Ask an advisor one-on-one!
Advisor

Impact Internet Marketing

Digital Marketing, Online Advertising, SEO Services

Advisor

Easy To Use Solutions

Online Marketing, Digital Advertising, E-commerce

Advisor

Internet Availability

Advisor

OptFirst Internet Marketing

Digital Marketing, Internet Marketing, SEO Services

Advisor

Microsoft Việt Nam - Internet...

Công nghệ thông tin, Phần mềm, Internet