Webmail Woes Redux

Just over 4 years ago, I wrote a post here called Webmail Woes.

It was about losing your email, contacts, attachments and how to prevent it.

It’s still good but needs a little update because a number of clients have run into real problems, some catastrophic.

One recent example is a client who had EVERYTHING about their business in their webmail account. In this case, Yahoo Mail.
It could have easily been Gmail, Outlook.com (Hotmail) or a number of others.

The account got hacked and they were locked out. They lost invoices, appointment dates, confidential business and client documents  – important stuff.
It was also the only place they had a contacts list with email addresses and phone numbers.

Sure, when they had set up the account, they had put in a “recovery” email address where Yahoo could send a link to change their password and get back in.

BUT, the email address no longer existed. Strike One.

There was no mobile phone number that Yahoo could text a code for getting back in. Strike Two.

And there were no “Secret Questions” that would identify them as the real owner of the account. Strike Three.

Out.

There was absolutely no recourse but to create a new email account and start all over.

So, this update is to remind you to keep those recovery options up to date.

And don’t forget: if you use webmail, NONE of your stuff is on your computer or phone or tablet. None of it.

It’s all in the infamous Cloud. Far away and out of your hands.

Back up or download those documents, pictures, messages if you really need them.

 

There, I’ve told you. I’ve told you twice.