Computer Security - A Warning (Kayleigh, please read)

[WigWamBam]

On Saturday, an abusive post against me was posted under Kayleigh's name, and subsequently deleted by Tech. This caused both me and Kayleigh some distress. Mumsnet found that, at the same time, some attempted log-ins under other MNer's names were made on my computer. I have since found that my sister's boyfriend's 7 year old had found a sheet of paper on which I had scribbled down the MN chat names and real names of a couple of MNers who had catted me, and had used those to access MN (which I had left logged on) and post the message.

I am horribly embarrassed by this and want to apologise on his behalf. I am also really cross with myself for having left the computer unattended whilst logged on, particularly with having left names and nicknames lying around.

I just wanted to clear this up, and to remind everyone of the need for security - even when, as I did, you think you are safe! And I really hope that everyone is still speaking to me after this! It might also serve as a reminder to people to change their passwords.

He's a lovely kid, but then again I've always got on well with his dad, too. I do agree that the likelihood is that it was my sister's boyfriend, although it's a disturbing way for an adult to behave. If he has lied to my sister then I'm not going to get the truth from him, it will have to come from the little boy.

Was the language used in the style of a child or an adult, wont that give you the key

The style was childish, the language was foul.

How horrible, poor you

Umm, I think my son would have been able to do it. He doesn't post on chat rooms, but does have his own account on the computer with his own password which he knows how to change. I think I've told him not to use his name as his password, as it's too easy to guess. He's seen me post and would probably know what to do.

If you can, give your sister's boyfriend the benefit of the doubt. It does sound like a childish prank where the boy didn't realize how much distress he'd cause.

(My son's account is restricted and he can't mess up anything on the computer. Also, my husband and I have admin accounts and keep tabs on my son's online activities. Don't want people thinking I'm letting him freely roam around the internet!)

But would a 7-year old use foul language JJ?

Hello.

I have only just seen this as the lovely Marina emailed me to tell me about it. I had been staying away today as I was so freaked by yesterdays events.

WigWamBam I am sorry that you are in this situation, but can't tell you how relieved I am that I now know what happened. I was really worried it was someone I knew being deliberately malicious.
I have absolutely no bad feelings towards you whatsoever and am just glad we know who, if not how and why.

And for anyone who was curious, my password was my surname as given to me when I joined mumsnet many moons ago. But I can assure you it isn't now

I don't know. Mine wouldn't, that's for sure! Just joking. I'd hope my son wouldn't, but I'm not sure he knows just how bad some words are. To him, 'stupid' is worse than the f-word, although he's never used the f-word.. in my hearing, at least.

Didn't see the post, so can't comment directly.

(must admit that I have also just now changed my password! )

bumping this up so anyone with their surname as their mumsnet password knows they should change it ....

my seven year old can barely write let alone type and hack into accounts...is this what kids do now!!!! blimey!