Problems prompt Twitter changes

Some Twitter users had their passwords changed today by the social media network because of potentially compromised accounts.

            The social media network posted on the site's @safety account that they had sent out the e-mails that some had speculated earlier this morning may be a phishing scam.

            If you receive an e-mail telling you to change your password, the safest route is always to visit http://twitter.com, rather than any third party connections, such as TweetDeck.

            Signs that your account has been hacked include tweets posted by your account you didn't send, direct messages with spam, or if you're unable to log in with your username, e-mail address or password.

              Take these precautions to avoid being hacked:

            -Change your password frequently

            -Use a strong password, such as a phrase or combination of letters and numbers

            -Regularly check your connections for any third party application you didn't authorize, and check out the security of the application before giving it access to your account.

            -Don't use the "remember me" check if others use the computer.

            -Be wary of any e-mail telling you to change your password. Don't just click the link - access Twitter directly from your browser by typing in http://twitter.com.

            For more about Twitter security, visit their troubleshooting page on compromised accounts:  http://help.twitter.com/forums/10713/entries/31796

            Contact Sarah Day Owen on Twitter at @SarahDayOwen, by calling (706) 823-3223 or sarah.owen@augustachronicle.com