steam account hacked 2018

steam account hacked 2018

In today’s digital age, online security is becoming increasingly important as we conduct more and more of our daily activities online. One of the most popular and widely used platforms for online gaming is Steam, a digital distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation. With over 125 million active users, it is no surprise that Steam accounts have become a prime target for hackers. In 2018, there were numerous reports of Steam accounts being hacked, causing panic and concern among its users. In this article, we will delve deeper into the issue of Steam account hacking, why it happens, and most importantly, how you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.

First and foremost, let us understand what it means for a Steam account to be hacked. Essentially, it means that someone has gained unauthorized access to your account without your consent. This could be through various means such as phishing scams, malware, or weak passwords. Once a hacker gains access to your account, they can change your account’s password, email address, and even make purchases using your credit card information. This not only puts your personal information at risk, but it can also result in financial loss and the loss of your valuable gaming collection.

Now, you may be wondering why Steam accounts are specifically targeted by hackers. The answer lies in the fact that Steam accounts hold a significant amount of value. Users can purchase games, in-game items, and even trade them with other players. This has created a black market for Steam accounts, making them a lucrative target for hackers. Additionally, many users have linked their credit card information to their accounts, making it an easy target for financial fraud.

One of the main ways in which hackers gain access to Steam accounts is through phishing scams. This is when a hacker creates a fake website or sends a fraudulent email pretending to be from Steam, asking for your login information. These emails often have urgent messages, claiming that your account has been compromised and that you need to log in immediately to secure it. However, once you enter your login details, the hacker has everything they need to access your account.

Another common method used by hackers is through malware or viruses. Malware can be disguised as a game or a cheat code, enticing users to download and install it on their computer s. Once the malware is installed, it can steal your login information and send it back to the hacker, giving them access to your account. This not only puts your Steam account at risk but also your entire computer and any other accounts you have linked to it.

Furthermore, weak passwords are also a significant factor in Steam account hacking. Many users tend to use the same password for multiple accounts, making it easier for hackers to gain access to all their accounts once one is compromised. It is crucial to choose a strong password that includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Additionally, enabling Steam Guard, a two-factor authentication system, adds an extra layer of security to your account.

So, what can you do to protect your Steam account from being hacked? First and foremost, be cautious of any suspicious emails or websites claiming to be from Steam. Always double-check the URL before entering your login information, and never click on links from unknown sources. It is also essential to keep your antivirus software up to date and to avoid downloading any suspicious files.

Moreover, it is crucial to have a strong and unique password for your Steam account. Do not use the same password for multiple accounts, and consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. Additionally, enabling Steam Guard is highly recommended to add an extra layer of security to your account. Steam Guard sends a code to your registered email or phone number every time you or anyone else tries to log in to your account from a new device.

In the unfortunate event that your Steam account has been hacked, there are steps you can take to regain control and secure your account. The first thing you should do is change your password immediately. If you are unable to do so, contact Steam Support and request a password reset. It is also crucial to check your account’s purchase history and report any unauthorized purchases to Steam Support. They will be able to reverse the charges and investigate the issue further.

In conclusion, Steam account hacking is a prevalent issue that can have severe consequences for its users. With the increasing value of Steam accounts and the ease of access for hackers, it is essential to take the necessary precautions to protect your account. A strong password, being cautious of suspicious emails and websites, and enabling Steam Guard are simple yet effective ways to secure your account. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so be vigilant and stay safe while enjoying your favorite games on Steam.

is 11 too old to trick-or treat

Halloween is a holiday celebrated all over the world, but it is most popular in the United States. Children look forward to Halloween all year long, eagerly anticipating the chance to dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating with their friends. However, as children get older, there comes a time when they start to wonder if they are too old to participate in this beloved tradition. This is a common question among parents and children alike, with many wondering if there is an age limit for trick-or-treating. In particular, the question “is 11 too old to trick-or-treat?” is one that has been debated for years. In this article, we will delve deeper into this topic and explore the different perspectives and opinions surrounding it.

To begin with, let’s clarify what trick-or-treating is all about. The tradition of trick-or-treating dates back to the early 20th century, where children would dress up in costumes and go door-to-door asking for treats. The phrase “trick or treat” originated from the practice of children threatening to play pranks on homeowners if they did not receive any treats. However, in modern times, the focus has shifted towards the treats rather than the tricks. Children now go door-to-door asking for candy and other goodies, with the understanding that if they do not receive any treats, they should move on to the next house.

Typically, children start trick-or-treating around the age of 3 or 4, accompanied by their parents or older siblings. As they get older, they may start going with a group of friends or by themselves. However, as they approach their teenage years, there is a growing consensus that they may be too old to participate in this activity. This is where the question “is 11 too old to trick-or-treat?” comes into play.

On one hand, there are those who believe that 11 is still a suitable age for trick-or-treating. They argue that at this age, children are still young and innocent, and it is a harmless and fun activity for them. They also point out that many teenagers are still actively participating in trick-or-treating, with some even going as far as to dress up in elaborate costumes and going around the neighborhood for treats. Therefore, they argue that there should not be an age limit for trick-or-treating, and children should be allowed to continue this tradition for as long as they want.

Furthermore, trick-or-treating is not just about the candy and treats; it is also a chance for children to socialize and have fun with their friends. By going around the neighborhood, they get to bond and create memories with their peers, which is essential for their social and emotional development. At the age of 11, children are still in their pre-teen years, and they may not have many opportunities to spend time with their friends outside of school. Trick-or-treating provides them with a safe and supervised way to do so.

On the other hand, there are those who argue that 11 is too old to be trick-or-treating. They point out that at this age, children are starting to enter their teenage years and should be focusing on more age-appropriate activities. They argue that trick-or-treating is meant for younger children and that teenagers should find other ways to celebrate Halloween. Additionally, they believe that trick-or-treating may be seen as immature and may result in teasing or bullying from their peers.

Moreover, some parents are concerned about the safety aspect of trick-or-treating for older children. As children get older, they may want to go trick-or-treating without adult supervision, which can be risky. They may also be more likely to engage in mischievous behavior, such as stealing candy or vandalizing property, which can have serious consequences. Therefore, parents may feel that 11 is too old for their child to be participating in this activity.

Another factor to consider is cultural and community norms. In some areas, trick-or-treating may be seen as a fun activity for all ages, while in others, it may be more common for younger children. Additionally, some communities may have specific rules or guidelines for trick-or-treating, such as a curfew or designated hours for trick-or-treating. Therefore, the age at which children stop trick-or-treating may vary depending on where they live.

Ultimately, the decision of whether 11 is too old to trick-or-treat should be left to the parents and their children. Every child is different, and what may be suitable for one child may not be appropriate for another. Parents know their children best and can make an informed decision based on their maturity level, behavior, and the community they live in.

If parents do decide that their child is too old to participate in trick-or-treating, there are still many ways for them to celebrate Halloween. They can host a Halloween party with their friends, watch scary movies, or even volunteer at a local charity event. This allows them to still be part of the Halloween festivities without going trick-or-treating.

In conclusion, the question “is 11 too old to trick-or-treat?” does not have a clear-cut answer. It ultimately depends on the child, their maturity level, and the community they live in. Some may argue that 11 is still a suitable age, while others may believe that it is time to move on to other Halloween traditions. However, one thing is for sure: Halloween is a time for fun and enjoyment, and as long as children are safe and having a good time, there should not be an age limit for trick-or-treating.

how to delete google hangouts messages

Google Hangouts is a popular messaging platform that allows users to communicate with friends and family through text messages, voice calls, and video calls. While the platform offers a convenient way to stay in touch with others, there are times when you may want to delete messages from your conversation history. This could be due to various reasons such as clearing up space on your device or removing sensitive information from your chat history. In this article, we will discuss how to delete Google Hangouts messages and the different methods you can use to do so.

Before we dive into the steps for deleting messages, it is important to note that once a message has been deleted, it cannot be recovered. Therefore, it is advisable to think carefully before deleting any messages, especially if they contain important information. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the different ways to delete Google Hangouts messages.

1. Deleting Individual Messages
The easiest way to delete messages on Google Hangouts is by deleting them individually. To do this, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Hangouts app on your device and locate the conversation that contains the message you want to delete.

Step 2: Tap and hold on the message you want to delete. This will bring up a menu with several options.

Step 3: Select “Delete” from the menu. A confirmation message will appear asking if you want to delete the message. Tap “Delete” again to confirm.

The message will now be deleted from the conversation. You can repeat these steps for any other messages you want to delete.

2. Deleting Multiple Messages
If you have multiple messages that you want to delete, it can be time-consuming to delete them individually. Luckily, Hangouts offers a way to delete multiple messages at once. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Open the Hangouts app and go to the conversation that contains the messages you want to delete.

Step 2: Tap and hold on one of the messages you want to delete. This will bring up a menu with several options.

Step 3: Tap on the other messages you want to delete. You will see a checkmark appear on each message as you tap on them.

Step 4: Once you have selected all the messages you want to delete, tap on the trash can icon at the top of the screen.

Step 5: A confirmation message will appear asking if you want to delete the selected messages. Tap “Delete” to confirm.

All the selected messages will now be deleted from the conversation. This method is especially useful if you have a long conversation with multiple messages that you want to delete.

3. Clearing Conversation History
If you want to delete all messages from a conversation, you can do so by clearing the conversation history. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open the Hangouts app and go to the conversation you want to delete.

Step 2: Tap on the three dots icon at the top of the screen to open the conversation options menu.

Step 3: Select “Options” from the menu.

Step 4: Tap on “Clear history” from the options menu. A confirmation message will appear asking if you want to delete the conversation history. Tap “Clear” to confirm.

All the messages in the conversation will now be deleted, and the conversation will appear as if it is a new conversation with no history.

4. Deleting Messages on Desktop
If you use Hangouts on your computer, you can also delete messages from the desktop version. To do this, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Hangouts on your computer and go to the conversation you want to delete messages from.

Step 2: Hover your cursor over the message you want to delete. This will bring up a menu with several options.

Step 3: Click on the three dots icon at the top right corner of the message.

Step 4: Select “Delete” from the menu. A confirmation message will appear asking if you want to delete the message. Click “Delete” again to confirm.

The message will now be deleted from the conversation. You can repeat these steps for any other messages you want to delete.

5. Turning Off History
If you want to prevent Hangouts from saving your conversation history, you can turn off this feature. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open the Hangouts app and tap on the three horizontal lines at the top left corner of the screen.

Step 2: Select “Settings” from the menu.

Step 3: Tap on your account name to open the account settings.

Step 4: Scroll down and toggle off the option for “Save history.” This will prevent Hangouts from saving your conversation history.

Please note that turning off this feature will only prevent Hangouts from saving your conversation history going forward. Any previous messages that have been saved will still be visible.

6. Deleting Messages on Hangouts Web
If you use Hangouts on your web browser, you can also delete messages from the browser version. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open Hangouts on your web browser and go to the conversation you want to delete messages from.

Step 2: Hover your cursor over the message you want to delete. This will bring up a menu with several options.

Step 3: Click on the three dots icon at the top right corner of the message.

Step 4: Select “Delete” from the menu. A confirmation message will appear asking if you want to delete the message. Click “Delete” again to confirm.

The message will now be deleted from the conversation. You can repeat these steps for any other messages you want to delete.

7. Archiving Conversations
If you want to remove a conversation from your main Hangouts screen without deleting it, you can archive the conversation. This will move the conversation to the “Archived” tab, where it will be hidden from your main conversations list. Here’s how to archive a conversation:

Step 1: Open the Hangouts app and go to the conversation you want to archive.

Step 2: Tap on the three dots icon at the top of the screen to open the conversation options menu.

Step 3: Select “Archive” from the menu.

The conversation will now be moved to the “Archived” tab. To view archived conversations, tap on the three horizontal lines at the top left corner of the screen, and then select “Archived” from the menu.

8. Unarchiving Conversations
If you want to unarchive a conversation and bring it back to your main conversations list, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Hangouts app and go to the “Archived” tab.

Step 2: Tap and hold on the conversation you want to unarchive.

Step 3: Select “Unarchive” from the menu that appears.

The conversation will now be moved back to your main conversations list.

9. Deleting Conversations
If you want to delete an entire conversation from your Hangouts app, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Hangouts app and go to the conversation you want to delete.

Step 2: Tap on the three dots icon at the top of the screen to open the conversation options menu.

Step 3: Select “Delete” from the menu.

A confirmation message will appear asking if you want to delete the conversation. Tap “Delete” again to confirm.

The conversation will now be deleted, and you will no longer see it in your conversations list.

10. Deleting Conversations on Desktop
If you use Hangouts on your computer, you can also delete conversations from the desktop version. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open Hangouts on your computer and go to the conversation you want to delete.

Step 2: Hover your cursor over the conversation you want to delete. This will bring up a menu with several options.

Step 3: Click on the three dots icon at the top right corner of the conversation.

Step 4: Select “Delete” from the menu.

A confirmation message will appear asking if you want to delete the conversation. Click “Delete” again to confirm.

The conversation will now be deleted, and you will no longer see it in your conversations list.

Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the different methods for deleting messages and conversations on Google Hangouts. Whether you want to delete individual messages or entire conversations, Hangouts offers various options to help you manage your chat history. It is important to note that once a message or conversation is deleted, it cannot be recovered. Therefore, be careful when deleting any messages, especially if they contain important information. We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you on how to delete Google Hangouts messages and conversations.

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