User name

[Jay Christopherson]

Those of you worried about using your full name here as a "deterrence" to hackers/spammers/etc... are living in denial. They are far more likely to get that information from a dumped database (a retail store for example) where they can get your *entire* record of information in one shot, rather than a forum where they only useful thing they might come away with is your name and a password (maybe an email address) that you are hopefully not using elsewhere - or at least, no where else important.

There's no requirement here to use your full or real name, but I agree with Keith's sentiments.

I usually agree with you Jay, and I certainly see why it would be "nice" for everyone to use their real names. However, to say that we (who don't use our real names) are "living in denial" because we want to reduce risk of cyber crime is not exactly accurate. I agree that the chances are far greater via compromised data marts, etc.. however I have worked with the cyber security / fraud team at my place of employment and have been told by members of that team that I have a great deal of respect for to never to use your real name for the world to see. Of course they have a laundry list of things not to do, especially when it comes to social media, but to want to reduce your risk of being victimized is never "living in denial". After all, isn't that why a good portion of us carry concealed?

As for me.... I tend to ask a lot of questions... hence "Why"sman... not to be confused with wiseman.

The "denial" I'm referring to is the level of "security" you think you are achieving by not using your real name on this forum. "Security by obscurity" is no security at all. I'll stand behind my assertion that you are not improving your security in any way, shape or form, by not using your name on this forum. How is using your real name here any different than being listed in a phone book?

But, that's my opinion so anyone is free to disagree with me. On forums or other social media place, I tend to use my real name, but obscure "facts" like my real birthday, address, phone number, etc... by using different dates, addresses, and numbers everywhere so that if someone culls it, it'll be different depending on where they pulled it from. That's just me though, to each his own. I think those are more useful measures, just because those are things that so-called "security" questions tend to be based on.

 

[whysman]

The "denial" I'm referring to is the level of "security" you think you are achieving by not using your real name on this forum. "Security by obscurity" is no security at all. I'll stand behind my assertion that you are not improving your security in any way, shape or form, by not using your name on this forum. How is using your real name here any different than being listed in a phone book?

There is a huge difference. On a forum, anyone will bad intent has your name and all the information they can gather from your posts. A phone book listing has no such relevant information. Having said that, it has your address and phone number which combined with other information (such as what you might find on social media or a forum) could set one up for targeted phishing or worse depending on your cyber tendencies.

My points may strike some as paranoia and that is fine. It would certainly take a determined individual to do you harm starting with what they could gather here. Having said that, if you haven't spoken to anyone who has been the target of identity theft, you may feel different. There are some tenacious bad guys out in cyberland.

You may disagree with me and I with you, but can still respect each other on this or any other forum regardless of what "names" we go by.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Those of you worried about using your full name here as a "deterrence" to hackers/spammers/etc... are living in denial. They are far more likely to get that information from a dumped database (a retail store for example) where they can get your *entire* record of information in one shot, rather than a forum where they only useful thing they might come away with is your name and a password (maybe an email address) that you are hopefully not using elsewhere - or at least, no where else important.

There's no requirement here to use your full or real name, but I agree with Keith's sentiments.

I usually agree with you Jay, and I certainly see why it would be "nice" for everyone to use their real names. However, to say that we (who don't use our real names) are "living in denial" because we want to reduce risk of cyber crime is not exactly accurate. I agree that the chances are far greater via compromised data marts, etc.. however I have worked with the cyber security / fraud team at my place of employment and have been told by members of that team that I have a great deal of respect for to never to use your real name for the world to see. Of course they have a laundry list of things not to do, especially when it comes to social media, but to want to reduce your risk of being victimized is never "living in denial". After all, isn't that why a good portion of us carry concealed?

As for me.... I tend to ask a lot of questions... hence "Why"sman... not to be confused with wiseman.

The "denial" I'm referring to is the level of "security" you think you are achieving by not using your real name on this forum. "Security by obscurity" is no security at all. I'll stand behind my assertion that you are not improving your security in any way, shape or form, by not using your name on this forum. How is using your real name here any different than being listed in a phone book?

But, that's my opinion so anyone is free to disagree with me. On forums or other social media place, I tend to use my real name, but obscure "facts" like my real birthday, address, phone number, etc... by using different dates, addresses, and numbers everywhere so that if someone culls it, it'll be different depending on where they pulled it from. That's just me though, to each his own. I think those are more useful measures, just because those are things that so-called "security" questions tend to be based on.

Nationals are going to be fun! ;D

 

[Erik Cortina]

Is this really what we've come to? Who gives a rat's *** whether someone uses their real name or not? Who thinks that because someone doesn't use their real name, they must be doing it to "avoid being identified"? Perhaps they just like going by the forum name of "WaySuperUltimateBadAssX-RingShooterThatReadsWindLikeTheLordAboveAndNeverDropsPoints". Why should it matter?

Greg, it matters. If you didn't use a handle, more people would realize that you are the "Greg" that recently won the Nebraska State Championship in F-T/R by 8 points using your .223!

Congratulations by the way!

 

[whysman]

Those of you worried about using your full name here as a "deterrence" to hackers/spammers/etc... are living in denial. They are far more likely to get that information from a dumped database (a retail store for example) where they can get your *entire* record of information in one shot, rather than a forum where they only useful thing they might come away with is your name and a password (maybe an email address) that you are hopefully not using elsewhere - or at least, no where else important.

There's no requirement here to use your full or real name, but I agree with Keith's sentiments.

I usually agree with you Jay, and I certainly see why it would be "nice" for everyone to use their real names. However, to say that we (who don't use our real names) are "living in denial" because we want to reduce risk of cyber crime is not exactly accurate. I agree that the chances are far greater via compromised data marts, etc.. however I have worked with the cyber security / fraud team at my place of employment and have been told by members of that team that I have a great deal of respect for to never to use your real name for the world to see. Of course they have a laundry list of things not to do, especially when it comes to social media, but to want to reduce your risk of being victimized is never "living in denial". After all, isn't that why a good portion of us carry concealed?

As for me.... I tend to ask a lot of questions... hence "Why"sman... not to be confused with wiseman.

The "denial" I'm referring to is the level of "security" you think you are achieving by not using your real name on this forum. "Security by obscurity" is no security at all. I'll stand behind my assertion that you are not improving your security in any way, shape or form, by not using your name on this forum. How is using your real name here any different than being listed in a phone book?

But, that's my opinion so anyone is free to disagree with me. On forums or other social media place, I tend to use my real name, but obscure "facts" like my real birthday, address, phone number, etc... by using different dates, addresses, and numbers everywhere so that if someone culls it, it'll be different depending on where they pulled it from. That's just me though, to each his own. I think those are more useful measures, just because those are things that so-called "security" questions tend to be based on.

Nationals are going to be fun! ;D

I thought you might appreciate the irony 8)

 

[Erik Cortina]

Those of you worried about using your full name here as a "deterrence" to hackers/spammers/etc... are living in denial. They are far more likely to get that information from a dumped database (a retail store for example) where they can get your *entire* record of information in one shot, rather than a forum where they only useful thing they might come away with is your name and a password (maybe an email address) that you are hopefully not using elsewhere - or at least, no where else important.

There's no requirement here to use your full or real name, but I agree with Keith's sentiments.

I usually agree with you Jay, and I certainly see why it would be "nice" for everyone to use their real names. However, to say that we (who don't use our real names) are "living in denial" because we want to reduce risk of cyber crime is not exactly accurate. I agree that the chances are far greater via compromised data marts, etc.. however I have worked with the cyber security / fraud team at my place of employment and have been told by members of that team that I have a great deal of respect for to never to use your real name for the world to see. Of course they have a laundry list of things not to do, especially when it comes to social media, but to want to reduce your risk of being victimized is never "living in denial". After all, isn't that why a good portion of us carry concealed?

As for me.... I tend to ask a lot of questions... hence "Why"sman... not to be confused with wiseman.

The "denial" I'm referring to is the level of "security" you think you are achieving by not using your real name on this forum. "Security by obscurity" is no security at all. I'll stand behind my assertion that you are not improving your security in any way, shape or form, by not using your name on this forum. How is using your real name here any different than being listed in a phone book?

But, that's my opinion so anyone is free to disagree with me. On forums or other social media place, I tend to use my real name, but obscure "facts" like my real birthday, address, phone number, etc... by using different dates, addresses, and numbers everywhere so that if someone culls it, it'll be different depending on where they pulled it from. That's just me though, to each his own. I think those are more useful measures, just because those are things that so-called "security" questions tend to be based on.

Nationals are going to be fun! ;D

I thought you might appreciate the irony 8)

Well, in all fairness, if you didn't use a handle he would know who you are and this would not have happened! ;D

 

[jwink]

Jeez, most of the people I know, don't know my real name. Everyone just calls me Wink.

 

[whysman]

Those of you worried about using your full name here as a "deterrence" to hackers/spammers/etc... are living in denial. They are far more likely to get that information from a dumped database (a retail store for example) where they can get your *entire* record of information in one shot, rather than a forum where they only useful thing they might come away with is your name and a password (maybe an email address) that you are hopefully not using elsewhere - or at least, no where else important.

There's no requirement here to use your full or real name, but I agree with Keith's sentiments.

I usually agree with you Jay, and I certainly see why it would be "nice" for everyone to use their real names. However, to say that we (who don't use our real names) are "living in denial" because we want to reduce risk of cyber crime is not exactly accurate. I agree that the chances are far greater via compromised data marts, etc.. however I have worked with the cyber security / fraud team at my place of employment and have been told by members of that team that I have a great deal of respect for to never to use your real name for the world to see. Of course they have a laundry list of things not to do, especially when it comes to social media, but to want to reduce your risk of being victimized is never "living in denial". After all, isn't that why a good portion of us carry concealed?

As for me.... I tend to ask a lot of questions... hence "Why"sman... not to be confused with wiseman.

The "denial" I'm referring to is the level of "security" you think you are achieving by not using your real name on this forum. "Security by obscurity" is no security at all. I'll stand behind my assertion that you are not improving your security in any way, shape or form, by not using your name on this forum. How is using your real name here any different than being listed in a phone book?

But, that's my opinion so anyone is free to disagree with me. On forums or other social media place, I tend to use my real name, but obscure "facts" like my real birthday, address, phone number, etc... by using different dates, addresses, and numbers everywhere so that if someone culls it, it'll be different depending on where they pulled it from. That's just me though, to each his own. I think those are more useful measures, just because those are things that so-called "security" questions tend to be based on.

Nationals are going to be fun! ;D

I thought you might appreciate the irony 8)

Well, in all fairness, if you didn't use a handle he would know who you are and this would not have happened! ;D

Really? Hmmm.. and I thought all you guys who use your name did so to promote more civility on the forums but now you are saying that would only happen if I changed to my real name? ??? Very interesting.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Those of you worried about using your full name here as a "deterrence" to hackers/spammers/etc... are living in denial. They are far more likely to get that information from a dumped database (a retail store for example) where they can get your *entire* record of information in one shot, rather than a forum where they only useful thing they might come away with is your name and a password (maybe an email address) that you are hopefully not using elsewhere - or at least, no where else important.

There's no requirement here to use your full or real name, but I agree with Keith's sentiments.

I usually agree with you Jay, and I certainly see why it would be "nice" for everyone to use their real names. However, to say that we (who don't use our real names) are "living in denial" because we want to reduce risk of cyber crime is not exactly accurate. I agree that the chances are far greater via compromised data marts, etc.. however I have worked with the cyber security / fraud team at my place of employment and have been told by members of that team that I have a great deal of respect for to never to use your real name for the world to see. Of course they have a laundry list of things not to do, especially when it comes to social media, but to want to reduce your risk of being victimized is never "living in denial". After all, isn't that why a good portion of us carry concealed?

As for me.... I tend to ask a lot of questions... hence "Why"sman... not to be confused with wiseman.

The "denial" I'm referring to is the level of "security" you think you are achieving by not using your real name on this forum. "Security by obscurity" is no security at all. I'll stand behind my assertion that you are not improving your security in any way, shape or form, by not using your name on this forum. How is using your real name here any different than being listed in a phone book?

But, that's my opinion so anyone is free to disagree with me. On forums or other social media place, I tend to use my real name, but obscure "facts" like my real birthday, address, phone number, etc... by using different dates, addresses, and numbers everywhere so that if someone culls it, it'll be different depending on where they pulled it from. That's just me though, to each his own. I think those are more useful measures, just because those are things that so-called "security" questions tend to be based on.

Nationals are going to be fun! ;D

I thought you might appreciate the irony 8)

Well, in all fairness, if you didn't use a handle he would know who you are and this would not have happened! ;D

Really? Hmmm.. and I thought all you guys who use your name did so to promote more civility on the forums but now you are saying that would only happen if I changed to my real name? ??? Very interesting.

When in the hell have I promoted civility!? LMAO

 

[whysman]

Those of you worried about using your full name here as a "deterrence" to hackers/spammers/etc... are living in denial. They are far more likely to get that information from a dumped database (a retail store for example) where they can get your *entire* record of information in one shot, rather than a forum where they only useful thing they might come away with is your name and a password (maybe an email address) that you are hopefully not using elsewhere - or at least, no where else important.

There's no requirement here to use your full or real name, but I agree with Keith's sentiments.

I usually agree with you Jay, and I certainly see why it would be "nice" for everyone to use their real names. However, to say that we (who don't use our real names) are "living in denial" because we want to reduce risk of cyber crime is not exactly accurate. I agree that the chances are far greater via compromised data marts, etc.. however I have worked with the cyber security / fraud team at my place of employment and have been told by members of that team that I have a great deal of respect for to never to use your real name for the world to see. Of course they have a laundry list of things not to do, especially when it comes to social media, but to want to reduce your risk of being victimized is never "living in denial". After all, isn't that why a good portion of us carry concealed?

As for me.... I tend to ask a lot of questions... hence "Why"sman... not to be confused with wiseman.

The "denial" I'm referring to is the level of "security" you think you are achieving by not using your real name on this forum. "Security by obscurity" is no security at all. I'll stand behind my assertion that you are not improving your security in any way, shape or form, by not using your name on this forum. How is using your real name here any different than being listed in a phone book?

But, that's my opinion so anyone is free to disagree with me. On forums or other social media place, I tend to use my real name, but obscure "facts" like my real birthday, address, phone number, etc... by using different dates, addresses, and numbers everywhere so that if someone culls it, it'll be different depending on where they pulled it from. That's just me though, to each his own. I think those are more useful measures, just because those are things that so-called "security" questions tend to be based on.

Nationals are going to be fun! ;D

I thought you might appreciate the irony 8)

Well, in all fairness, if you didn't use a handle he would know who you are and this would not have happened! ;D

Really? Hmmm.. and I thought all you guys who use your name did so to promote more civility on the forums but now you are saying that would only happen if I changed to my real name? ??? Very interesting.

When in the hell have I promoted civility!? LMAO

touché

 

[OIF/OEF]

I use OIF/OEF because I'm proud of my military service to my Country and my Family. My real name is on my profile. I thought about changing it as it could sound like I am seeking sympathy or attention....that's how I personally think it could look anyway, but I sure like OIF/OEF lol

 

[jimcasey01]

Is this really what we've come to? Who gives a rat's *** whether someone uses their real name or not? Who thinks that because someone doesn't use their real name, they must be doing it to "avoid being identified"? Perhaps they just like going by the forum name of "WaySuperUltimateBadAssX-RingShooterThatReadsWindLikeTheLordAboveAndNeverDropsPoints". Why should it matter?

Because it's much easier to be an Internet "badass" behind a handle, when you know there no consequences (reputation, if nothing else) for what you say. Lots of people will say stuff behind their perceived anonymity on an Internet forum, that they would never have the balls to say to someone's face, when they have to answer for what they say. For me personally, putting my name on my posts means that I'll own up to anything I say, good or bad. And I won't be the guy at the match afraid to own up to what I've posted about someone else.

Jay, I think that you nailed it in your statement.

 

[Jay Christopherson]

Those of you worried about using your full name here as a "deterrence" to hackers/spammers/etc... are living in denial. They are far more likely to get that information from a dumped database (a retail store for example) where they can get your *entire* record of information in one shot, rather than a forum where they only useful thing they might come away with is your name and a password (maybe an email address) that you are hopefully not using elsewhere - or at least, no where else important.

There's no requirement here to use your full or real name, but I agree with Keith's sentiments.

I usually agree with you Jay, and I certainly see why it would be "nice" for everyone to use their real names. However, to say that we (who don't use our real names) are "living in denial" because we want to reduce risk of cyber crime is not exactly accurate. I agree that the chances are far greater via compromised data marts, etc.. however I have worked with the cyber security / fraud team at my place of employment and have been told by members of that team that I have a great deal of respect for to never to use your real name for the world to see. Of course they have a laundry list of things not to do, especially when it comes to social media, but to want to reduce your risk of being victimized is never "living in denial". After all, isn't that why a good portion of us carry concealed?

As for me.... I tend to ask a lot of questions... hence "Why"sman... not to be confused with wiseman.

The "denial" I'm referring to is the level of "security" you think you are achieving by not using your real name on this forum. "Security by obscurity" is no security at all. I'll stand behind my assertion that you are not improving your security in any way, shape or form, by not using your name on this forum. How is using your real name here any different than being listed in a phone book?

But, that's my opinion so anyone is free to disagree with me. On forums or other social media place, I tend to use my real name, but obscure "facts" like my real birthday, address, phone number, etc... by using different dates, addresses, and numbers everywhere so that if someone culls it, it'll be different depending on where they pulled it from. That's just me though, to each his own. I think those are more useful measures, just because those are things that so-called "security" questions tend to be based on.

Nationals are going to be fun! ;D

I thought you might appreciate the irony 8)

Well now we have something to debate between relays, right?

There is a huge difference. On a forum, anyone will bad intent has your name and all the information they can gather from your posts. A phone book listing has no such relevant information. Having said that, it has your address and phone number which combined with other information (such as what you might find on social media or a forum) could set one up for targeted phishing or worse depending on your cyber tendencies.

Not at all. In a phone book, I have your name, your address, and your phone number (assuming you are not paying to be unlisted), which as a social engineer, is far more valuable to me than what I can get off this forum. That's everything that you could get off this forum (actually more, because few people actually post their phone # and address openly on this forum), unless you are posting more details in open posts. The only additional info I might get off the typical forum profile is an email address, is which is meaningless because I can find your email address in a hundred different places, or the fact that you like guns and competition shooting. So I'm still not convinced your argument holds water.


EDIT: BTW, I haven't looked at a phone book in 15 years, so I may be blowing smoke here... I could swear I remember those details in a phone book though.

 

[whysman]

Those of you worried about using your full name here as a "deterrence" to hackers/spammers/etc... are living in denial. They are far more likely to get that information from a dumped database (a retail store for example) where they can get your *entire* record of information in one shot, rather than a forum where they only useful thing they might come away with is your name and a password (maybe an email address) that you are hopefully not using elsewhere - or at least, no where else important.

There's no requirement here to use your full or real name, but I agree with Keith's sentiments.

I usually agree with you Jay, and I certainly see why it would be "nice" for everyone to use their real names. However, to say that we (who don't use our real names) are "living in denial" because we want to reduce risk of cyber crime is not exactly accurate. I agree that the chances are far greater via compromised data marts, etc.. however I have worked with the cyber security / fraud team at my place of employment and have been told by members of that team that I have a great deal of respect for to never to use your real name for the world to see. Of course they have a laundry list of things not to do, especially when it comes to social media, but to want to reduce your risk of being victimized is never "living in denial". After all, isn't that why a good portion of us carry concealed?

As for me.... I tend to ask a lot of questions... hence "Why"sman... not to be confused with wiseman.

The "denial" I'm referring to is the level of "security" you think you are achieving by not using your real name on this forum. "Security by obscurity" is no security at all. I'll stand behind my assertion that you are not improving your security in any way, shape or form, by not using your name on this forum. How is using your real name here any different than being listed in a phone book?

But, that's my opinion so anyone is free to disagree with me. On forums or other social media place, I tend to use my real name, but obscure "facts" like my real birthday, address, phone number, etc... by using different dates, addresses, and numbers everywhere so that if someone culls it, it'll be different depending on where they pulled it from. That's just me though, to each his own. I think those are more useful measures, just because those are things that so-called "security" questions tend to be based on.

Nationals are going to be fun! ;D

I thought you might appreciate the irony 8)

Well now we have something to debate between relays, right?

There is a huge difference. On a forum, anyone will bad intent has your name and all the information they can gather from your posts. A phone book listing has no such relevant information. Having said that, it has your address and phone number which combined with other information (such as what you might find on social media or a forum) could set one up for targeted phishing or worse depending on your cyber tendencies.

Not at all. In a phone book, I have your name, your address, and your phone number (assuming you are not paying to be unlisted), which as a social engineer, is far more valuable to me than what I can get off this forum. That's everything that you could get off this forum (actually more, because few people actually post their phone # and address openly on this forum), unless you are posting more details in open posts. The only additional info I might get off the typical forum profile is an email address, is which is meaningless because I can find your email address in a hundred different places, or the fact that you like guns and competition shooting. So I'm still not convinced your argument holds water.


EDIT: BTW, I haven't looked at a phone book in 15 years, so I may be blowing smoke here... I could swear I remember those details in a phone book though.

Well, we could go on and on about this (and maybe we will in Phoenix ;D ) but the bottom line is the more places your name is out there, the more risk you take no matter how small.

Ironically, I thought about changing to my name (even with all the risk that accompanies it ) but didn't really see a compelling reason. Anyone that reads my posts will realize I don't consider myself an "Internet badass" and to be lumped into that small group because of my "handle" is akin to the same type of logic that some use to view all gunowners the same way when there is a gun crime.

It's all good Jay....whether or not my view holds water, as long as you don't ban me, you're alright with me. lol

 

[Jay Christopherson]

It's all good Jay....whether or not my view holds water, as long as you don't ban me, you're alright with me. lol

Everyone gets to disagree with me once.

Once.

 

[JRS]

I'll use my full name, when the Forum Boss and moderators use theirs :-\

 

[LHSmith]

FWIW.....the only way PC can be involved in this discussion is if a member took a username that might offend a class of people....and was barred from doing so. The definition of PC in no way, shape or form applies to whether someone uses their real name or a fictitious one.

 

[JohnKielly]

What amuses me on this and most forums that I've subscribed to is the rant along the lines that Underapossumstail doesn't need to justify his opinion because he's really Chuck Rokk, champion long distance shooter of the world.

This sucks on several levels, for example:

It classifies members into the group who know each other's handle and therefore own the forum & the trash who float in & join later.

It leads to that insulting throw away line that Newbiepinkcheeks should do a search for a subject string that the forum offers 2,145 matches for, the 1,917th of which has relevance to the question.

It permits trolls to sign up under many handles allowing them to support their own trash talk and give it better cred

I've stopped regular visits to three forums this year because they seem to be on the way out. Newbies are told to stop annoying the elite, trolls with the right political coat rant off topic without being called to order and valid subjects are stifled.

 

[Jay Christopherson]

What amuses me on this and most forums that I've subscribed to is the rant along the lines that Underapossumstail doesn't need to justify his opinion because he's really Chuck Rokk, champion long distance shooter of the world.

This sucks on several levels, for example:

It classifies members into the group who know each other's handle and therefore own the forum & the trash who float in & join later.

It leads to that insulting throw away line that Newbiepinkcheeks should do a search for a subject string that the forum offers 2,145 matches for, the 1,917th of which has relevance to the question.

It permits trolls to sign up under many handles allowing them to support their own trash talk and give it better cred

I've stopped regular visits to three forums this year because they seem to be on the way out. Newbies are told to stop annoying the elite, trolls with the right political coat rant off topic without being called to order and valid subjects are stifled.

I just found my new online alias. The double 'k' makes it work.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

My intent of posting was to bring to light the fact that all of us are out in the light of day for anyone willing to take the time to look. My decision was made out of the same fabric as Jay's. I am accountable for how I behave and what I write in these posts. It forces me to be more disciplined - as if I'm having a face to face discussion.

Now, I in no way intended to suggest that this decision was right for everyone. It is right for me because of the attention that my shooting discipline gets.

I also do not advocate any changes to the forum rules.

I am simply holding up my hand and saying "Here I am."

I respect everyone and their individual decisions on what display name to use. It is none of my business, and for that matter, changes absolutely nothing in how I regard people.