Roommate broke into e-mail account.

[gadriver]

I currently use my roommates computer to use the internet. I was caught in the middle of an argument between him and another friend of mine (a woman). She forwarded me an e-mail he sent her, threatening her to stay away from his friends. I read this e-mail while on his computer. I logged out of the e-mail account and went out. He then sent me an e-mail saying that he knows what is going on, and he attached a screen shot of the e-mail that my friend forwarded to me. I did not give him my password, and logged out of Internet Explorer before I left his computer. I don't know how he got into my account, but it was without my permission. Can he get away with this? Did he break some kind of law? It has me worried, because I've used his computer to check my other e-mail accounts and my bank account. Any advice you could give me would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[NotABadGuy]

Just using common sense here.

His computer likely 'stored' your password.

First thing you should do is clear all the internet files and 'cookies' from his computer (go into control panels, choose 'internet options'.. you'll see the right place there) Internet explorer will remember passwords IF you tell it to... DO NOT select this option. To turn it off completely, go to the same control panel, to the 'content tab' and edit the AUTOCOMPLETE options.. .you'll see where it saves passwords/etc there.

Second thing you should do is change the password for all of your accounts

I'd also advise you not to use his computer anymore. Since it is his computer, I dont think you can get him legally on getting into your email.... I'm not versed in laws regarding this tho....

 

[HomeGuru]

I currently use my roommates computer to use the internet. I was caught in the middle of an argument between him and another friend of mine (a woman). She forwarded me an e-mail he sent her, threatening her to stay away from his friends. I read this e-mail while on his computer. I logged out of the e-mail account and went out. He then sent me an e-mail saying that he knows what is going on, and he attached a screen shot of the e-mail that my friend forwarded to me. I did not give him my password, and logged out of Internet Explorer before I left his computer. I don't know how he got into my account, but it was without my permission. Can he get away with this? Did he break some kind of law? It has me worried, because I've used his computer to check my other e-mail accounts and my bank account. Any advice you could give me would be appreciated. Thanks.

HomeGuru response:
Get your own computer.
If it is his computer, he can access any info of yours that he wants to.