Security Implication for PenTeleData Email (your_name@ptd.net)

(This article was originally posted on BarrettCommunity.com)

To Whom it may Concern:
Based on the provided chat transcript (PTD Tech Support), please beware that using This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. email accounts for sensitive communication is not advised. When you call in to PenTeleData (the internet provider for Blue Ridge Cable customers), the technician asks for your account number, phone number, email address, or other means of searching for your account in their system. From that screen, the admin is able to see your email account password in plain text. Therefore, any tech PTD support agent is able to log in and access your inbox - if they so choose - because it’s on the honor system.

This means that essentially ANY email service is going to be a better choice than PTD: even Gmail. If you own a domain name for your business or organization, you should be using an email address like This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., anyways. That generally means your email is running through your hosting company, so the passwords SHOULD be encrypted, there, too… as long as you’ve chosen a reputable host.