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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

The enemy of newspapers

After being on the internet since the dial-up days of the last century, I have acquired a new appreciation for paper and ink. A long career in information technology did not prepare me for today’s horde of hackers.

Our largest cable TV/internet provider has upgraded its “Wi-Fi Everywhere” equipment. Now computers with no wired internet connection at all are exposed to the thousands of felons who live on spyware and stolen data.

Enough. Brick and mortar stores and the US Postal Service still work just fine. There is life after Amazon. To avoid painful discussions with your bank, be very careful about exposing card data online. Follow up on purchases carefully, because you do not want the mess I have seen.

You are safer using a smart phone than an old-style laptop or desktop machine. Good luck, surfers.

Jim Thompson

Spokane Valley

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