"I've Been Hacked!" (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)

The other day, at about 1:30 PM, I received simultaneous emails, text messages, cell phone calls, and landline calls to my business. All were directed to me and all asked the same question, “Did you send me this document to sign?”

I was completely befuddled by the events until I read one of the emails that was forwarded to me. It was a request to view and sign an electronic document. It was sent under the banner of a well-known secure document service. I was horrified. I’ve been hacked! I immediately directed my staff to contact all of our clients to warn them about this fake email and immediately delete it.

For those unfortunate recipients who clicked on the link and viewed the document, their computer was now infected with this virus. To make matters worse, if one replied to the email, assuming that they were replying to me and asking, “Is this from you?” the email would reply, “Yes.”

Ironically, since I am a physician, such an email request to view such document may not be viewed as unusual by many of my colleagues and patients.  There were subtle clues in the body of the email. The contact email for the document service was incorrect. However, only if one were familiar with the actual service, would this error be evident. It was a painful lesson, not only for myself, but for those individuals who received it and clicked on the link. Bottom line, this sinister hacker was a very convincing counterfeit.

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (ESV)

The Bible reminds us that Satan is a convincing counterfeit as well. He cloaks himself in robes of righteousness and light. Even some pastors and church leaders may be agents of Satan. But like the fake email, there are clues to recognize their lies. We need to remain vigilant to Satan’s schemes, always holding their teaching and lifestyle to the light of God’s Word.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.