Letter to the editor

Given the heightened security since Sept. 11 and the war against terrorism, it's mystifying why the new e-mail addresses required under NMCI require the use of a person's full legal name in the address. Previously, the scheme included the last name and a couple of initials, making it somewhat cryptic and difficult for anyone with possibly ill intentions to identify someone specifically.

Now, anytime you use your e-mail address -- signing up for a newsletter, discussion group, requesting information, etc. -- your full legal name is disclosed, whether you want it to be. It would be a breeze to search a local area directory for that Navy personnel and get much greater detail.

Some companies use this scheme, but military-related entities have different concerns and should rethink this approach.

Name withheld by request