If you happened to attempt to visit my site from a little after 6 pm UTC on Feb 17 until 1:30 am UTC on Feb 18, you might have been shocked to find the entire website wiped of all its content, appearing much like a fresh install of a new and generic blog.
That’s because I got hacked!
Whoever did it even wiped out my databases, which of course are the most precious part of the site – they store the over 1,000 posts I’ve published here. Just imagine losing all that!
Fortunately, I didn’t have to – because I’ve trusted my backups and website security to Malcare, which automatically backs up this blog every day and also provides support if I’ve suffered a hack. With their dedicated help, I was able to resolve the hack and restore my site in less than 24 hours. (If you are searching for a great solution for backups and website security, I highly recommend Malcare.) So grateful I had the foresight many years ago to invest in these backups, and later add anti-malware support.
Anyhow, my deepest apologies to anyone who tried to visit the site while I was resolving the hack. And for those of you who have stayed with me, thank you for your support.
Oh, man! That’s what I thought happened to my website.
And then I learned that my IT Guy/ husband forgot to pay the bill.
Glad you are back up and running.
Thank you Autumn! LOL, your hubby forgot to pay the bill…and he’s an IT guy? *insert facepalm*
Glad you’re back!
Thanks George, it’s good to be back!
Wow, that’s terrible! It’s awesome that you had the widsom to back it up so thoroughly. Great lesson for bloggers. Keep up the good work! ♥
Thanks Jen! Yes, backups are a must for any blogger — worth the investment!!!
I’m glad you’re back, Jocelyn. Your hack and recovery reminds me to check into my security to see if it’s adequate. A word to the wise ….
Thanks Nicki! Yes, always a good idea to look into your security, and see if you have any vulnerabilities.
Do you access your website with a password? Try at least a 15 or 16 characters PW, mixed with ! or ? or { or – or ; or whatever, and numbers, and big and small capitals alphabets all in the same PW. It seems that will make hacking by attempting password almost futile for it might take a few thousand years! I am not sure. I am not a techie. But, touch wood, it has served me well. Backing up your work, of course, is the ultimate wise thing to do. Sorry, your site was hacked. The terrible and evil things some people do. Nice that you are now back! Cheerio, Jocelyn!