Why are we talking about this topic right now? Last week, one of our clients got “blacklisted” through no fault of his own nor ours. His former hosting company who was hosting two of his websites got his ip address labelled as a “spamming ip” with one of the big companies, Spamhaus Zen. We did move both of those websites to HostPapa but the issue still remained.
We spent several hours researching why he could not get on his internet while inside his home office. But if he used his mobile hotspot (not connected to the router), everything worked perfectly. He couldn’t access anything through his router. Of course, his internet provider insisted that it was his web hosting company that was the problem. Nope! Spamhaus Zen has flagged his ip address so no internet access. So, after his internet provider cleared his current ip address and provided a new one; problem solved!
Here are some of our essential steps that we take for our clients and business owners if their website is hacked or blacklisted, ensuring quick recovery and enhanced security. Let me just say that our security features both at HostPapa and Web Dezyn Plus have never had a blacklisted site; however, every business owner should be aware of the process if we aren’t your website maintenance choice!
The increasing risk of website hacks poses significant threats to businesses, irrespective of their size. Cybercriminals target websites for various reasons, including stealing sensitive data, sending spam, or even gaining control over other connected sites. Statistics indicate that approximately 43% of cyber attacks specifically target small businesses, highlighting the need for vigilance and robust security measures. A compromised website can lead not only to stolen data but also to severe reputational damage and financial losses, emphasizing the importance of a prompt response to mitigate potential consequences.
Delaying action after a hack can have dire repercussions, including IP blacklisting, which can affect website visibility in search engines, and negative impacts on SEO rankings. A swift and effective response is crucial to prevent further damage and ensure the integrity of both the website and the business’s reputation. For example, if a retail website suffers a data breach, the immediate fallout could include customers losing trust and choosing to shop elsewhere, which can have lasting effects on sales and brand loyalty.
If a website is hacked, the first step a business owner should take is to contact their hosting provider for assistance. This is essential because the hosting company may have encountered similar incidents and can provide insights on addressing the situation effectively. Additionally, checking for other hacked sites on the same server may help identify broader vulnerabilities. Another critical step is to quarantine the hacked website by taking it offline temporarily to prevent further infections.
Verifying ownership of the website in Google Search Console is also vital. This platform can provide tools to assess damage and identify unauthorized users who may have gained access. Documenting all findings related to the breach is important for legal compliance and future reference. Moreover, redirecting DNS to a static page can inform visitors of the issue while minimizing the risk of spreading malware. Assembling a breach response team that includes forensics, legal, IT, and communications experts can streamline the recovery process and address the situation effectively.
The Web Dezyn Team monitors all of our clients’ websites through Google Search Console on a weekly basis as part of the website maintenance package.
After a hack, assessing the damage is crucial to understand the extent of the compromise. This can be initiated through the Message Center and Security Issues sections in Google Search Console, which provide insights into the nature of the attack. Additionally, reviewing access logs can help identify suspicious activities that may have occurred during the breach. Comparing current files with backups will allow business owners to determine what has been altered or deleted.
Identifying vulnerabilities that may have led to the attack is another essential aspect of damage assessment. Tools such as vulnerability scanners can help detect weaknesses in the website’s security. It is also important to check for unauthorized access to databases and user accounts, as this can provide further insight into the severity of the breach. Monitoring server performance and unusual traffic patterns can also indicate ongoing issues that need to be addressed.
In conjunction with all of the hosting companies where our clients’ websites reside, we monitor all activities as part of our monthly maintenance plans. We have yet to have a breach or hack as our hosting companies are well-known for keeping websites secure.
Cleaning the website after a hack involves several steps to ensure that it is secure and functional again. One of the first actions should be to remove any unauthorized URLs and submit the cleaned, quality pages back to Google’s index. Restoring the server from a pre-hack backup is essential to recover lost data and functionality, while also ensuring that all software is updated to the latest versions to prevent further breaches.
Changing all related passwords is a critical step to secure accounts and prevent unauthorized access in the future. Conducting a thorough re-check of the website to ensure all vulnerabilities are addressed is vital. Unnecessary applications should be removed to decrease potential attack vectors. Additionally, implementing security plugins can help automate the cleaning process and enhance protection against future threats.
Web Dezyn Plus creates full backups of all our clients’ websites on a weekly basis and stores them on one of our secure servers. In addition, a complete backup is also maintained with our clients’ hosting companies.
After a data breach, notifying affected individuals promptly is not just a best practice, but often a legal requirement. Business owners must quickly inform customers about the breach to help them mitigate potential misuse of their personal information. Understanding and complying with applicable state and federal notification laws is crucial to avoid legal repercussions.
Developing a comprehensive communication plan is essential for informing stakeholders, including customers and employees, about the breach. Offering support services, such as credit monitoring for affected individuals, can help rebuild trust in the brand. Preparing templates for communications can streamline the notification process and maintain transparency, which is important in the aftermath of a breach.
To prevent future hacks, businesses should make it a priority to keep all plugins and core software updated to eliminate vulnerabilities. Implementing strong password policies, including the use of two-factor authentication, can significantly enhance security. Regular data backups and redundancy strategies are also essential for quick recovery should another breach occur.
Training staff on cybersecurity best practices is crucial, as human error often leads to breaches. Investing in a reputable security service that provides ongoing monitoring and threat detection can further enhance overall website security. Taking these preventative measures can create a robust defence against the evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Ongoing maintenance, updates, and monitoring are fundamental to keeping a website secure. Investing in website security not only safeguards user data but also maintains business continuity, which is vital for long-term success. As cyber threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, a proactive approach to website security is essential. Regular assessments and updates can significantly reduce the risk of future hacks, ensuring that businesses remain resilient against potential cyber threats.
We cannot emphasize enough that maintaining your website is an absolute must. Websites that are not looked after on a regular basis become wide-open for hacking and phishing. Not being with a hosting company that puts website security first is also a big issue. If your business website needs maintenance or you are not happy with the support that you are receiving from your hosting company, just give us a call at 705-955-8574, fill out the form below or send me a direct e-mail at gail@webdezynplus.ca and we’ll be happy to discuss your options. Better safe than sorry!
Cheers!
