The Problem: Skilled Hacker Makes Website a Nightmare
The biggest headache for our client was that a very skilled hacker was at work behind the scenes. After we discovered and began fixing the initial website breach, the hacker was back – with a vengeance. The hacker kept returning and adding malicious files, until we were finally able to fully lock down the site.
Problems:
- Outdated host level PHP on the server – HostGator
- Different versions of PHP
- Openly exploitable plugins in use, deprecated plugins, and vulnerabilities created by conflicting plugins.
- Link pointing to a malicious website
- Blog post with questionable link
- Zero Day attack, a severe attack in which there is little chance that a patch has been developed for the problem.
The Solution: Cleanup, New Host, and Update of Foundational Codes
Dashboard Interactive’s team worked diligently to clean up the code that was changed by the hacker. We moved the client’s site to a new, more secure web host utilizing a dedicated server. We updated all of the foundational code for the website, updated the plugins, and replaced abandoned plugins.
The new site is secure and built upon a foundation that includes multiple levels of security.
Conclusion
According to Inc., 50% of all cyber attacks target small businesses. Yes, there are more small businesses than there are large corporations. However, hackers know that small businesses are easier targets than their large-business counterparts. Small businesses are less likely to have dedicated IT resources and the knowledge, skills, and experience to identify, protect, and defend against cyber attacks.
In this case, a small business owner found himself at the mercy not once of a sophisticated hacking attempt. The hacker came back for more thinking that the business owner was unaware or unable to fend off the attack.
Let’s talk about website cybersecurity. Call us today at 763-242-2454.