One day, not so long ago, I logged into WordPress to work on a post for that upcoming week. Right away I noticed two of my plugins needed updating. So, I clicked on the update button to update. While one of my plugins was updating everything froze. It remained unresponsive for quite a while. After some time had past, I was shocked to see a white screen with a huge warning across it.
Oh no!
I’ve had issues with plugins not updating completely before, but they’re fixable. No need for alarm.
In the past, I’d search for an error on the WordPress site to find a solution. Usually within a few minutes, I’m able to figure out what I have to do to fix it.
No such luck this time.
I gave GoDaddy a call. I was hoping they could reset my blog or at least fix the problem. After speaking with a few tech people, I was told my blog had been hacked.
Hacked!
Not only was Scrapality hacked, but they couldn’t fix it. However, for $80 I could purchase security software to clean out the coding and monitor for future threats.
Wait… what?
I was then advised to hire a blog designer to clean out anything left behind and to restore my blog. I was speachless.
How?
How can this be? Is my blog even large enough to hack? Why would someone want to hack me?
I thought only big sites were hacked. I never once thought someone would hack my blog. Boy was I wrong!
I purchased the software and waited for it to clean out the bad code. I then searched the Internet for a designer. After searching for a while, I was very overwhelmed and totally loss. I decided to ask for help.
I belong to an awesome group on Facebook called Bloggertunities. If you blog and you’re not a member you must join. They can be a huge help and they’re full of ideas.
I created a post asking for help and suggestions. Over the next few hours I was given a few names of people who could help me. Some people chimed in with their stories and how they fixed the issue themselves.
One blogger suggested I back up my blog and uninstall and then reinstall WordPress. Then, follow with the backed up files.
The DIYer that I am decided to give it a shot. What do I have to lose, right?
I backed up my files, uninstalled WordPress and then clicked to install WordPress.
Fail!
I received an error message saying I wasn’t able to install WordPress on my site due to a directory error. Luckily, the error message also suggested notifying Installatron for help. I left a message with the Installatron and hoped for the best. Who knows, maybe they can help.
After a few weeks of back and forth messages we hit a dead end. Josh, Installatron tech person, suggested granting him access to my account so he could take a look first hand. I was a little leery at first, but again, what do I have to lose.
It was only a matter of a couple hours after granting Josh access that I received an email telling me he was able to load WordPress.
I typed www.scrapality.com into the address bar and there it was. Everything! It worked. Josh fixed it. I was in disbelief. I really thought it was a gonner! But, he fixed it! I was so excited and couldn’t wait to get back to blogging.
It’s back!
I left Josh a thank you message as soon as I was able to use my laptop. I was so thankful he was able to fix it. Not only did he fix it, but it didn’t cost me a thing.
Now that I’ve shared my story with you, here are a few tips to keep your blog safe.
6 Tips for a Safe Blog
- No matter how big or small of a site you have, it’s vulnerable.
- Back up, Back up, Back up
- Invest in security software
- Limit the use of plugins
- Change passwords often
- Join a supportive group
I hope you never become a victim of a hacker. It’s devistating and frustrating.
I was very lucky, it could’ve cost a pretty penny to undo the damage. I wish you the best of luck.
Stay safe!
This post was shared with a few amazing parties.
I’m so happy that you were able to get your blog back up and running! Working as a System Administrator, I know the dangers of being hacked are very real. Thank you for sharing your experience with us at Brag About It!
~Laurie
Glad to hear you got it back – what security software do you use? I use the free iThemes and the plugin Limit Login Attempts. I also use Ban plugin so I can ban spammers. I back up through HUB’s automatic backup service – very cheap. I’ll check out Bloggertunities – thanks.
Thank you for the great tips!
What an awful experience! I am so glad you were able to get everything back without it costing a ton of money, but still what a headache. I too was hacked at one point & had to purchase security. I’ve been okay since then. Knock on wood. LOL. I tried to join Bloggertunities on Facebook, but there doesn’t appear to be a “join” request button. I am really looking for a support group so if you know of any others I would love it if you could let me know. Thanks so much!
Thank Goodness you got back in, how scary! I am going to take this warning to heart, thanks so much for sharing.
I was hacked a few weeks ago, my site is now a fortress…lol Thank you for linking up this weeks Merry Monday Link Party!
Wow! Thanks for the tip. I’m new at this, so I need all the help I can get. Thanks for sharing with the #homemattersparty. We’re glad to have you!
Glad you were able to get everything back! I’ve been checking out backup and security plugins for WordPress and need to get some systems in place for my own blog. Thanks for sharing!
This is a nightmare. I have such a hard time limiting plugins, I struggle with this. Thanks for posting. Hello from Busy Monday.