Bloggers, unfortunately, are not exempt from cyber-attacks and are considered soft targets on the web. Unfortunately, many bloggers do not even implement basic cyber defense measures, such as keeping their WordPress plugins up to date, leaving their websites vulnerable to hacking.
It’s imperative for bloggers to take cyber security management seriously as the aftermath of a successful cyber attack can be disastrous. The loss of videos, contracts, invoices, and other important documents can be devastating and could potentially end up in the wrong hands even if backups are in place.
The Dangers of Hacking Go Beyond Financial Information
Blogger Lori McNee experienced the devastating effects of a cyber attack twice and learned the hard way that hackers want more than just financial information. She was left wondering why anyone would hack her art blog, only to later realize that hackers are not just after credit card details from big corporations, but also the resources that come with web servers.
Hackers often hijack web servers to execute phishing schemes, using compromised sites to automatically send phishing and spear-phishing emails, without leaving a trace under their own names. The website owner may not even be aware of the breach until the host shuts down their site following numerous complaints.
Recovering from a Hack: The Importance of a Plan
A cyber attack can take many forms, such as ransomware, data breaches, or hijacking of resources. It is crucial to have a plan in place to recover from such an incident. The best defense is to maintain regular backups of your blog and database, so that you can quickly restore them in case of an attack. Trying to fix the damage without a plan can be a time-consuming and costly process, often requiring professional assistance.
Data Breaches Can Have Severe Consequences
Data privacy laws impose hefty fines for breaches of personal information. If a data breach results in a violation of these laws, the fines can be substantial, ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. It is important for bloggers to understand the data privacy regulations that apply to their blog, based on the type of data they collect and from whom. For example, if you collect information from UK residents, you must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). If you host a website for a healthcare entity, you must comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Keystroke Loggers: A Silent Threat
Keystroke loggers are another major cybersecurity threat to bloggers. A hacker who installs a keystroke logger on your device will have access to everything you type, including sensitive information like passwords and financial accounts. The best way to protect against this threat is to use reputable antivirus software, such as Avast or Norton.
Data collection and your online reputation
If you run a blog that collects data from visitors, the impact of a cyber attack leading to a data breach could be catastrophic for your reputation. While temporary website downtime may frustrate your visitors, the true danger lies in the potential for their personal information to fall into the wrong hands.
Negative reviews or comments posted online by unhappy visitors could spread quickly, damaging your reputation beyond repair. This is especially true if you also run a business with a presence on review websites such as Trustpilot or Google My Business. Word of mouth can be a double-edged sword, amplifying both positive and negative sentiments about your brand.
It’s crucial to protect your online reputation by prioritizing cybersecurity. Ensure that your website software is always up-to-date, install security patches promptly, and encrypt any sensitive data in your database. If you use WordPress, refer to a security guide for guidance. If you use another content management platform, consider reaching out to a cybersecurity expert to help secure your blog.
