The short, long, simple and uncomplicated answer to this question is NO !!!!!
Internet security covers us while we are using the internet. Most of us have internet security programs like Norton, McAfee, AVG, Eset etc which do a lot to protect us from internet viruses, malware and other internet nasties.
But what about those of us who have our own websites. Who or what can protect us against website hackers and content spammers? How can we ensure that our website has a). Not been hacked or content spammed AND b). is hackproof.
So, how common is website hacking and what are the consequences for the owner of the website?
This is a very important question because it also has SEVERE SEO ramifications. The sad truth is that hackers and spammers couldn’t care less about the SEO and reputation damage they do to a site as long as they achieve their objective. In the example below there are 2 screenshots. The first is of a reputable and well established US human resources website which specialises in procuring qualified staff for their clients. The second screenshot is a page on that same website which advertises a Russian website which sells discounted NFL jerseys. In this case the hackers have used the good online reputation of the HR company to promote their own products without the knowledge of the website owner.
To make the whole exercise even worse for the website owner the “hack” isn’t visible to them unless they are actually looking for it, unless of course they were on the market for a cheap NFL jersey and saw their website on page one of Google when they searched online.
So, how can you tell if your website has been hacked? There are many ways but in the case above all the website owner has to do is a Google site search (site:elementstaffing.com) which would bring up a results page with 7 results. The last result on the Google results page reads ….
“cheap stitched nfl jerseys wholesale from china
elementstaffing.com/Stats/sitemap.html
cheap stitched nfl jerseys for sale with free shipping from china wholesale authentic nfl jerseys stitched factory.”
Obviously this page does not belong to the website and the website owner may then take the appropriate steps to remove that page and put security measures in place to help stop it from happening again.
Although the above example is NOT one of our clients it is typical of the daily enquiries we get from businesses seeking our expert help to repair the damage done by these bottom dwelling scum sucking leeches of the internet who will stop at nothing to further their own cause.
If you suspect your website has been hacked click HERE to contact us at No BS SEO for further help.