It’s All About People Helping People & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #66

If you haven’t heard already, my website was hacked last week and what a freaking nightmare it was. But I have to say that by the end of the entire process, there was most definitely a silver lining to that storm cloud. So let me tell you the story…

A few weeks ago, I noticed that every time I tried to log into my WordPress, it was telling me that my password was incorrect. So I would change the password and get back to work. Then the next time I attempted to log in with my new password, I would get the failed log in error due to an incorrect password. I would reset it again and get back to work. This happened at least 5 times in the course of about 3 days.  Then it stopped. So I brushed it off as some kind of weird Mercury-Retrograde glitch.

After a few days had passed, I received a message from Jessica of Jeans and a Teacup letting me know that when she clicked on a link that I had added to her weekly link party, all she could see was a bunch of Japanese characters. From my end of things, my website appeared to be working correctly. Then my friend, Linda of Linda Gibbs Handmade, posted on my Facebook page that when she clicked on my site she was getting a Japanese advertisement. And her comment triggered a very helpful onslaught of comments letting me know that this was happening to lots of people. Yet, on my end, my website appeared completely normal.

Jessica of Jeans and a Teacup
Linda Gibbs Handmade

Then, thanks to the brilliant Anne of Spy Girl, we realized the issue was only occurring when you would click on a link from Facebook on a mobile device. It was fine from my PC. So Anne was thinking it was an issue with the internal browser used by Facebook. I contacted my host’s help desk and they could find absolutely no issue on their end…this seemed to confirm that the problem was possibly with Facebook. But how does one get help with Facebook? I have yet to figure that out.  And so I was still convinced that it could be the strange workings of Mercury. (I am not a hard core astrology believer who lets the alignment of the planets dictate my every move, however, it seems that every time that I have a problem related to technology, Mercury is in retrograde.)

Anne of Spy Girl

But it soon became clear that the issue was not with Facebook or its internal browser at all. (But I did learn a thing or two about that whole crazy scheme in Facebook land.) The next day, from my PC, my website was loading Japanese advertisements. I contacted my host’s help desk once again and they found one tiny little strange code in the htaccess file that they deleted. It seemed to clear up the problem…for about 2 minutes. Then the help desk told me that they could run a scan on my entire site but if they found anything suspicious at that point, they would completely and permanently deactivate my account. Obviously, I opted out of that method. Then they said I would need a website developer at this point because every file needed to be checked and cleaned. When I saw the words “you need a website developer”, I nearly cried. All I saw was my bank account draining! With some quick research, my friend Aimee discovered something called a Japanese Keyword Hack which exactly described what was happening on my website. But still I needed help because I have no idea how you would clean up the 18 million files that exist within my website. Plus I can’t read code so I wouldn’t even know what to look for in the first place.

Aimee

So I took it back to Facebook for help. And the response was overwhelming. Within minutes, my friend Jody from EyeCrave Optics had me connected on messenger with Rod, the owner of Keyes Information Technology. Within a few minutes after that, I was on a conference call with Rod and two of his team members, Ryan and Nick, who were already taking notes on my issue. Ryan walked me through a back up of my website and instructed me how to take the entire site offline until the problem was resolved. I was so reluctant to go completely offline, but he emphasized that if my host caught onto the hack first, there was a very good chance they would deactivate my account and I could lose 3 years of content. In the midst of all this technology craziness, I was freaking out a little bit. Actually, I was freaking a lot. Ryan stayed with me every step of the way sending me calming and reassuring emails that this would be fixed without losing the entire content of my website.

Jody of EyeCrave Optics
Rod of Keyes Information Technology

Knowing that I needed to get my site up and running as quickly as possible and having previous obligations to tend to, Ryan went out of his way to find someone who could help me immediately. He discovered Paul from WP Hacked Help, had him scan my website, ensured that they were a legitimate business that could help me and help me quickly, and then passed the information on to me. I didn’t even play around with the online sign up business, but called Paul directly. He also reassured me that this was an easy fix and confirmed that my site was not targeted in any way, but rather it was a basic hack that could happen to any WordPress site at random. He walked me through the very easy set up process on his website.  One hundred dollars (a very small price to pay, in my opinion) and about 6 hours later, my website was back online and running properly. Paul continued monitoring my website for a few days and even answered some other questions that came up on my end during that time frame. WP Hacked Help also offers a 30 day guarantee, so anything that could possibly go wrong within the next month, Paul will be there to rescue me free of additional charge!

During the few hours that my website was offline, I received countless messages on every social media platform and in my email from so many of you expressing concern as to why you were receiving an error trying to get to my blog. I was so overwhelmed by the abundance of love that was coming at me from all directions. So many people were involved in this chain reaction that started with my website being hacked and ended with a resolution being found…and there was not a glitch along the way (well, besides the hack itself). It was a picture perfect example of people helping people completely out of kindness. People going above and beyond what is expected of them. People genuinely and truly caring about little ole me and doing whatever they could to help a girl out. I literally do not have the appropriate words to express my gratitude.

I cannot possibly name every person who had some hand in helping me through this process. I would most certainly forget some and I don’t want to forget anyone. So all I can say is thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you to every one of you who messaged me or checked out my site on your end when I requested it. Thank you for showing your support of my blog. Thank you for visiting my page…repeatedly..and knowing my space well enough to know that there was something strange happening. I appreciate you all so much and without your help, I may still be sitting here unknowingly typing this post in Japanese. You know I will continue to pay your kindnesses forward…every single day…in any possible way that I can. Keep spreading kindness, my friends!

Since my hacker issue occurred right as last week’s link up post went live, there were not a lot of posts added and not many clicks either. If you missed that post, please check it out here…Inspired by Granola and Grace & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #65. I usually share the most clicked links as the featured favorites, but I am forced to choose on my own now…and you are going to see why I go with most clicked…because I CAN’T choose! She here are 5 of my favorite posts from last week.

Ashley of Lazy Daisy Jones shared her post, Casual Weekend Wear, More Midlife Fashion Tips. This kimono is life and paired over the fabulous striped bell sleeve top, could it be more perfect? Of course, I am swooning over Ashley’s red boots, too.

Ashley of Lazy Daisy Jones

“Shoes are a different matter…and please dont mention my shoe collection to my other half! Right now they have a room of their own!” -Ashley

Darlene of Aquamarina Style shared her post, Not So Traditional: Button-Down Gingham Top. Gingham is totally my jam and I love pretty much anything with this amazing warm weather print that gives me all the nostalgic feels. I love that Darlene chose distressed white denim for a touch of sassy and those amazing metallic sandals!

Darlene of Aquamarina Style

“I bet if you look hard enough in your own closet, you will find something in gingham. If you haven’t yet, add a little gingham to your next outfit and add some fun pieces to make it pop.” -Darlene

Lorena of My Every Day Wear shared her post, Bon Week-end, featuring this adorable floral off the shoulder top. I am loving this fun casual look on Lorena.

Lorena of My Every Day Wear

“What can I say, it’s been a hell of a week, on the bright side: it’s over! Bon Week-end.”         -Lorena

Amy of Stylin’ Granny Mama shared her post, Pantone Spring 2018 – Spring Crocus, Almost Mauve and Little Boy Blue. These soft Spring colors are so beautiful on Amy even in the midst of a whole lot of snow!

Amy of Stylin’ Granny Mama

“Don’t I make the goofiest faces? I have always thought I could mimic Lucille Ball and some of her funniest looks. Sounds like a future blog post.” -Amy

Monica of Jersey Girl, Texan Heart shared her very important post, Epilepsy Awareness Day. Monica has a personal interest in spreading awareness about epilepsy and how to live your best life even if you are afflicted with this neurological disorder. I admire her strength and her attitude…and her purple pants!

Monica of Jersey Girl, Texan Heart

“One of the quotes that sticks out in my head whenever I talk about my epilepsy is ‘You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it.’” -Monica


Have you ever been hacked? I would love to hear your story and how it was resolved.

Feeling overwhelmed by kindness on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.

I am a 40 something Army wife and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats named Dave and Frankie. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

74 Comments

  • Cathy

    So glad you had so many reach out to you and you got it fixed! I would have freaked out! Glad you are up & running again. When I contacts you about it on Insta, hacking never even crossed my mind!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Cathy, thanks so much! Hacking was not on my radar at all in the beginning either. I thought I had all the safeguards in place, but apparently you can never have enough safeguards. And I want to thank you so much for messaging me as well! It was because of so many like you that I was able to identify there was a problem and resolve it. Have a wonderful day!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Laurie

    OMG! Nailbiting! I can’t imagine how this must have been Shelbee. I’m saving this in case it ever happen to me. I wouldn’t know where to start. Imagine losing all that content.
    Laurie xx

  • Deborah Stinedurf

    Holy crap Shelbee…hackers suck! My website hasn’t been hacked, but I am on my 3rd bank card in 3 years and just received a letter from the bank that a restaurant that we’d eaten at in December had been hacked and while my account showed no suspicious activity I might want to get a new card…seriously?! I’m definitely saving this because it can happen to any of us at any time…
    Debbie
    http://www.fashionfairydust.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Debbie, definitely keep this information on hand…because I seriously had no idea where to begin and was so fearful of it costing me a fortune. Paul at WP Hacked Help was so amazing! I am so grateful that it was resolved quickly and easily and while I was not thrilled to be out $100, it was totally worth that price! I had a credit card stolen on Christmas Eve…someone tried to charge over $600 at a mobile phone place. Fortunately for me, I didn’t have that much available credit on that particular card! Ha. Joke is on the hacker in that case! Thanks for reading and have a great day, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Pam Greer

    Wow, I can’t believe you had to go through all that! I am terrified of being hacked, but your post actually put me a little more at ease, just knowing there is a process. You handled it so well.

  • Suzy Turner

    What an absolute nightmare, Shelbee! I’m so glad you managed to sort it out with the help of so many wonderful people. And thank you for sharing this post to let us know this kind of thing can happen!
    I hope you have a much better week this week.
    Hugs
    Suzy xx
    http://www.suzyturner.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Suzy, thanks so much! I hope this never happens to anyone because it was so stressful. But I am glad that I could provide some helpful information in the event that it does happen again. Cheers to a better week!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Chrissy

    Oh my goodness! What a nightmare! Seriously, computer issues make me crazy because I struggle to even know where to begin. And girl, how wonderful are friends…it’s who you know…so often true! I’m thrilled they were able to fix the problem with only a loss of $100 (I know. Even $100 hurts, but when I read “web developer” I was cringing with you!). We can’t have you losing ANY content. You rock Shelbee!!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Chrissy, thanks so much! I appreciate you more than you know! $100 definitely hurt but I was so afraid the price tag was going to be one that I couldn’t pay, then where would I have been? Gah. Such a roller coaster I have been on these past few weeks! But I’m still standing and still blogging!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Kathrine, thanks so much for reading and commenting. It was so crazy and I started out so clueless. Now I feel like a bit of an expert! So I will gladly help anyone who sees suspicious activity on their sites. I have got to keep paying it forward!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Kellyann Rohr

    What a scary and wonderful experience! Boy, you certainly have some angels on your side my friend. Thank goodness they were there and able to help you find the right people. I am pinning this post in case my site gets hacked!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Kellyann, I sure hope your site does not ever get hacked! And you described it perfectly…it really was a scary and wonderful experience all in one. I was so stressed but then I was so overwhelmed with gratitude by the outpouring of support over a silly little website getting hacked! Thank you so much for reading and for your friendship and support!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Lazy Daisy Jones

    Shelbee my darling ! What an utter nightmare! I would have gone to pieces, thank you for writing this helpful post , thank goodness everything turned out well.
    I’m honoured to be picked by you too thank you!
    Will be spreading some kindness today myself and thinking of you. Every little helps right?
    Bestest wishes
    Ashley xxxx

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Ashley, you are so sweet! I love that you will be thinking of me as you spread kindness around you! That means so much to me. And it was my pleasure to feature you, my friend. No falling to pieces over a little hacker issue either, I just gave you great resources if ever you need them (but hopefully you never need them)!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • jodie filogomo

    You feel so helpless when this happens. How frustrating, but part of the reason you had so much help with this Shelbee, is because you yourself are so helpful!! It just goes to show how karma works in good ways!!
    I’m so glad it got fixed relatively easily—that was so smart to reach out on FB to find someone to help. I don’t usually think of that!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Jodie, thank you so much! And it is moments like these when I realize that being kind for the sake of kindness alone really does have some benefits. And then I get overwhelmed with gratitude! Facebook is a great resource for asking for help…in certain situations…but I definitely use it sparingly.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Linda Cassidy

    What you experienced ( other than the hack) is exactly why we all do this. People helping people always. PLus the outpouring of support was Karma coming back as you are always there for everyone. So happy all is back and working for you

  • Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom

    Eek! Whenever something is wrong with my blog, it is always at a time when my husband is out of town for work or I can’t reach him! Lol! He is a genius at fixing stuff. Not sure if he could have fixed this problem, but dang what a mess! I am so glad you figured out WHAT exactly was going on and found someone to fix it (which can be a struggle, too!!!). Blog problems are like the ABSOLUTE worse!! I don’t like ANYONE messing with my blog, don’t these hackers have better things to do?! So glad it is up and running again!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Carrie, thanks so much for reading. It really was a nightmare and I was lost at first because it is all so foreign to me as well. Fortunately, so many people stepped up right away and got my site fixed and running as normal. Although, now I am a little on edge about anything weird that happens on my computer at all. And I agree, can’t these hackers find something more productive and respectable to do?

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Patrick Weseman

    So very true. We all need each other. It is so scary that people are out there doing bad things and don’t care about others. What would be amazing if that all these people who were doing these bad things would instead use their talents and efforts to do good. The world would be such an amazing place.

    Talking about cards and such, I was robbed in December about a block away from my house and the jokers tried to use to my bank cards at a McDonald’s about 15 minutes later, because I was so close to my home I had everything canceled within two minutes and they got zero.

    The thing that keeps me going is that sooner or later all the bad stuff will catch up to these people. They may never get caught but sooner or later (in places we don’t like to talk about), it will start to gnaw away at them in the pits of their souls. Just my belief.

    Glad you are back up and running and thanks for hosting and keep spreading the kindness. Have a wonderful week.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Patrick, thank you so much for this comment. I agree with you completely that if we all just used our talents and passions for good, how amazing this world would be. And I am so glad that you were able to cancel your cards in time so as not to have paid for some a-hole’s McDonald’s meal! For real. That is so annoying to me…people who do that. And I also believe that what goes around comes around. Keep sharing your kindness as well, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Bojana

    Oh my goodness, this is terrifying. So last week, I did click on your link at a link-up and that’s exactly what happened but I totally didn’t even think twice about it to be honest, I am sorry. It happened a couple of times on two different links and I thought it was just my mobile. I am so glad you were able to sort it out. Terrifying and absolutely stressful.

    bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Bo, thanks so much for reading! And no worries really that you didn’t think twice about it. I didn’t really think all that much about it either when it was first brought to my attention. But thankfully it all worked in the end and I have lots to be grateful for. Have a great week, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Jessica A Jannenga

    Oh Lord! How stressful that had to have been. thank goodness you got it sorted with the help of everyone. My hubby is an IT specialist and there have been many times I have wanted to toss my puter out the window! He is very knowledgeable and understands those kind of things, where i wouldn’t . So glad you got it fixed, stressful and scary!
    Wishing you a stressfree week my friend!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Jess, thanks so much! And how handy for you to have an IT specialist right there in times of need! I actually never got angry at my computer through all this or at anyone really…just frustrated and stressed with the situation! And then I was just overwhelmed by all of the love and support that came flying at me from all directions. I am one lucky girl, that’s for sure! Have a great week, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Trina

    I’m so glad the problem has been fixed Shelbee. I remember clicking on the link from your linkup from my email and I saw the Japanese stuff. I thought is was so weird, so I clicked again and the same thing. Glad your up and running and that you got some great help 🙂

  • Amy Christensen

    Thank you so much, Shelbee, for the shout out. I loved reading your story, not that you were hacked, but that so many people worked together to come to your aid. Isn’t that what kindness is all about? Thanks for reminding us how important it is to pay kindness forward! – Amy
    http://stylingrannymama.com/

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Amy, thank you so much! It really was quite an amazing experience to see how many people stepped up for me. So I will continue doing my job of spreading kindness because it seems to be working! And it was my pleasure to feature you in your gorgeous Spring colors!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Elizabeth Ramsey

    Wow! That is a very complex process! Thank you so much for sharing your experience – you can bet I will be bookmarking this post and noting the fabulous resources that you turned to for help. Hopefully will never need them but so great to have some names on file. Wishing you smooth sailing from this point forward!

    Elizabeth | http://nattygal.com

  • Lisa Richardson

    Well I can only imagine the panic you must have felt. I felt panicked just reading the whole ordeal. It’s funny, I kept trying to access your site too and getting the same thing. I just figured it was a temporary glitch and didn’t know if it was on your end or mine. What a pain in the rump my friend! The good news is you got it fixed and now you are also an expert on it and can lead any of us that might incur anything like this to resolution. Fingers crossed you don’t have to though. You’re a trooper Shelbee!!! XO

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Lisa, thanks so much for reading and for all of your support! And of course, God forbid, this happens to any of my blogging friends, I will most definitely walk you through the process the best I can! Paying it forward…always paying it forward.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • jacqui

    Oh blimey how scary! I don’t know what I’d do in this circumstance, glad you got it sorted so quickly Hun. Thanks for hosting the linkup. x Jacqui Mummabstylish

  • Suzanne Smith

    OMG Shelbee, I’m so sorry you had to go through all of this! I hope it never happens again, but I’m glad that you saw the silver lining! You really always do!

  • Darlene

    Shelbee,
    I am SO sorry that you went through that absolute craziness! I did get a message that said I didn’t have permission to view your site, and just assumed you were working on it. You sure were!!! Great to know that there are great blogging friends and helpful folks to lend a hand with tech issues! It can happen to all of us. And a BIG thank you for featuring my post!! You are a lovely, kind person and I am glad to get to “know” you through blogging. Fingers crossed this never happens to you again!
    Darlene

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Darlene, thanks so much! I appreciate all of your support and your blogging friendship as well as every other member of this community who are so supportive and kind! And it was my pleasure to feature you and your fabulous style! Have a great week.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Elle

    What a nightmare, this story. How horrible to have something so personal hacked. And all the time it takes to address is quite frustrating. My phone recently died and I didn’t drop it, and I am also wondering if there was some sort of malware. We really do have to be vigilant in this day and age.
    By the way I love the concept of a room just for shoes. Have a wonderful week ahead. I really hope you enjoyed your Easter celebration
    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Elle, thank you so much for your support and concern. It means so much to me. I hope your phone is not experiencing malware of sorts. It really was quite a stressful process! I would not wish that on anyone. Although, it does keep all the nice IT people in business! My weekend was wonderful! I hope yours was as well.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Cheryl Shops

    Yikes, Shelbee, so sorry that this happened to you! How terrifying! I’m glad you were able to rely on the kindness of others and get your site up and running again. I hope something like this never happens to me, but if I do, I know where to go to figure out what to do—thank YOU for sharing your story!
    Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Cheryl, thanks so much for reading! I really hope this never happens to anyone because it was a complete nightmare! But I also am glad that I could provide useful resources for you if ever you have to deal with a similar issue. Thankfully, so many people came to my aid to make the process smooth and I still have my blog running like it should on the other side of a hack!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Helen C.

    What?! I didn´t notice anything, but I am so glad you had people helping you to solve this problem! You know, faith in humanity restored, hehe 😍
    As far as the stress you went through, well, I can kind of imagine it. Two or three years ago, we had burglars wipe out everything from our house (and I mean EVERYTHING), we still miss our stuff!
    I understand the hack-attacks are random but your blog is not ¨random¨ to you or your readers. Well, you are a good person so it´s only natural that other good persons helped you. I wish I could have helped, although I couldn´t have offer much more than some translation of some random words in japanese, hehe
    I hope your site is safe now!
    :*

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Helen, thank you so much for your kind words! And I suspect that having your home burglarized is much more traumatic and stressful than my blog being hacked. That was people in your home, your safe space, and all of your personal belongings that take a lifetime to accumulate. That is a personal attack. While my blog is definitely my personal space, the hackers were merely redirecting my readers to their advertisements…rather than infiltrating my life and stealing so to speak. I am so sorry to hear that you had to endure such a thing. That is terrible. And people confuse me. Why not take that effort and do something useful and productive and honest? By the way, I love that you can translate some Japanese! Ha.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

      • Helen C.

        Thank you, Shelbee! After the horrific loss of ALL of our stuff (seriously, even light bulbs and my make up!), we decided to adopt our two lovely dogs so at least something good came out of it.
        For what is worth, I´d love some Japanese advertisements (maybe you can negotiate with Japanese brands?!), hehe! I studied for two years Japanese (I only remember 1% of what I studied though) and even their ads look cute!

        I hope you don´t have hackers again and you keep your site safe. 🙂

  • Maureen

    I am so glad that your website is back up and running. I am sorry that it was hacked in the first place. That’s really wonderful news that you were able to find help beyond what you were looking for. I hope that you are able to relax a bit more today knowing that your website is in good hands. Sending you big hugs! 🤗🤗🤗🤗

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

  • Claire

    Oh my Shelbee, I can imagine how stressful this all must have been. I remember clicking your facebook at that time, now come to think of it but I thought I had clicked an ad or something and never realised there was something wrong. Glad you got it all sorted, I would not have a clue what to do. Thanks for linking up to The Wednesday Link Up. Hope you can join me today 🙂

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Claire, thanks so much for your kind words! And now you have a starting place if you ever do find yourself in a similar situation! Although, I hope you never do have to deal with a hack! Have a great weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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Shelbee on the Edge