Hack Prevention: Maintenance & Security Vulnerability news you need to know

A New WordPress Version!

WordPress has remained at 4.7.2. And you MUST be updating your site, or having someone like Wordflirt do it. Because a vulnerability that was fixed in this release has been actively exploited. As of a few February 6, 2017, over 300,000 sites have been screwed up. Yikes!!!

(Note: as of mid-March, WordPress is up to 4.7.3 – more on this next month).

Password Managers

Click on the link for a great review on password managers , if you’ve interested. The great thing about them are

  • They remember the passwords for you – you don’t. Typically you might have to remember ONE password.
  • You can easily have different passwords for different sites.
  • You can have much stronger passwords.
  • It can automatically fill in password credentials for you.
  • They sync across all of your devices

The above is SO critical because even the best of the best gets hacked, including a service we have used in the past: Cloudflare. Apparently millions of passwords and chat data could have been exposed.

Most of the web is now Encrypted!

It’s happened! More than 50% of the web traffic is now encrypted: https://wptavern.com/more-than-50-of-web-traffic-is-now-encrypted. This is important to have on your site for better SEO ranking as Google announced a few years ago they are using HTTPS as a ranking signal in their search results. Plus, they give a slightly warning in the browser bar if it’s not HTTPS:

versus showing this:

 

Then if you click on the “i” with the circle in it, you’ll see this:


So it really makes sense these days to install a SSL certificate. We can quote you on this if you wish.

An Incredibly Clever Phishing Email

Claudia received a very clever spam email:

From: “Cadwalader, Wickersham and Taft LLP” <cwtinfo@cadwalader.com>

Subject: Fraudulent card charge

Date: February 8, 2017 at 10:31:04 AM PST

To: <claudia@thewordflirt.com>

Who the f___ are you and why is there a charge from thewordflirt.com on my card?
Here you can view my statement , get back to me asap.
Bofa_card_statement_claudia.doc (this was a link)

Thank you
Nadine Barrera

The “document” that she could click on was actually a link to a site that would have likely infected her computer with malware if she had clicked on it. So be EXTREMELY careful when you click on links in your emails – you’re better off cutting and pasting it in to a browser so that it looks safe before even trying it.

Phew – it can be nasty out there! It’s so important to protect yourself, and we take extra steps to protect your website that most don’t.

Any questions or needs you might have, just send us an email or give us a call!

< Older Post

Newer Post >

This is paragraph text. Click it or hit the Manage Text button to change the font, color, size, format, and more. To set up site-wide paragraph and title styles, go to Site Theme.

This is paragraph text. Click it or hit the Manage Text button to change the font, color, size, format, and more. To set up site-wide paragraph and title styles, go to Site Theme.

A woman is holding a phone on a tripod in a room recording a selfie video.

8 Ways to Use ChatGPT for Real Estate

By Claudia Loens • February 15, 2024
A Game-Changer for Realtors® Imagine having a super-smart buddy who's always ready to help you with your homework, except this time, your "homework" is all about real estate. That's what it’s like to use ChatGPT for real estate agents! It's like having a digital sidekick that's on standby 24/7, ready to jump in and help […]
A man in a suit and white shirt is smiling in front of a house.

5 Reasons Why Every Independent Agent Needs Their Own Website

By Claudia Loens • February 1, 2024
Who Needs a Website? Are you an independent agent looking to make a mark in your industry? Whether you're a loan officer, Realtor®, financial advisor, insurance agent, or any other entrepreneur, having a strong online presence is vital. While it's important to have a page on your company's website, there are significant advantages to creating […]
A woman is holding a cup of coffee and a cell phone.

10 Reasons to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

By Claudia Loens • October 21, 2023
Your LinkedIn Profile Matters Are you making the most of your LinkedIn profile? If you haven't given it much thought, it's time to reconsider. LinkedIn is not just a platform for job seekers; it's a powerful tool that can help entrepreneurs, consultants, and coaches build their personal brand, expand their network, and drive business growth. […]
Two women are hugging each other and smiling for the camera.

Social Media Content Tips for Reverse Mortgage Professionals

By Claudia Loens • September 28, 2023
Using Social Media Platforms to Connect with Different Audiences: A Guide for Reverse Mortgage Loan Professionals In today's fast-paced digital world, maintaining an online presence is essential for any professional, especially for those in the financial sector. For a reverse mortgage loan officer, leveraging various social media platforms can make the difference between reaching your […]
A man is sitting at a desk using a laptop computer.

10 YouTube Tips for Reverse Mortgage Professionals

By Claudia Loens • September 19, 2023
Grow Your Reach and Reverse Mortgage Authority with YouTube Videos YouTube is not just for cat videos and vlogs anymore! Today, it stands as the second-largest search engine and a critical platform for professionals from diverse fields, including the reverse mortgage industry. Whether you're a seasoned HECM advisor or a newbie, the world of YouTube […]
A man is standing in a picture frame on a yellow background.

What is a Social Media Influencer?

By Claudia Loens • August 31, 2023
Definition of a Social Media Influencer In today's digital age, the term "influencer" has become a buzzword in the world of marketing. But what exactly does it mean? In this blog post, we'll break down what an influencer is and why they are important for businesses looking to grow their audience and make more sales. […]
Twitter logo icon

Navigating the World of Hashtags for social media

By Claudia Loens • August 22, 2023
Hashtags for Social Media Understanding and effectively using hashtags in the realm of social media is very important for businesses, professionals, and individuals aiming for effective digital communication. Here's a deep dive into the significance and application of hashtags across various platforms. What Exactly is a Hashtag? At its core, a hashtag is a word […]
A group of people are sitting around a cell phone.

Six Tips for Using LinkedIn’s Creator Mode

By Claudia Loens • June 8, 2023
Unlock Creator Mode - Here's Why... Have you ever wished there was a way to bolster your presence and amplify your voice on LinkedIn, one of the world's largest professional networking platforms? Great news! LinkedIn Creator Mode is a great way to do just that. Let's dive into what LinkedIn Creator Mode is, why it's […]
A woman is sitting at a table using a laptop computer.

10 LinkedIn Features You May Not Know About

By Claudia Loens • May 30, 2023
Essential Features for Marketing and Selling to Prospects on LinkedIn LinkedIn is not only a platform for professional networking but also a powerful tool for marketing and selling your products or services to potential customers. With its vast user base of professionals, LinkedIn provides a unique opportunity to connect with decision-makers and build relationships that […]
Pinterest icon stack

Unlock the Potential of Pinterest for Real Estate Marketing

By Claudia Loens • May 24, 2023
Can Pinterest Help YOU Grow Your Real Estate Business? In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve and leveraging new platforms can be a game-changer. With over 478 million active users, Pinterest is one such platform that can be a goldmine for real estate marketers. This article will explore the potential […]
Show More