Hacked

11 years ago

This is not a good thing, not now, but the future will be better.

Last week WinterSown.Org was hacked and a viral code inserted into some its files.

I have been able to remove only some of the viral code placed by the hackers onto WinterSown. I feel a strong responsibility to the public to not allow my site to create a problem for its users. I've told USDA/AgNIC what's going on--WinterSown is an AgNIC site--and I have their blessing and their consolation/hugs/kisses to do what I must to provide a safe site for my users.

I have instructed the host to pull the site down. I will be building a new site on their new cloud server. Initially the home page will link to the FAQs at GW, the discussion forum, the group at FaceBook, and anything else pertinent. I've downloaded and printed out a copy of the site stats from the busiest month and will use that as a guide for rebuilding wintersown. The pages with the most traffic will get put up first, the pages with the lowest traffic will likely be dropped.

I feel very bad that some of the old URLs won't be reused, but new is new, it's actually unavoidable. The new site should be easier to navigate for the user and much more efficient for me to build.

I was hoping to have an easy summer this season, but that's not possible right now. I do hope you understand that these crappy things happen but like the fabled phoenix wintersown will arise from the ashes as be as wonderful as ever.

PS...I've linked to the WebArchive at the Internet Wayback Machine, it's a little funky but it's mostly all there.

Here is a link that might be useful: Web Archive of WinterSown.Org

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Comments (8)

terrene
11 years ago
So sorry to hear about the website being hacked!! You got to wonder who would do this type of thing to a non-profit website that helps people grow plants from seed??

At least it's not the busy time of year for winter-sowing. The new site will no doubt end up being even better!
trudi_d
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you Terrene,

My host got hacked and several of the sites were tampered with, I had one of them. The host does specialize in non-profits, starving artists and garage bands ;-) It's sad but I doubt the hackers even knew or cared who the clients were--automated computers do these things at the behest of pranksters who enjoy the angst of others, or at the behest of terrible people who create codes meant to wreck havoc and/or steal private information.

I am not faulting the host as they are just top notch, unfortunately new codes are written and used before they can be protected against--the hackers are always at least one step ahead ;-(
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ladyrose65
11 years ago
Sorry to hear that Trudi, but now your site is going to be to have a new beginning.
northerner_on
11 years ago
My sympathies, Trudi. As a former tecchie, I know how violated one feels when this happens. It is so unfortunate that some people have nothing better to do. Have patience, and take it one step at a time. This too will pass.
pdsavage
11 years ago
One of my favorite sites,learned alot from your site.Sad that some people don't use their powers for good.
sandlapper_rose
11 years ago
So sorry to hear that happened. I'm glad to know there will be a replacement, but it sure is lots of work for you. Thank you for keeping it going.
spacetogrow
11 years ago
Trudi,

I've received seeds from you in the past, and appreciate your efforts (and those who donate seeds to you).

Thanks for being a blessing in the world, and I hope your summer isn't too stressful with all this.
TraceyOKC
11 years ago
Im sorry about your website. Hopefully it will be easier than expected to get up and running again.

The tomato seeds I got from you were absolutly wonderful! The plants are so sturdy and healthy. I shared some seedlings with friends and family, they cant believe how much better they are than their store bought plants. I really think WS is the reason.

I had always wanted to grow the varieties that are not common in the garden centers. This year I did!