Who Covets Your Mailing List?
A few days ago, I found out (rather late) that Aweber had admitted to a security breach on their systems. Depending where you stand, the damage can be minor or major. While it is reported that their own customer’s data including credit cards, addresses etc were stolen, their customers’ mailing lists’ email addresses were. This means is, email list subscribers of anyone using Aweber were the victims. As a result, some email list subscribers have noticed a big influx of spam.
It is no secret that I do recommend and have been using Aweber for many years. It is the first time in my experience with them it has happened. Yes, it has been irritating because I feel a responsibility to my subscribers. I believe I too have been a victim because an address that is only used for one thing and never had spam for the longest time, is now flooded with spam since December. If you’re one of those affected, I’m sorry and truly understand the frustration. The sad fact is, there was nothing I could’ve done before it happened, nothing I could’ve done when it happened and nothing after. Despite all that, I am still glad I didn’t personally have to manage that nightmare. Here’s why:
This incident clearly displays how the spam business has changed or grown up if you can call it that. While there will always some who use viruses on your computer and similar tactics, they now realize that it takes a lot more attacks to get a few addresses. Why not hit the guys with a boat-load of addresses already on their systems? Mailing list providers will of course be among the top targets. But it won’t be long if they haven’t already, before they sniff out and try their luck on any web site or company who runs their own mailing list system. Like a WordPress mailing plugin or a mailing list script. Not saying this to scare you, but to inform you of the realities. Wouldn’t be doing my job otherwise. If you do choose to run your own mailing list systems be ultra careful over securing it and who has access to your system. Be vigilant because you can’t point your finger at a third party.
Images courtesy of ivan petrov
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Yeah, I picked up on this as well and I'm not happy about this at all. Especially since Aweber's initial arrogant and misguided response was “we're fine, no problem.” At least they backed off that stance.
But what can we do? Aweber is (was?) the yardstick in email autoresponders.
Yeah, I picked up on this as well and I'm not happy about this at all. Especially since Aweber's initial arrogant and misguided response was “we're fine, no problem.” At least they backed off that stance.
But what can we do? Aweber is (was?) the yardstick in email autoresponders.
I'm sorry to learn of this breach since I, too, use and recommend Aweber. It shows, however, that no one person or company is completely safe from the prying tactics of the spammers. That's their job 24-7 and they are dedicated to it. We can only take the precautions available to secure our information and transactions, then make every effort to repair damage if we are attacked.
Yeah. My initial reaction was to figure out other options but after
thinking about it, I've decided to stay. Mostly because my order
system is well integrated with Aweber and also because moving does not
guarantee security. As a matter of fact I am pretty sure any mailing
list provider's system is tested on a regular basis by attackers. The
only way we know about it is if it is made public. After so many years
and one incident that I know of, I will cut them a little slack this
one time besides, they have served me well to date. However, not sure
I can handle a 2nd time. Let's hope there won't be one.
Hey Flora, oh yes these spammer/hacker types are definitely dedicated
and very smart. Eventually, a virtual IT manager (kinda like a VA but
for tech) for businesses like ours would be very valuable to help stay
on top and contain things.
Hi Lynette,
Now that's a winning idea–a virtual IT manager. They would kept busy.
I'm sorry to learn of this breach since I, too, use and recommend Aweber. It shows, however, that no one person or company is completely safe from the prying tactics of the spammers. That's their job 24-7 and they are dedicated to it. We can only take the precautions available to secure our information and transactions, then make every effort to repair damage if we are attacked.
Yeah. My initial reaction was to figure out other options but after
thinking about it, I've decided to stay. Mostly because my order
system is well integrated with Aweber and also because moving does not
guarantee security. As a matter of fact I am pretty sure any mailing
list provider's system is tested on a regular basis by attackers. The
only way we know about it is if it is made public. After so many years
and one incident that I know of, I will cut them a little slack this
one time besides, they have served me well to date. However, not sure
I can handle a 2nd time. Let's hope there won't be one.
Hey Flora, oh yes these spammer/hacker types are definitely dedicated
and very smart. Eventually, a virtual IT manager (kinda like a VA but
for tech) for businesses like ours would be very valuable to help stay
on top and contain things.
Hi Lynette,
Now that's a winning idea–a virtual IT manager. They would kept busy.
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