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Don’t Allow Hackers to Attack and Destroy Your Website

September 16, 2011 by 5 Comments
No sign

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Many small business owners and solo professionals are D.I.Y enthusiasts or do it themselves because they haven’t found a business with the products and services (customer) they’re looking for or expect. I tend to fall into the latter. When it comes to web design, I cringe and run screaming from the room when I view web designs. I have no idea what web designers are thinking. I often wonder, “Where did you learn web design? Was graphic design a part of the program? What makes you think the layout looks good? How does a huge photo at the top of a website look good? Do you understand the meaning of white-space?” Finding a clean, chic, elegant, optimized and streamlined website is like finding a needle in a haystack; at least it is for me. That is, until, I discovered the ‘Foundation’ web design. It was neat clean lines and looked very professional and seemed easy to customize. Little did I know the web designer used an outdated timthumb.php file (had no idea what this was) that could potentially open up my website to uninvited guests known as hackers. I was flabbergasted. Luckily, Blue Host (hosting company) is vigilant. They noticed the ‘outdated’ timthumb.php file and patched it. I decided to delete the WP theme and use my former theme. I’m determined more than ever to learn web design.

Here’s the email I received from Blue Host regarding timthumb.php:

Dear customer,

This is a courtesy notice that we have found and corrected exploitable timthumb.php file(s) on your account. While we have corrected these files, we do recommend you ensure all potential exploits are corrected on your account. This is best done by updating all scripts, plugins, modules and themes on your account to the latest version.

As the owner of the account, you are responsible for keeping your hosted content free of malicious software. For technical assistance, you can also reach our chat team from Bluehost.com or by going directly to http://www.bluehost.com/chat.

The timthumb.php file is a script commonly used in WordPress’s (and other software’s) themes and plugins to resize images. The exploit allows an attacker to arbitrarily upload and create files and/or folders on your account, which can then be used for a number of malicious tasks, including but not limited to defacement, browser high-jacking and infection, data harvesting and more. After a site has been exploited, it may lead to becoming labeled a “Malicious Website” by Google or other security authorities.

Any timthumb.php file below version 1.35, but above version 1.09 is considered vulnerable, unless patched. To prevent being compromised, we advise you update all instances of timthumb.php to version 2.0, or patch the existing vulnerable files. Note that patching the files requires more in-depth knowledge of the PHP scripting language.

Additional information regarding the compromise can be found at the following two websites, as well as others; note that all external websites in this email are not affiliated with Bluehost.com in any capacity, and are for your reference only.

http://markmaunder.com/2011/08/01/zero-day-vulnerability-in-many-wordpress-themes/

http://redleg-redleg.blogspot.com/2011/08/malware-hosted-newportalsecom.html

How to protect your website from hackers

1. Use WordPress themes and templates from reputable companies. If you download ‘free’ themes make sure there is no timthumb.php or the file is up-to-date.

2. If you hire a web designer ask questions such as, “What is timthumb.php and do I need it? What is the security level of the web coding?” and other questions.

3. Learn about web coding.

4. Use a reputable hosting company such as Blue Host, HostGator, etc. to ensure your website is secure.

5. Always check your website. Test out links. Review your pages and make sure everything looks alright. Update plugins or limit the amount you use. FYI: You could always install the WordPress Firewall 2 plugin which “monitors web requests to identify and stop the most obvious attacks.”

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Freelance Writing Clients Build Websites on a Budget

August 19, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Clients and potential freelance writing clients often ask me, “Are you a web designer?” Some clients have viewed my resume and noticed my graphic design experience. They automatically link this to web design — they do go hand-in-hand. I’m interested in web design; however, I’m waiting for the day when web coding becomes more streamlined. Until that day, I’ll do-it-myself the best I can or hire a web designer.

If you’re a freelance writer with a graphic design background, tell clients they could build their websites on a budget. Most companies use WordPress which is a user-friendly content management system that’s easy to customize. You don’t have to get fancy (advise against it) with a website. Keep it clean and user friendly, offer unique and informative content (hire a freelance writer), and enjoy the web traffic.

How freelance writing clients build websites on a budget

1. Sign up with Weebly.com. Offers a ‘drag and drop’ platform, making it easy for you to customize your website. Weebly is free; however, you can purchase a domain through Weebly (uses Registrar.com) or transfer a domain. Weebly offers over 100 templates which can be customized to fit your needs. You can add media such as audio, video, and graphics; create a photo gallery. You can also create a ‘customized’ contact form specifically tailored towards your target audience.

2. Hola! Actually, it’s Yola. Choose a free plan or purchase one from $99 to $499 per year. Yola offers customers over 100 themes which can be customized to suit your business needs. Features include premium styles, site hosting, and analysis. Both plans include advertising credits for Facebook and GoogleAdWords. The $499 per year plan includes a consultation with a professional web designer.

3. It’s hip to be square with Squarespace. College kids created this platform in 2004 from their dorm room. Go figure! Squarespace costs $12 to $36 per month and includes hosting, a content management system, design tools, widgets, and add-ons; you can use your own domain. The Business Plan ($36/month) includes priority support, unlimited bandwidth, pages, and storage; management staff, and access to features such as FAQs, SSL, form builders, and member registration.

4. Snap to it with SnapPages. Like Weebly.com, SnapPages is a ‘drag and drop’ website platform. Choose a free plan (doesn’t include the use of your own domain) or the Developer plan at $30 per month. The latter includes features such as premium themes, 10 GB of storage space, use of your own domain, CSS control, project management tools, SEO settings, and much more.

5. Buildor Pro or BuildorLite. Obviously, the ‘pro’ has more features than the ‘lite’ version of Buildor; offers a 50-day free trial. Most website development companies have a 10-day or 30-day trial period. You build and design your website ‘in the cloud’ as opposed to a WYSIWYG environment. BuildorPro costs $10 per month and is billed through PayPal. BuildorLite is free. It may be helpful if you have an ‘intermediate or advanced’ knowledge of web coding.

Building a website doesn’t have to be a lengthy process. With the ‘click of a button,’ you can have a professional looking websites that attracts customers. Don’t overload your website with graphics and multimedia because it will look cluttered. Avoid bombarding customers with paid advertisements because this could deter them from visiting your website. If you like DIY projects, consider using one of the above website platforms. The alternative is to hire a web designer. Happy web designing!

Rebecca

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Authors and Writers Get the Skinny on Purchasing and Using Photos

August 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment
© is the copyright symbol in a copyright notice

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Question: This is a two-part question. First, I use photos to accompany or enhance my blog posts. Some clients expect me to incorporate photos into a blog post or article I write for them. Do I need to purchase extra licenses? As a freelance writer my business is writing, not photography. Second, what kind of license would I need if I wanted purchase an illustration or photo for a book I wrote? If I self-publish, am I better off using the self-publisher‘s graphic designer and or illustrator? Help!

Answer: These are excellent questions and a good sign you’re aware of copyright protection.

Photos for freelance writing clients

Most clients have their own stock photography; you shouldn’t be stressed about it. If you need to purchase or find photos from a stock photography site, a photo can be used once (at least this is my understanding) in a blog post or article. For example, if you purchase a photo from iStock, Bigstock Photos, Fotolia, etc. you’ll be able to use the photo one time for a specific client. You can’t reuse photos for all clients, unless, you purchase additional license agreements. Reading and interpreting license agreements can be a tricky. When in doubt, always ask questions before your purchase photos. Each stock photography company has different licensing terms. However, the goal is the same; to protect the copyright of artists.

The bottom line for you, the freelance writer, is selling your writing and not worrying about photos. Of course, if you’re interviewing someone and writing an article for a magazine or newspaper, you can take your own photos or have the publication’s photographer take photos.

Adding a photo is nothing more than an ‘enhancement’ to a blog post or article; your main focus is writing. If you’re a freelance writer who ‘dabbles’ in photography, feel free to sell clients your photos separately or as part of a writing package. To ease your anxiety about purchasing photos (if you have any), you may consider telling a client your focus freelance writing. They’ll have to purchase photos.

Artwork for book covers

You may consider using the services offered to you by a self-publisher or hiring a freelance graphic designer or illustrator. Traditional publishers also have graphic designers and illustrators. Again, it will behoove you to ask questions such as:

● Who owns the rights to the artwork?

● Is the artwork licensed to me, the author?

● Where did you purchase the artwork from?

● Can I reuse the artwork?

All of this may sound like paranoia, but it’s better to err on the side of caution. When I worked for a real estate and development corporation, we used to say, “CYA” which stands for ‘Cover Your A**”

BTW: Artists appreciate knowing how and where their photos are used. If you use ‘royalty free’ photos from Stock Exchange or some other site, send the artist an email and link to your writing.

As an author or writer, you want to understand copyright protection. The more you know and understand the better for you and your writing (freelance) career. There’s nothing wrong with investigating and making sure you dot the “I’s” and cross the “T’s.” Not only does it protect you, it protects your clients. Artists are also protected; all they want is credit and recognition. Isn’t this what we all want?

Rebecca

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Battle of the Web Browsers: Firefox vs. Google Chrome

July 29, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Google Chrome Icon

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Question: Which web browser is better and faster, Firefox or Google Chrome? I’ve been a loyal Firefox user for many users but have been told Google Chrome is faster and more efficient. I read an article on the internet about Google discontinuing support for the Firefox toolbar. Maybe it’s time for a switch.

Answer: With the onset of Google+ about to take over the internet ‘cyber’ waves, you may want to ‘test drive’ Google Chrome. I am.

I began testing Google Chrome last Saturday and admit it seems faster than Firefox. I’ve used Firefox for many years. Before that, I used Internet Explorer and dabbled with Safari. I’m enjoying Google Chrome because it seems to load my log-ins and websites faster. I don’t tap my fingers on my desk and count, “One, one thousand; two, one thousand; three, one thousand; four, one thousand; and so forth. I can get in and out and do what I need to do without any fuss.

Firefox has served me well, but it seems to be slower than Google Chrome. I appreciate the constant updates from Firefox; however, it doesn’t seem to be faster. Then again, maybe Firefox can’t handle the multiple toolbars I use such as Yahoo, Ping, and AVG. I could probably delete one or two of them. But, I enjoy listening to internet radio; one of the toolbars has an app for it. Google Chrome has many internet radio apps; however, I’m not sure if they’re available on a toolbar.

Change can be good — it can be easy. I imported my bookmarks from Firefox to Google Chrome with ease. I haven’t bookmarked anything with Google Chrome, yet.

I’m amazed at how fast Google Chrome loads. One of the issues I’ve had with Firefox is receiving the following message, “Firefox is still running” when I close Firefox but try to reopen it because I forgot to check one of my email accounts or research something. How can Firefox still be running when I closed the browser? This has been frustrating. When I close out of Firefox and want to reopen the browser — it takes multiple tries before it opens. I haven’t experienced this with Google Chrome. I can close and open the browser without any problem.

I haven’t completely abandoned using Firefox. Like I said, “I enjoy listening to internet radio.” It’s easy to click on the app on the toolbar and select stations or search for new ones. Also, Firefox can be customized more so than Google Chrome. For example, I use add-ons like SEO for Firefox and others. For now, I’ll toggle back and forth between Firefox and Google and keep testing and comparing. Stay tuned!

Rebecca

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Select the Right Artwork for Your Book

June 6, 2011 by 2 Comments
Contemporary Graphic Design (Taschen)

Image by thinkdanijel via Flickr

I always loved art; art class was one of my favorite classes. A few years ago, I pursued a graphic design certification and worked as a graphic artist. I loved it and learned a lot about design. The graphic designer in me looks book covers with an ‘eagle’ eye. In fact, the artwork can dissuade me from buying a book if it ‘freaks’ me out. That may seem odd but it’s true. For example, the cover of Tina Fey‘s book Bossypants grosses me out. When I saw it in the bookstore, I had to quickly walk away. That’s how ‘freaked out’ I was by it. I’ll probably read the book but will have to take the cover off first!

Writing your book is half the battle. The next phase is designing the book cover (interior and exterior). If you self-publish, you can work with one of their graphic designer’s or use your own. Choose a graphic designer that listens to you and understands your needs and wants. Make sure you review samples of work and ask questions such as:

1. What was your last project? What did you like about it? What didn’t you like about it?
2. What’s your favorite book project?
3. What’s your least favorite project?
4. What do you enjoy about graphic design?
5. How long will the design take?
6. Do you provide a ‘mock’ up?

You can ‘test’ out your book cover by asking for feedback from your writer’s group, family, friends, co-workers, etc. Make sure you receive ‘genuine’ feedback. You don’t want people to tell you the cover looks good when they secretly think it’s not very good. Ask for constructive and honest feedback.

I appreciate various forms of art from graffiti to paintings; from drawings to pottery; from graphic design to dance; and everything in between.

I’m glad I have a graphic design certification because I could design my own book cover, but I probably won’t. I choose to concentrate on writing. After you finish your book, step back and think about the artwork for your book. Make sure it will appeal to your target audience. It may ‘turn-off’ some of your readers but a hand full won’t make a difference. Or, like me, they can remove the book cover and read your book!

Rebecca

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