What the “hack” is going on with the Bloom Metz web site?

What do you think of when you hear the word “hack”?  Maybe coughing, tree chopping?  In this digital age, it’s likely the dreaded computer violation!  Bloom Metz was recently hacked and while it was an inconvenience and a cause for concern, we wanted to share the experience – and some Internet safety tips –with you.

Here’s  what happened to us.   If you did a search for:  “Bloom Metz-  fundraising”,  ”Bloom Metz – capital campaign” or just plain  ”Bloom Metz” one of the first results that would come up under the Bloom Metz Consulting header is “Buy Testosterone Online.”  While we are proud to present ourselves as the go to firm for the nonprofit world, this is not what we had in mind.  With a full team of virile men at Bloom Metz, there’s no need for any extra testosterone here!  Bloom Metz Consulting is proud to say we have the stamina to offer full support to our clients!

While our web site is fine now, this can happen to any web site and can risk your credibility.   Here are a few quick reminders to help you ward off hackers and ensure your computer’s security.

NO SPAM ALLOWED!

1. Never open attachments from unknown sources; it’s just junk mail and it’s just not worth the risk.   It’s pretty certain if you have a $1,234,567.89 check to claim it’s not coming through email!
2. Never give out your real email address to anyone than trusted family, friends, and colleagues. If you must, create another email account with any one of the known email providers such as Google, AOL, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc.
3. Use email spam blocking programs provided by your email provider.
4. Whether your set-up filters your e-mail automaticallyor not at all, review your “Junk Email” folder regularly and block the unwelcome sender.

HACK THE OTHER WAY PLEASE!  If you have a web site, here are some quick tips to help keep the integrity intact.

1. Before you connect to the internet get into the habit of running your firewall and antivirus programs.
2. Never post your IP (internet Protocol) address in public or make it accessible.  Once your IP address is known, anyone can hack your site. An IP address is a series of number and periods.  It should not be made known to anyone.
3. When you are not using your computer, get in the habit of disconnecting from the internet.

If you discover your website has been hacked, chances are you’re going to need the expertise of a computer techie to help – unfortunately, we now have the experience to help so give us a call.  In spite of the many challenges facing nonprofit organizations, Seth Bloom, Jeff Metz, and our healthy team members are ready to go the distance with you.   Keep the testosterone for the others who really need it!

By Heidi Hauptschein,  Associate, Bloom Metz Consulting.

Stay tuned for next month’s blog…Why 2012 will be an ideal year for assessments, capital and endowment campaigns.

Have you had experience with a similar situation? Share your story with us.  We’d love to hear it!