OinkArtLtd.com uses a secondary company to host our database and website. A different client on the server host was targeted by a group of hackers who systematically attacked our server over the last week which disrupted the service of every company on the servers, not just OinkArt. Here is what happened:
It started with several denial of service attacks between last Thursday and Sunday. We hardened our system as a result of these attacks.
On Tuesday morning a different sort of attack was launched. This attack did not affect our servers much but had a dramatic impact on our ISP and the network companies two levels above them. They were forced to shut down our services to protect their networks. This was a common attack perpetrated in an unusual way, resulting in some unusual and confusing symptoms. Our servers have been working just fine all during this time. However, the rest of the world could not see them. Working with our ISP, it took us a while to develop a strategy to combat the attack while protecting their networks. Clearly, they had reasons to be cautious. Our plan was developed and we started implementing it this morning. Both we and our ISP are implementing counter measures.
Provided these hackers choose to attack us again, working together with our ISP we feel we should be able to deal with these attacks. However, we may need to stop web traffic occasionally, but we will do the best we can to keep any down time as short as possible.
Effective today, we have secured the services of a secondary ISP. This will provide us an alternative route to the internet which will make us less vulnerable to these kinds of attacks.
As a result of this experience our system will be more resistant to these problems that are common to the internet community.
Also, it should be mentioned that OinkArtLtd.com specifically was NOT being targeted, it was a different client on the server that was the original target. Thankfully our customer records are kept on a different server and were kept completely safe throughout this ordeal. Our top priority is the safety and security of our valued customers, and we will do everything we can to keep the site up 24/7 with no further interruptions.
Thank you for your patience and your continued support,
James
oinkartltd.com Founder
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