Does anyone know if I can initiate a lawsuit for website defacement? I know the persons IP address, but I'm not sure how to get the suit process started. Anyone know a good lawyer I could contact? I'm sick and tired of this person doing what they are doing, and this is not the first time it's happened.

Come to think of it... Can I sue my shared web host for security vulnerabilities? I'm just throwing stuff out there.

Change your FTP passwords

Come to think of it... Can I sue my shared web host for security vulnerabilities? I'm just throwing stuff out there.

I'd say, only if nothing tells otherwise from the TOS, and if you can proove that the hackers went in from a securtiy issue at the server level (telnet open, not up to date ssh server, something like that).

If not, then no.
And by the way, 99,8% of disfigured web sites are so because the web site have a security issue (I talk about code, not passwords) that allow someone who should not be authorized to do so.

It's like, having a digicode secured door, but being able to open the door with a small shoulder push (don't laugh, I've seen a door like that...).

What exactly do you mean by defacement? Did the hacker change your homepage or something? It would take quite a bit of destruction to make it a worthwhile lawsuit.

Make sure you have updated version of your web application. Most hacks are happended because of holes in your web application. Be aware.

You can sue anyone at anytime for any thing.

Why don't you check with a lawyer for the first time in your life and get back to us.

If you think that everything happened because of web hosting provider simple change your web hosting provider

DynamicFlooder, I don't want to sound rude, but do you really believe lawsuit will solve your problem? If your site is insecure, then it's YOUR problem. You'd better spend time on fixing site and making it more secure. If one person was able to hack it easily, get ready for more hacks.

I wonder what would happen if you sued yourself. ....







... and lost????

You can report the incident to the FBI if you are a business and have lost money. That is a serious crime and is taken sersiously these days. Its unfortunate it happens to often. You may wish to check with your hosting provider to see how your account was hacked. Also if you logged onto your account in a shared computer environment its possible someone had a key stroker. I would investigate further to make sure you can prevent another hack. Best of luck.

Originally Posted by chrishirst

I wonder what would happen if you sued yourself. ....







... and lost????

I guess you would still be broke?????

Originally Posted by FenceGuy

I guess you would still be broke?????

And win at losing...

It's HIGHLY unlikely that you can sue your hosting provider. In fact in reality it's not even their fault... more likely to be a piece of insecure software you installed yourself.

You can certainly report the IP to the authorities... but it may be well beyond their jurisdiction (ie if the person isn't even in the country).

If I were you I would take this as a lesson learned and secure your own site. If you aren't technically able to do it yourself, hire someone to do it for you.

Originally Posted by CanSpace

It's HIGHLY unlikely that you can sue your hosting provider. In fact in reality it's not even their fault... more likely to be a piece of insecure software you installed yourself.

You can certainly report the IP to the authorities... but it may be well beyond their jurisdiction (ie if the person isn't even in the country).

If I were you I would take this as a lesson learned and secure your own site. If you aren't technically able to do it yourself, hire someone to do it for you.

It is recommended to check all possible variants in here. Because end user like OP have no idea why that is happened.
1. Check your web host. Ask the company to check the log files. Perhaps that will help you a bit.
2. Check if you have updated web application. Maybe that would be good idea to look around and check if there any other people having the same issues

Originally Posted by generouswebhost

You can report the incident to the FBI if you are a business and have lost money. That is a serious crime and is taken sersiously these days.

Yeah, right

i think you should collect all the evidence firstly...so think about any evidence you have got..

Do you REALLY think he will be able to collect the evidence? This person uses shared hosting and the only thing he seems to be experienced in - blaming other persons and hosting companies because of his own incompetence running website.

Have you already solved your issues?

why not enter a support ticket with your webhost asking for their advice on how to avoid repeated hacks, instead of lawsuits?

usually when lawyers are involved they are the only winners in the end.

Havn't you ever received any email from your hosting provider saying your website has vulnerabilities?