Urgent Please Read!

[DROliver]

Hey everyone,

Sunday afternoon the server was attacked. After a security investigation they have confirmed that this was a professional attack directed at this server with a purpose.

Once I was made aware of the breach I put into play our security plan for a hack attempt. Because of protocol the server was offline for 6 hours so the data center could clear the server and install a new hard drive.

Yesterday, as we were transferring files form the old Hard drive to the new one we detected viruses on all files, on all sites, on this server. NOT TO WORRY IT CANNOT BE TRANSFERRED OUTSIDE THE SERVER! This then lead to the higher level investigation, that found 2 hidden directories that contained programs that has caused this server to be compromised.

The data center has a built in protocol that calls for the server to be pulled offline until the investigation is finished. So they have given us time to finish the investigation and reformat our security system on this server. This will require the server to be on and off line frequently over the next few days.

Because the hacker(s) used a brute force program they have all the passwords on the server including every member of storm2k.With that said it is going to a huge task to change all password and it would make no sense to do it before the server is clear ands secured. You will be receiving an email with instructions on how to proceed in this matter.

Again I want to apologize for this problem. We have been doing private business for 4+ years and have never been hacked. That is 300+ servers with a perfect record. Now on a server that only serves non-profit community based website is the target, it just does not make sense. Only someone with a grudge would do this. We will find out who has done this. The FBI has the case and they will pursue charges.

Steve O.

[Rainband]

Thanks for letting us know. I hope this idiot gets caught

[breeze]

We appreciate the info, Steve. I'll be
looking for that e-mail when all is resolved.

[vbhoutex]

Steve, there is no need to apologize. You and your firm have done a MAGNIFICENT JOB OF TAKING CARE OF STORM2K!!!! If there is anything any of us can do besides wait to redo what we must do let us know. You are one of the main reasons STORM2K ROCKS THE INTERNET!!!

THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!!

[stormraiser]

Wow, that's crazy. Who would want to attack a weather board?

[CajunMama]

Steve, thank you for all your hard work. I'm sure it wasn't easy and I want you to know how much I appreciate what you have done for us.

[mf_dolphin]

Steve whatever we can do to help just ask! We really appreciate all the hard work you do for us!!

[Rainband]

No need to apologise. I echo the previous Statements. Thank you for all the hard work and effort to keep Storm2k and it's members safe!!

[Guest]

The Administration, Moderators and Techs do a GRRRRRRRRRRRREAT job! Thanks for the hard work guys and girls!

[wx247]

Thanks for the info. I am so sorry that this is happening. Ya'll are doing a great job.

[streetsoldier]

It would appear that SOMEONE, or any combination of SOMEONES, wants us offline, badly!

Thanks for the heads up...

[weatherlover427]

So sorry to hear of the damage that they caused Hope the jerk gets caught

[rainstorm]

i hope they are caught soon

[HurricaneGirl]

Holy Crap!! What a bunch of freaking Idiots!!

[chadtm80]

Sorry for the down time guys.. We warned you.. lol.. Thanks for being Patient!!

[breeze]

LOL, Chad, I got the "critical error" message,
about 15 minutes ago - I took a deep breath,
and, said, "OK - you KNEW this could happen..."

[chadtm80]

LOL breeze.. BTW.. I love your avatar

[breeze]

Thanks - I "borrowed" it!

[stormraiser]

LoL Breeze. I've been checking like every 5 minutes since it went down. I almost started smoking again

[Colin]

Thanks for all the hard work you do!! I hope it gets fixed ASAP and that this moron dies.