Ever had one of those nights where you wake up for no reason, stumbling upon something unexpected? That’s exactly what happened to me recently. As I peacefully slept, my website became the target of a brute force attack.

The Midnight Mayhem: Brute Force Attack

Around midnight, while most were fast asleep, someone decided it was the perfect time to target my website. It was a relentless assault that lasted for hours until the early morning. Strangely, I sensed something amiss and woke up at exactly 3:10 AM (thanks to my angels!) only to find out that for nearly four and a half hours, from 2:00 AM until 6:00 AM Philippine time, malicious forces relentlessly targeted my online domain.

Groggily checked my phone, boom! a flood of email notifications alerting me to the ongoing attack. IPs from around the world attempted to breach my WordPress blog using various login attempts. The attacker likely used VPNs or IP spoofing software to mask their identity.

The Evidence: 1 of 16 Pages of Logs

In the aftermath of the attack, I sifted through the logs—a staggering 16 pages of them, each detailing the relentless onslaught my website endured. It was a sobering sight, a tangible reminder of the malicious forces at play in the digital realm.

Unraveling the Mystery: Why Me?

This blog started in 2021, and I’ve encountered occasional brute force attack before, but nothing like this. I kept pondering, “What made them target my website?” Then it hit me—I forgot to activate my firewall while updating core plugins. It was a reckless oversight on my part. What baffles me is why they would target a personal blog with no sensitive information. What do they gain from it? Why waste time and resources on such endeavors?

Imagine the horror I felt. Imagine how devastating it will feel losing months of hard word and memories just because they want to prove something? They’re doing it for fun? I really don’t understand. If this blog were a popular shopping website that stores credit card information or personal information such as addresses, phone numbers, etc., I would understand. But for f*ck’s sakes, this blog is a personal blog. Can they just fuc*ng leave me alone? Seriously?!

Turning Pain into Precaution

From that experience, I learned invaluable lessons about protecting my website from brute force attacks. Firstly, always back up your website religiously with every new post. Secondly, implement stringent security measures, including a top-notch firewall, to safeguard against brute force attacks. And thirdly, stay vigilant and proactive in monitoring and responding to potential security threats.

A Call to Awareness

I share this not for sympathy but to raise awareness about the prevalence and dangers of brute force attacks. In today’s digital landscape, where cyber threats loom large, it pays to be vigilant. Whether you’re a seasoned blogger or just starting out, don’t underestimate the importance of cybersecurity. Stay informed, take proactive measures, and never underestimate the havoc a brute force attack can wreak.

So, as you navigate your digital journey, remember to fortify your defenses, stay vigilant, and always have a contingency plan. Your website is more than pixels—it’s a testament to your hard work. Don’t let it fall prey to malicious actors. Stay safe, stay secure, and keep creating.