shutterfly by ransomeware attack

On July 20th, 2021, the popular online photo printing and sharing service Shutterfly fell victim to a ransomware attack. This attack left the company’s systems and servers compromised, resulting in a temporary shutdown of their website and services. The news of Shutterfly being targeted by hackers spread quickly, causing concern and panic among its millions of users. In this article, we will delve deeper into the details of the Shutterfly ransomware attack, its impact on the company and its customers, and steps that can be taken to protect against such cyber threats.

What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that is designed to block access to a computer system or data until a ransom is paid. It is a growing threat in the digital world, with businesses and individuals alike falling prey to its devastating effects. The attack on Shutterfly is just one of the many examples of how ransomware can disrupt and damage the operations of a company.

How Did the Attack Happen?
The exact details of how the attackers were able to infiltrate Shutterfly’s systems are still unknown. However, it is believed that the attack was carried out through a phishing email. Phishing is a common tactic used by hackers to gain access to sensitive information or install malware on a victim’s computer . In this case, the attackers could have sent a malicious email to an employee of Shutterfly, tricking them into clicking on a link or opening an attachment that contained the ransomware.

Impact on Shutterfly
The attack on Shutterfly resulted in the company’s website and services being temporarily shut down. This meant that users were unable to access their photos, create new projects, or place orders. The company also had to shut down its production facilities, causing delays in the delivery of orders. This not only affected the company’s revenue but also caused inconvenience and frustration for its customers.

Furthermore, the attack also compromised the personal information of Shutterfly’s customers. The company has yet to confirm the extent of the data breach, but it is believed that the hackers may have gained access to names, email addresses, and possibly credit card information. This is a major concern for Shutterfly’s customers, as their sensitive information could now be in the hands of cybercriminals.

Response from Shutterfly
As soon as the attack was discovered, Shutterfly took immediate action to contain the damage and protect its customers’ information. The company shut down its website and services to prevent further spread of the ransomware. They also notified law enforcement and hired a team of cybersecurity experts to investigate the attack and mitigate its effects.

Shutterfly also released a statement informing its customers about the attack and assuring them that they are taking all necessary steps to secure their data. The company advised its users to change their passwords and monitor their financial statements for any suspicious activity. They also offered free credit monitoring services to those who may have been affected by the data breach.

Preventing Ransomware Attacks
The Shutterfly ransomware attack serves as a reminder for individuals and businesses to be vigilant against cyber threats like ransomware. Here are some steps that can be taken to prevent such attacks:

1. Educate Employees: Employees are often the weakest link in a company’s cybersecurity defense. Educating them about the risks of phishing emails and how to identify them can go a long way in preventing ransomware attacks.

2. Use Antivirus Software: Installing reputable antivirus software and keeping it updated can help detect and prevent ransomware from infiltrating a system.

3. Regular Backups: Regularly backing up important data can help mitigate the impact of a ransomware attack. If the data is backed up, there is no need to pay the ransom to regain access to it.

4. Enable Firewall: A firewall acts as a barrier between a computer and the internet, preventing unauthorized access. Enabling a firewall on all devices can help protect against ransomware.

5. Update Software: Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain access to a system. Keeping all software and operating systems up to date can prevent such attacks.

6. Limit User Access: Restricting access to sensitive information can minimize the damage caused by a ransomware attack. Only authorized personnel should have access to critical data.

7. Use Two-Factor Authentication : Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to online accounts, making it difficult for hackers to gain access.

8. Avoid Suspicious Emails: Be cautious when opening emails from unknown senders or those with suspicious subject lines or attachments. If in doubt, do not click on anything and delete the email immediately.

9. Invest in Cybersecurity: Businesses, especially those that handle sensitive information, should invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect their data and systems from ransomware and other cyber threats.

10. Have a Response Plan: In the event of a ransomware attack, it is crucial to have a response plan in place. This plan should include steps to contain the attack, notify the authorities, and communicate with customers.

Conclusion
The Shutterfly ransomware attack serves as a reminder that no company or individual is immune to cyber threats. As technology advances, so do the methods used by cybercriminals to infiltrate systems and steal sensitive information. It is crucial to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect against such attacks. As for Shutterfly, the company is working diligently to recover from the attack and ensure the safety of its customers’ data. Let this be a lesson to all of us to always be alert and proactive in safeguarding our digital lives.

instagram messages deleted

Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion active users worldwide. It allows users to share photos, videos, and stories with their followers and also has a direct messaging feature. This feature has become an essential part of the platform, allowing users to have private conversations with their friends, family, and even businesses. However, one major concern among Instagram users is the deletion of their messages. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Instagram messages being deleted and how users can recover them.

Why Are Instagram Messages Deleted?

There are several reasons why Instagram messages may be deleted. One of the most common reasons is accidental deletion by the user. Instagram allows users to delete their messages, and sometimes, users may accidentally delete an entire conversation or specific messages within a conversation. This can be frustrating, especially if the messages contained important information.

Another reason for deleted Instagram messages is due to the app’s updates. Instagram frequently updates its app, and sometimes, these updates may result in the deletion of messages. This can happen when there are bugs or glitches in the app, causing messages to be deleted without the user’s knowledge.

Instagram also has a feature that automatically deletes messages after a specific time. This feature is called “disappearing messages,” and it allows users to set a timer for their messages to disappear after a certain period. This is a useful feature for those who want to keep their conversations private and secure. However, it can also lead to the deletion of important messages if the user forgets to save them before the timer runs out.

Another reason for Instagram messages being deleted is due to a violation of the platform’s community guidelines. Instagram has strict rules regarding the type of content that can be shared on the platform. If a user sends a message that violates these guidelines, it may be deleted by Instagram. This can include messages containing hate speech, nudity, violence, or spam.

Lastly, Instagram can also delete messages if an account is reported for spam or suspicious activity. If Instagram suspects that an account is spamming other users or engaging in suspicious behavior, it may delete the account and all of its messages.

How to Recover Deleted Instagram Messages?

If you have accidentally deleted your Instagram messages or they have been deleted due to one of the reasons mentioned above, there are ways to recover them. Here are some methods you can try to recover your deleted Instagram messages:

1. Check Your Archived Chats
Instagram has a feature that allows users to archive their chats. This feature allows users to hide their conversations from their main inbox without deleting them. To check your archived chats, go to your direct messages, and click on the archive icon (clock) on the top right corner. If your messages are archived, you can unarchive them by tapping and holding on the conversation and selecting “unarchive.”

2. Use Instagram Data Download Feature
Instagram has a feature that allows users to download all their data from the platform, including messages. To use this feature, go to your Instagram settings, click on “security,” and then select “download data.” Instagram will then send you an email with a link to download your data, which will include all your messages.

3. Use Third-Party Apps
Several third-party apps claim to recover deleted Instagram messages. These apps work by scanning your device for deleted data and recovering them. However, it is important to note that these apps may not always be reliable, and some may even be scams. It is essential to do thorough research and read reviews before using any third-party app.

4. Contact Instagram Support
If none of the above methods work, you can contact Instagram support for help. Go to the Instagram help center and fill out a form explaining your issue. Instagram will then investigate and try to recover your deleted messages.

Tips to Avoid Losing Instagram Messages

1. Save Important Messages
To avoid losing important messages, it is essential to save them by taking a screenshot or copying and pasting them into a note-taking app. This way, even if the messages are deleted, you will still have a copy of them.

2. Backup Your Conversations
You can also backup your Instagram conversations using third-party apps. These apps allow you to save your conversations to your device or cloud storage, ensuring that they are not lost.

3. Be Careful When Deleting Messages
If you want to delete a specific message, make sure to select the correct message and not the entire conversation. Also, be cautious when using the disappearing messages feature and make sure to save any important messages before the timer runs out.

4. Update Your App Regularly
Make sure to update your Instagram app regularly to avoid any bugs or glitches that may result in deleted messages.

Conclusion

Losing Instagram messages can be frustrating, especially if they contain important information or memories. However, there are ways to recover them, and it is essential to act quickly to increase the chances of successful recovery. It is also crucial to be cautious when using Instagram’s features to avoid accidentally deleting messages. By following the tips mentioned above, you can ensure that your messages are safe and avoid any future mishaps.

how do i recover deleted messages on instagram

Social media has become a crucial part of our daily lives, connecting us with friends, family, and even strangers from all around the world. One of the most popular social media platforms is Instagram, with over 1 billion active users every month. With the constant use of the app, it is inevitable that we may accidentally delete important messages, causing panic and stress. However, there is no need to worry as it is possible to recover deleted messages on Instagram. In this article, we will discuss the steps to recover deleted messages on Instagram and some helpful tips to avoid losing them in the future.

Part 1: Understanding Instagram’s Message System

Before we dive into the process of recovering deleted messages on Instagram, it is essential to understand the platform’s message system. Instagram offers two main ways of communicating with other users – through direct messages and by commenting on posts. Direct messages, also known as DMs, are private conversations between two users. Comments, on the other hand, are public and can be seen by anyone who views the post.

It is important to note that Instagram does not have a feature to recover deleted comments. Once a comment is deleted, it is gone forever. However, when it comes to direct messages, the process is different, and there are ways to retrieve deleted messages.

Part 2: Steps to Recover Deleted Messages on Instagram

1. Check the Archive

Instagram has a feature called “Archive” that allows users to save and hide old posts, stories, and messages. When you delete a message, it automatically goes to the Archive and stays there for 30 days. To check your archived messages, follow these steps:

– Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
– Click on the three lines at the top right corner of the screen.
– Select “Archive” from the menu.
– Click on “Messages” from the top menu.
– Scroll through your messages to find the one you want to recover.
– Once you find the message, tap on it, and it will be restored to your inbox.

2. Contact the Person

If the message you are trying to recover is from a recent conversation, you can try contacting the person and asking them to send you a copy of the message. They can do this by taking a screenshot of the conversation and sending it to you. Although this may not be the most convenient option, it can help in retrieving important messages.

3. Use Third-Party Apps

There are several third-party apps available that claim to recover deleted messages on Instagram. These apps work by accessing the Instagram servers to retrieve the deleted messages. However, it is essential to be cautious when using these apps as they may ask for your Instagram login details, which can compromise your account’s security.

Part 3: Tips to Avoid Losing Messages on Instagram

1. Turn on Message Notifications

By turning on message notifications, you will receive a notification every time you receive a direct message on Instagram. This way, you will be able to read the message even if it gets deleted accidentally.

2. Use the “Save” Feature

Instagram has a feature that allows users to save messages. You can do this by tapping and holding the message you want to save and selecting “Save” from the options. This way, even if the message gets deleted, you will have a copy saved in your “Saved” folder.

3. Backup Your Messages

Another way to ensure you don’t lose important messages on Instagram is by regularly backing them up. You can do this by taking screenshots of the conversations or using third-party apps specifically designed for backing up Instagram messages.

4. Be Careful When Deleting Messages

Accidentally deleting messages can happen to anyone, but being cautious when deleting them can help avoid losing important conversations. Make sure to double-check before deleting any messages, and if possible, archive them instead of deleting them.

Part 4: Recovering Messages on Instagram Web

If you use Instagram on a web browser, the process of recovering deleted messages is slightly different. Follow these steps to retrieve your deleted messages:

– Log in to your Instagram account on a web browser.
– Click on the gear icon at the top right corner of the screen to access your settings.
– From the menu on the left, select “Privacy and Security.”
– Scroll down to the “Data Download” section and click on “Request Download.”
– Enter your email address and click on “Next.”
– Enter your Instagram password and click on “Request Download.”
– Instagram will send you an email with a link to download your data.
– Once downloaded, extract the files and open the “Messages” folder.
– You will find a file named “messages.json” which contains all your messages, including the deleted ones.

Part 5: Conclusion

Losing important messages on Instagram can be stressful, but thankfully, there are ways to recover them. It is important to remember that prevention is better than cure, and taking precautions to avoid losing messages in the first place is crucial. By backing up your messages, being careful when deleting them, and using the archive feature, you can ensure that your conversations are always safe and retrievable. In case you do accidentally delete a message, follow the steps mentioned in this article, and you will be able to recover it in no time.