Often the “hard’ way is the “best” way to learn a lesson even though it is accompanied by physical and/or mental pain. I was not that child who had to be told twice not to touch the stove burner, but I did learn the hard way on why you should not hold a firecracker too long in the palm of your small hand. Ouch! And I learned bigtime not to ignore my older brothers when they warned me that a wasp nest was inside the hollow end of our old-fashioned clothesline that I was using as my personal monkey bar — until — one stung me, I immediately jumped down, and went running into the house crying to Mama as my ear throbbed in pain.
Even as adults, we learn the hard way. I learned to pay attention and not set a cup of hot herbal tea on my desk’s edge while I was absorbed in a phone conversation. The entangled phone line knocked it over and steaming herbal tea fell into my lap, resulting in nearly third degree burns on
my stomach. Double, triple ouch in the days, weeks and months ahead, and remaining scars today as a “hard” reminder!
But not longer afterwards, I realized that the bot emails were a result of my website’s contact form. And so I contacted my web landlord, A2 Hosting, which I love and selected as my hosting site based on the recommendation of my mentor. They always provide such excellent support. And they provide you with human support, which is becoming more rare today, and not AI support, which is becoming more commonplace and frustrating. The support person was prepared to fix it himself, but told me that I needed to log into my Google account in order to integrate reCHATPGA. Now I have learned to understand — and greatly respect — all those “annoying” opt-in boxes you have to check, verifying that you are indeed human. To my surprise, and amazement, I succeeded in integrating it myself. And the best part? The are NO more gremlin bots hogging my inbox — as fast as they came, as fast as they disappeared once I had CHATPGA protection. Talk about a happy me. Of course, I have the tendency now to check my inbox now and then to make sure they have not come back.
One of the things that I did learn to do immediately when I can online was to protect my website legally. A lot of people do not realize that this is a must. In our sue-happy society, you want to make sure you are not challenged by others, and attacked legally whether you’re in the right or
wrong. You want to have the proper legal documents on your site. And please note: You cannot just copy and paste them from another site to your website either. That is copyright infringement, and considered as outright theft. Instead, you need to purchase protection, like the Legal Bundle Value Pack as I did before going live with my website. And then you can enjoy peace of mind. It is easy-peasy to customize their legal templates with your information You want to make sure you have the basic documents online, such as my Disclaimers and Legal Rights, Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Not sure? Here is the link for a free copyright template for you to try out.
ONLINE ENTREPRENEURS & WEBSITE OWNERS
Protecting your digital storefront and brand presence is mission-critical. Here’s how to fortify your business online:
- Install a Firewall and Security Plugin
Use services like Wordfence, Sucuri, or Cloudflare to scan and block threats. - Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Use apps like Google Authenticator to protect logins to your CMS, hosting dashboard, and
business accounts. - Use a Password Manager for Your Admin Logins
LastPass, Bitwarden, or 1Password help avoid reused or weak passwords. - Set Up Regular Website Backups
Schedule automatic backups through your host or a plugin. Store copies off-site or in the cloud. - Limit Login Attempts & Use CAPTCHA
Prevent brute force attacks by limiting login attempts and requiring CAPTCHA on admin logins
and contact forms. - Keep Software, Plugins & Themes Updated
Outdated code is a top cause of breaches. Check weekly or use auto-updates responsibly. - Use HTTPS and Secure Hosting
Make sure your SSL certificate is active and your host offers robust server-side security. - Restrict User Permissions
Give team members only the access they need—no more, no less. - Monitor Analytics for Suspicious Spikes
Unusual traffic patterns may indicate a bot attack or breach. Use Google Analytics or Jetpack. - Add a Bot Blocker or Anti-Spam Tool
Use tools like CleanTalk or reCAPTCHA to block fake comments, forms, and spam bots.
ONLINE SHOPPERS
Stay safe while shopping by guarding your digital wallet and personal information:
- Stick to Secure Websites (HTTPS)
Avoid shopping on sites without the padlock or that begin with http://. - Use Trusted Marketplaces or Retailers
Amazon, Etsy, and major brand sites have layers of fraud prevention. - Avoid Shopping Over Public Wi-Fi
Public networks can be easily intercepted. Use a VPN or wait until you're on a secure network. - Use Virtual Cards or Secure Payment Services
Pay with PayPal, Apple Pay, or virtual cards to keep your real number hidden. - Don’t Save Payment Info on Every Site
If a site is compromised, saved card details could be leaked. - Watch Out for Phishing Stores
Fake sites may mimic real ones. Check the URL, look for typos, and Google the store name with
the word “scam.” - Verify Reviews Before Purchasing
Read both product and seller reviews, especially on unfamiliar sites. - Use Multi-Factor Authentication on Shopping Accounts
Amazon, PayPal, and banking apps often allow 2FA. Enable it! - Check Statements Regularly
Look for unauthorized charges after online purchases, especially from new vendors. - Beware of Limited-Time Offers That Seem Too Good
Flash sales, countdowns, and “only 2 left” tactics are red flags for scammy operations.
PERSONAL DIGITAL LIFE
Your personal accounts and devices deserve strong protection, too—hackers don’t
discriminate.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords for Every Account
Combine letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid common words and patterns. - Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Wherever Possible
Add that extra layer on social media, email, and cloud storage. - Think Before You Click
Phishing links often look real. Hover over links to verify them, and never download attachments
from unknown senders. - Tighten Social Media Privacy Settings
Limit who can see your posts, stories, and friend lists to reduce identity risks. - Avoid Oversharing Personal Info Online
Don’t post full birthdates, vacation plans, or addresses publicly. - Use Antivirus or Anti-Malware Software
Keep it updated, especially on personal laptops and phones. - Update Your Devices & Apps Regularly
Patches fix security holes. Don’t delay those software updates. - Delete Old Accounts You're No Longer Using
Dormant accounts are easy pickings for cybercriminals. - Log Out from Shared or Public Devices
Don’t just close the browser—log out of your email, bank, or social accounts. - Teach Your Household Cyber Safety Basics
Kids, teens, and elders should know not to click suspicious links, overshare, or reuse passwords.
Remember the famous line: When we know better, we do better. It is based upon one of Maya Angelou’s famous quotes. OK, now that we know, let’s do better!
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I’m Ruth Anita Foote, an award-winning journalist, historian, author, and online entrepreneur — passionate about helping you enhance your business, career, and lifestyle. Whether you need writing, editing, research, or online business development, I’m here to support your growth. My goal is to empower you to elevate your success and make a lasting impact in your field. You can connect to all my social media platforms through Linktr.ee.
