Think your radio station’s website is safe because you’re not a massive company with hundreds of trucks on the road? Think again.
Earlier this year, KNP Logistics, a 158-year-old UK transport company, was shut down in days—all because one employee used a weak password. Hackers guessed it, deployed ransomware, destroyed backups, and demanded millions. KNP couldn’t recover, went into bankruptcy, and 700 people lost their jobs.
It’s a chilling reminder: no matter how big or small, your organization is only as secure as its weakest password.
Why This Matters for Radio Stations
Your website isn’t just a digital business card—it’s a revenue generator, a hub for local news, events, sports, podcasts, and streaming. If it gets locked down, your entire online presence—and income—goes dark.
Hackers don’t care if you’re in London or Little Rock. If your site is vulnerable, you’re a target. And if you think, “We’re too small to be noticed,” remember: KNP had cybersecurity insurance and compliance. It didn’t matter. The bots that find these cracks in your digital assets are not aware of your size.
The Common Denominator: Weak Passwords
According to Kaspersky, 45% of leaked passwords can be cracked in under a minute. If you’re still letting staff get away with “abc123” or “StationName2023,” it’s only a matter of time before someone knocks.
What You Should Be Doing Right Now
Here’s how to bulletproof your station’s digital presence:
- Use Strong Passwords: No “Password123.” Use long passphrases or invest in a password manager service like NordPass.
- Ensure Your Password is Unique: Don’t use a password that is used elsewhere – like your online banking.
- Limit Access: Only give admin access to those who truly need it. If someone leaves, change the credentials—immediately.
- Back Up Regularly (and Test It): Backups should be isolated and restorable. It’s the difference between a hiccup and a disaster.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): One guessed password shouldn’t be enough to bring your website down.
- Stay Vigilant: Train your team. Most breaches come from human error—clicking fake links, using bad passwords, or ignoring updates.
Final Thought
KNP was 158 years old. Your station may not be—yet. But don’t let bad password practices be what stops it from ever getting there. Your website is too valuable to leave unprotected.
We want to help your radio station grow and succeed online. That journey starts with an amazing website that keeps visitors coming back often. Reach out to us to start your path to online success, or schedule an appointment to see our tools in action.