by Charles Oropallo | May 17, 2025 | Internet, Security
Cybercriminals are getting smarter every day. They’re not just sending those obvious “Nigerian Prince” emails anymore. Today’s scammers use sophisticated tactics that can fool even tech-savvy people.
Let’s break down the three main types of social engineering attacks you need to know about. We’ll cover phishing, smishing, and vishing – plus some sneaky new tricks that emerged in 2025.
What’s the Difference Between Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing?
Think of these three methods as different doors criminals use to break into your digital life. Each one targets a different communication channel you use every day.
Phishing happens through email and fake websites. Scammers impersonate trusted companies like your bank or Amazon. They’ll send urgent messages claiming your account needs immediate attention. The goal? Get you to click malicious links or download infected attachments.
Smishing uses text messages and messaging apps like WhatsApp. These texts often claim your package is delayed or your account is compromised. They include suspicious links that steal your information when clicked.
Vishing involves phone calls or voicemails. Scammers pretend to be from your bank, tech support, or government agencies. They use high-pressure tactics to make you reveal passwords or account numbers over the phone.
How Phishing Really Works (It’s More Clever Than You Think)
Modern phishing emails look incredibly convincing. Scammers copy official logos, use proper grammar, and mirror legitimate company websites perfectly.
Here’s a real example: You receive an email from “PayPal” saying someone tried to access your account. The email looks authentic, complete with PayPal’s logo and formatting. It includes a link to “verify your identity.”
But when you click that link, you land on a fake PayPal login page. The moment you enter your credentials, criminals capture them. Within minutes, they’re accessing your real PayPal account.
The scary part? These fake websites often use HTTPS encryption, so you’ll see that “secure” lock icon in your browser. Don’t let that fool you – criminals can get SSL certificates too.
Smishing: Why Text Message Scams Work So Well
People trust text messages more than emails. We’re conditioned to respond quickly to texts, especially ones that seem urgent.
Smishing attacks often use shortened URLs like bit.ly links. These hide the real destination, making it impossible to see where you’re actually going. The messages create artificial urgency: “Your package will be returned if you don’t respond in 24 hours!”
Here’s what makes smishing particularly dangerous: Most people don’t have security software on their phones like they do on computers. This makes mobile devices easier targets for malicious websites and downloads.
Think about how many important accounts are linked to your phone number. Your bank, email, social media – they all send verification codes via text. Criminals know this and exploit it ruthlessly.
Vishing: The Human Touch That Breaks Down Your Defenses
Voice phishing feels the most personal and urgent. There’s something about hearing another person’s voice that makes threats feel real and immediate.
Skilled vishers study their targets beforehand. They might know your name, where you bank, or recent purchases you’ve made. This inside knowledge makes their calls incredibly convincing.
Caller ID spoofing makes these calls appear to come from legitimate numbers. Your phone might display your bank’s actual customer service line, even though the call is coming from a criminal’s burner phone.
The pressure tactics are intense. They’ll claim your account has been compromised and you need to verify information “right now” to prevent further damage. They might transfer you between different “departments” to make the scam feel more authentic.
The New Tricks Criminals Started Using in 2025
Artificial Intelligence changed the game completely. AI-powered phishing creates personalized messages that perfectly mimic your colleagues’ or friends’ writing styles. These aren’t generic scam emails – they’re tailored specifically for you.
Clone Phishing takes emails you’ve actually received before and creates malicious copies. Remember that legitimate email from your bank last month? Criminals recreate it exactly, but replace the links with dangerous ones. Since you recognize the format, you’re more likely to trust it.
Business Email Compromise (BEC) targets companies by impersonating executives. An employee receives an email that appears to come from their CEO, requesting an urgent wire transfer or asking for sensitive customer data. These attacks often don’t include any attachments – they rely purely on social manipulation.
Deepfake voice technology now lets criminals clone someone’s voice from just a few minutes of audio. They might call pretending to be your boss, using AI-generated speech that sounds exactly like them.
Red Flags That Scream “This Is a Scam”
Your gut instinct is often right. If something feels off, it probably is. Here are specific warning signs to watch for:
Urgent language designed to bypass your critical thinking. Phrases like “immediate action required,” “account will be closed,” or “respond within 24 hours” are huge red flags.
Requests for sensitive information through email or text. Legitimate companies never ask for passwords, Social Security numbers, or account details this way. They already have this information.
Generic greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of using your actual name. Real companies typically address you personally in important communications.
Shortened URLs or suspicious links. Hover over any link before clicking to see where it actually goes. Be especially wary of URLs with random characters or unfamiliar domains.
Grammar and spelling mistakes in messages from “professional” organizations. While scammers have gotten better at this, many still make obvious errors.
Your Defense Strategy: Simple Steps That Actually Work
For email phishing: Never click links in suspicious emails. Instead, go directly to the company’s website by typing their URL into your browser. If the issue is real, you’ll see it when you log into your account normally.
For smishing: Don’t click text message links from unknown numbers. If the message claims to be from a company you do business with, use their official app or website instead.
For vishing: Hang up and call back using the official number from the company’s website. Real representatives won’t mind you verifying their identity this way.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all important accounts. Even if criminals steal your password, they won’t be able to access your accounts without the second verification step.
Keep your software updated. This includes your operating system, web browser, and antivirus programs. Updates often fix security vulnerabilities that criminals exploit.
When in Doubt, Verify Through a Different Channel
Here’s the golden rule: If someone contacts you claiming there’s a problem, verify it independently. Don’t use the contact information they provide – look it up yourself.
Call your bank using the number on your debit card. Log into your accounts directly rather than clicking email links. Check with IT before responding to urgent requests from “executives.”
This simple habit will protect you from 99% of social engineering attacks. Criminals count on you responding immediately without thinking it through.
Protecting Your Business and Family
Share this information with your employees and family members. Cybercriminals often target less tech-savvy individuals to get access to business networks or family finances.
Create a family or workplace policy: Never give out sensitive information over the phone or via email without verification. Make it clear that taking time to verify suspicious requests is always acceptable.
Consider using a password manager and teaching others to do the same. This makes it much harder for criminals to access multiple accounts even if they steal one password.
Remember, you don’t have to become a cybersecurity expert to stay safe. Following these basic guidelines and trusting your instincts will keep you ahead of most scammers.
If you’re concerned about your business’s email security or need help implementing better protection policies, our email security consulting services can help you create a comprehensive defense strategy.
The key is staying informed and remaining skeptical of unsolicited contacts asking for information or immediate action. When criminals can’t pressure you into quick decisions, their tactics usually fail.
by Charles Oropallo | Apr 9, 2025 | SEO, Technical Help, Website Development
You’re paying for a website, but your local customers can’t find you online. Sound familiar? Here’s the truth: most web developers focus on making sites look pretty. They skip the local search engine optimization (SEO) tactics that actually get you found.
Local SEO isn’t rocket science. It’s a series of strategic moves that help your business appear when people search for services “near me.” The best part? You can implement most of these yourself.
Let’s dive into the strategies that actually move the needle for small businesses.
Your Google Business Profile Is Everything
Your Google Business Profile is the foundation of local visibility. It’s free, takes 15 minutes to set up, and directly impacts your Google Maps rankings.
Think about your last local search. You probably clicked on one of the first three businesses in the map results. Those spots aren’t random, they’re earned through profile optimization.
Complete every section of your profile. Add your business hours, phone number, website, and services. Upload high-quality photos of your storefront, products, and team. Businesses with photos get 42% more direction requests than those without.
Post regular updates about promotions, events, or new services. Google treats active profiles as more relevant than dormant ones. Even a weekly post about your business makes a difference.
Enable messaging if your business can respond quickly. Enable appointment booking if applicable. These features signal to Google that your business is engaged and customer-focused.
NAP Consistency Rules Everything
NAP stands for Name, Address, Phone Number. This information must be identical everywhere your business appears online. Everywhere means your website, social media, directories, and citations.
Here’s what happens when your NAP is inconsistent: Google doesn’t trust your business information. Confused search engines don’t rank confused businesses highly.
Create a master document with your exact business information. Use “Street” instead of “St.” Use your local phone number, not a toll-free number. If your business name is “Joe’s Coffee,” don’t call it “Joe’s Coffee Shop” anywhere else.
Check your NAP across these platforms: Google Business Profile, Yelp, Facebook, Yellow Pages, Better Business Bureau, and industry directories. Fix any inconsistencies immediately.
One formatting tip that saves headaches later: always use your business address exactly as it appears on your Google Business Profile. This becomes your standard format everywhere else.
Local Keywords Are Your Best Friend
Local keywords help the right people find your business. These aren’t complicated, they’re simply your services plus your location.
Examples include “dentist in Portland,” “pizza delivery Chicago,” or “car repair near me.” Research what your customers actually search for using Google’s Keyword Planner or simply by typing your services into Google and seeing the autocomplete suggestions.
Create separate pages for different service areas if you serve multiple locations. A plumbing company serving three towns should have dedicated pages for each area. Each page should include local landmarks, neighborhood names, and area-specific information.
Don’t stuff keywords unnaturally into your content. Write for humans first, search engines second. A sentence like “Our Chicago pizza delivery service delivers pizza in Chicago” sounds robotic and hurts more than it helps.
Instead, write naturally: “We deliver fresh pizza throughout Chicago’s downtown area, including the Loop and River North neighborhoods.”
Mobile Optimization Can’t Be Optional
Sixty percent of local searches happen on smartphones. Google uses mobile-first indexing, meaning they primarily look at your mobile site to determine rankings.
Your website must load quickly on phones. Compress images, choose a fast hosting provider, and avoid heavy plugins that slow loading times. A three-second delay can lose 53% of mobile visitors.
Make buttons large enough for thumbs. Avoid tiny links or navigation elements that frustrate mobile users. Test your site on different devices and screen sizes.
Eliminate pop-ups that cover mobile screens. Google penalizes sites with intrusive mobile pop-ups. If you must use pop-ups, make them easy to close and ensure they don’t block important content.
Check your mobile-friendliness with Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test. It’s free and shows exactly what needs fixing.
Customer Reviews Drive Everything
Reviews influence both customers and search rankings. Google considers review quantity, frequency, and responses when determining local rankings.
Ask satisfied customers for reviews. Don’t be pushy, but don’t be shy either. A simple request after completing good work often works: “If you’re happy with our service, a quick Google review would really help our small business.”
Respond to every review, positive and negative. Thank customers for positive reviews. Address negative reviews professionally and offer to resolve issues offline.
Here’s a template for negative review responses: “Thanks for your feedback, [Name]. We apologize for your experience and would like to make this right. Please call us at [phone] so we can discuss this further.”
Never ignore reviews. Silent businesses look unengaged to both customers and Google.
Local Directories Still Matter
Getting listed on local directories builds credibility and provides valuable backlinks to your website. Start with major directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and your local Chamber of Commerce website.
Industry-specific directories matter too. Restaurants should be on OpenTable and TripAdvisor. Contractors should be on Angie’s List and Home Advisor.
Ensure your NAP information is consistent across all directories. Inconsistent listings hurt more than they help.
Don’t pay for directory submissions unless you’re certain they’re legitimate. Many “directory submission services” are scams that list your business on low-quality sites.
On-Page SEO With Local Focus
Optimize your website content for local search by including location-based keywords naturally throughout your pages.
Your homepage should mention your primary service area early and often. Include your city or region in your title tag, meta description, and main headings.
Create location-specific content that provides value. A home improvement company could write about local building codes, weather considerations, or neighborhood characteristics.
Add your address to your website footer. Include local landmark references in your content. Mention nearby businesses, events, or community involvement.
Don’t forget about image optimization. Name your photos with descriptive, location-specific filenames like “chicago-pizza-restaurant-interior.jpg” instead of “IMG_1234.jpg.”
Advanced Local SEO Tactics
Geo-tag your images when uploading to your website and social media. This embeds location data that helps search engines understand your business location.
Build relationships with other local businesses for natural backlink opportunities. Sponsor local events, join community organizations, or participate in local business associations.
Create Google Posts regularly through your Google Business Profile. These mini-blog posts appear in your knowledge panel and show Google that your business is active.
Monitor your online mentions using Google Alerts. Set up alerts for your business name to catch new reviews, mentions, or potential NAP inconsistencies.
Consider local schema markup on your website. This structured data helps search engines understand your business information more clearly.
Common Mistakes That Kill Local Rankings
Buying fake reviews destroys credibility and violates Google’s guidelines. Focus on earning authentic reviews through excellent service.
Using inconsistent business names across platforms confuses search engines. Stick to one version of your business name everywhere.
Ignoring negative reviews makes problems worse. Address concerns professionally and publicly to show potential customers how you handle issues.
Creating multiple Google Business Profiles for one location results in suspension. Google allows one profile per location, period.
Measuring Your Local SEO Success
Track your Google Business Profile insights to see how customers find you. Monitor calls, website clicks, and direction requests.
Use Google Search Console to see which local keywords drive traffic to your website. Focus your efforts on keywords that generate actual business.
Check your local rankings monthly for your most important keywords. Tools like BrightLocal or simply searching on different devices can show your position.
Most importantly, track actual business results. More calls, appointments, or walk-ins matter more than rankings alone.
Local SEO isn’t complicated, but it requires consistency and attention to detail. Start with your Google Business Profile, fix your NAP consistency, and build from there. Your local customers are searching for your services right now( make sure they can find you.)
by Charles Oropallo | Mar 20, 2025 | Do-It-Yourself
Your business inbox just became a battleground. AI-generated phishing has surged past ransomware as the number one email threat in 2025. We're seeing a staggering 1,265% increase in phishing attacks powered by artificial intelligence since late 2024.
Gone are the days of obviously fake "Nigerian prince" emails riddled with spelling errors. Today's attackers harvest your LinkedIn profile, study your GitHub commits, and analyze your communication patterns. They're crafting emails so personalized and grammatically perfect that even tech-savvy professionals are falling for them.
Think about what's connected to your email accounts: banking, vendor relationships, customer data, employee records. One successful phishing attack can devastate your business. But don't panic. Here's exactly how to armor your inbox against these evolving threats.
The New Reality of AI Phishing
Modern phishing attacks aren't random spray-and-pray campaigns. Attackers use generative AI to create messages tailored specifically to you, your role, and your current projects. They might reference that new client you mentioned on social media or mimic your boss's exact writing style.
These attacks cost as little as $50 to deploy but can result in devastating financial losses and data breaches. The traditional email filters you've relied on? They're struggling to keep up with content that looks and sounds completely legitimate.
Step 1: Deploy AI-Powered Email Filtering Systems
Your current email security isn't enough. Period. You need modern systems that use machine learning to spot AI-generated content patterns that human reviewers would miss.
These advanced filters analyze subtle characteristics that distinguish artificial text from human writing. They catch syntax anomalies, stylistic inconsistencies, and language patterns that traditional signature-based detection completely overlooks.
Legacy email filters operate like security guards checking IDs at the door. AI-powered systems work more like behavioral analysts, studying how people actually communicate and flagging anything that doesn't match established patterns.
Don't wait for your current provider to "upgrade" their system. The gap between old and new technology is too significant. Investigate dedicated AI email security solutions designed specifically for these threats.
Step 2: Implement Behavioral Analysis and Anomaly Detection
Here's what makes AI phishing so dangerous: attackers can perfectly copy writing style but struggle to replicate authentic behavioral patterns. That's your advantage.
Deploy monitoring that continuously learns how your colleagues, vendors, and partners actually communicate. When someone claiming to be your accounting manager suddenly uses different sentence structures or timing patterns, the system flags it immediately.
Consider this scenario: your "CFO" emails requesting an urgent wire transfer. Traditional filters see legitimate credentials and approved content. Behavioral analysis notices this person never sends financial requests via email and always calls first.
These systems excel at catching spear-phishing attacks targeting specific individuals. Even perfectly crafted AI emails fail when they don't match the unique communication fingerprints of real relationships.
Step 3: Integrate Context-Based Defense Systems
Content analysis alone isn't sufficient anymore. You need security that understands context: the relationship between sender and recipient, timing expectations, and communication norms.
Context-based defenses combine AI and machine learning to verify whether messages align with established patterns. They question unusual requests from familiar vendors, unexpected urgent directives from executives, and communication that breaks established protocols.
For example, if your regular vendor suddenly emails requesting updated payment information, context-based systems flag this as suspicious. They know this vendor typically handles payment changes through phone calls and account managers.
This approach adds verification layers that generic content analysis cannot provide. It's particularly effective against sophisticated attacks that use accurate information but inappropriate communication channels.
Think of it as having a security assistant who knows everyone's habits and immediately notices when something feels "off" about a message.
Step 4: Evaluate and Upgrade Your Email Security Stack
When did you last audit your email security infrastructure? If it's been more than six months, you're probably vulnerable to modern AI-driven attacks.
Start by testing whether your current tools can detect polymorphic malware, changing attachment hashes, and redirecting URLs: common obfuscation techniques in AI-powered campaigns. Many organizations discover significant gaps during these evaluations.
Don't rely on point solutions. Integrated security platforms that combine multiple defense mechanisms create layered protection. Think of it like home security: you want door locks, window sensors, motion detectors, and cameras all working together.
Your existing email security might handle traditional threats but struggle with AI-generated content. Consider platforms where AI-enhanced email protection coordinates with endpoint security and network monitoring.
Budget between $5 and $40 per user monthly for comprehensive AI-powered solutions. This investment is substantially lower than the potential cost of successful attacks: data breaches, regulatory fines, and reputation damage.
Step 5: Create an Integrated Security Ecosystem
Email security cannot operate in isolation. Your AI-powered defenses must coordinate with endpoint protection, network monitoring, and incident response protocols.
This holistic approach prevents attackers from circumventing email security only to succeed through alternative vectors. If phishing emails slip through but attempt to download malware, endpoint protection catches them. If they redirect to malicious websites, network monitoring blocks access.
Establish regular security awareness training for employees. No automated defense achieves 100% accuracy: human judgment remains your critical final layer of protection. Train staff to recognize AI phishing indicators and verify suspicious requests through separate communication channels.
Create clear escalation procedures. When employees spot potential AI phishing, they need immediate reporting channels and rapid response protocols. Quick action can prevent attacks from spreading throughout your organization.
Supporting Your Defense Strategy
Remember that attackers continuously evolve their tactics through artificial intelligence. Your defenses must evolve too. Schedule quarterly security assessments and stay informed about emerging AI phishing techniques.
Don't risk potential losses from increasingly sophisticated attacks. The combination of AI-powered filtering, behavioral analysis, context-based defense, comprehensive security evaluation, and integrated protection creates a formidable barrier against even the most advanced phishing campaigns.
Your inbox doesn't have to be a liability. With proper AI-enhanced security measures, it becomes a protected gateway that supports your business operations without exposing you to unnecessary risks.
Hopefully these steps help you stay ahead of attackers who are getting smarter every day. The investment in proper email security pays dividends in protected data, preserved reputation, and peace of mind.
Stay vigilant, stay protected, and remember: when in doubt about any email, verify through alternative communication channels before taking action.
by Charles Oropallo | Feb 27, 2025 | Do-It-Yourself
Small business owners face a minefield of sophisticated scams targeting their online presence. These fraudulent schemes don't just waste money: they can compromise your security and damage customer trust.
The scammers know you're busy running your business. They exploit that by making urgent-sounding offers or threats that demand immediate action. Don't fall for it.
Here are the 10 most common web hosting and SEO scams targeting small businesses right now, plus how to spot and avoid them.
1. The "Guaranteed Page 1 Rankings" Trap
This is the granddaddy of SEO scams. You'll get emails promising guaranteed first-page Google rankings, often within 30 days or less.
Here's the truth: No legitimate SEO professional can guarantee specific rankings. Google's algorithm changes constantly, and rankings depend on hundreds of factors including your competition.
Even Google itself can't predict which pages will rank where or when. Anyone making guarantees is either lying or using black-hat techniques that will eventually hurt your website.
Red flags to watch for:
- "Guaranteed #1 ranking"
- Specific timeline promises
- Vague descriptions of their methods
- Pressure to sign up immediately
2. Fake Google Lighthouse Speed Reports
You receive an official-looking email claiming they've tested your website speed using Google Lighthouse. The attached report shows terrible loading times that are supposedly hurting your rankings.
The catch? They never actually tested your website. The speed scores are completely fabricated to scare you into buying their services.
You can verify your real website speed using Google's PageSpeed Insights tool for free. Don't trust unsolicited speed reports from unknown senders.
3. Fraudulent Hosting Renewal Invoices
This scam arrives as convincing emails or even physical mail claiming your web hosting is about to expire. The fake invoice includes urgent language like "act immediately" or "don't lose your website."
The payment links lead to scammer-controlled sites where they steal your payment information.
Before paying any hosting renewal:
- Check the sender's email against previous legitimate communications
- Log into your hosting account directly (don't click email links)
- Verify the services and amounts match your actual account
- Contact your hosting provider using their official support channels
4. Domain Registry Renewal Scams
These official-looking notices claim you need to renew your domain registration. Sometimes they impersonate legitimate registrars or even the Better Business Bureau.
The scammers bill you for renewals you've already paid for or services you don't need. As we've covered in our previous article about internet scams and domain renewals, these can be particularly convincing.
Always verify domain renewal notices directly with your actual registrar. Check your records to confirm whether renewal is actually due.
5. Negative SEO Threats and Extortion
Some scammers demand ongoing payments for SEO services. They threaten that if you stop paying, they'll use "negative SEO" tactics to destroy your rankings.
This is extortion, plain and simple. Legitimate SEO consultants never make unsolicited payment demands or threaten consequences for refusing their services.
If someone threatens to harm your website's rankings, report them and block all communications. Don't give in to extortion attempts.
6. Directory Listing and Advertising Scams
You get calls or emails requesting payment to list your business in directories that sound legitimate: like Yellow Pages or Better Business Bureau directories.
The problem? You never authorized these listings, and the "directories" are often fake or worthless.
Before paying any directory fees:
- Check your records to confirm you placed an ad
- Contact the directory directly using verified contact information
- Be especially suspicious of cold calls demanding immediate payment
7. Tech Support Pop-up and Phone Scams
Tech support scams appear as computer pop-ups, emails, or phone calls claiming your website has malware or security issues requiring immediate attention.
These scams can be devastating. Scammers often request remote access to your computers or hosting accounts, leading to hacked accounts, stolen customer data, and compromised systems.
Protect yourself by:
- Using pop-up and ad blockers
- Installing legitimate security software on all devices
- Never giving remote access to unsolicited tech support
- Working with trusted IT professionals instead
8. Unrealistic Traffic and Visitor Promises
Scammers promise you'll receive 1,000+ visitors per day to your website or guaranteed traffic through paid advertising. These promises sound appealing but rarely deliver real results.
Legitimate web traffic takes time to build through quality content, good SEO practices, and targeted marketing. Be skeptical of anyone promising massive traffic increases overnight.
Real traffic growth strategies focus on:
- Creating valuable content for your audience
- Optimizing for relevant keywords
- Building quality backlinks over time
- Running targeted advertising campaigns
9. Fake Email Security Alerts
You receive urgent emails claiming your business email has security issues or will be suspended unless you take immediate action. These often impersonate your hosting provider or email service.
As we discuss in our email security guide, legitimate providers rarely send urgent security warnings via email. They typically notify you through your account dashboard or official support channels.
Always log into your accounts directly to verify any security concerns. Don't click links in suspicious emails.
10. Domain Appraisal and Purchase Scams
Scammers send unsolicited offers to appraise your domain name, suggesting it has significant value and you should sell it. They may claim to represent interested buyers.
These scams aim to extract personal information or payment for fake appraisal services. Sometimes they're fishing expeditions to identify valuable domains they can try to steal or squat.
Ignore unsolicited domain appraisal offers. If you're genuinely interested in your domain's value, use legitimate appraisal services or consult with a professional.
How to Protect Your Business
Verify Everything
Never trust urgent communications about your web hosting, domains, or SEO. Always verify through official channels using contact information from your service provider's website: not the suspicious communication.
Implement Email Authentication
Protect your email domain with SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance). These technologies prevent scammers from impersonating your business email.
Educate Your Team
Make sure everyone on your team knows about these common scams. Establish protocols for verifying unexpected payment requests or service offers.
Use Reputable Providers
Work with established, reputable hosting providers and SEO professionals. Check references and reviews before committing to any services.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels too good to be true or creates artificial urgency, it probably is a scam. Take time to research and verify before making decisions about your online presence.
Remember, protecting your business from these scams isn't just about avoiding financial loss. It's about maintaining the security and trust that your customers depend on. When in doubt, reach out to trusted professionals who can help you navigate these waters safely.
Stay vigilant, verify everything, and don't let scammers pressure you into hasty decisions about your business's digital presence.
by Charles Oropallo | Jan 17, 2025 | Security, Technical Help
Recently, I encountered an issue while attempting to renew an SSL certificate for one of my domains, (let’s call it) testdomain.com, using Let’s Encrypt on a server running Virtualmin on Debian 12. The process was more complicated than I expected due to a small oversight that many others could easily make. This article details my experience, the errors I encountered due to Let’s Encrypt rate limits (which I didn’t know existed), and steps to avoid or resolve such issues.
The Problem: Let’s Encrypt Rate Limits for Failed Authorizations
A padlock that shows with an encrypted site using https in some browsers.Let’s Encrypt provides free SSL certificates for securing websites. However, it enforces rate limits to ensure fair usage and prevent abuse. While attempting to renew the SSL certificate for testdomain.com, I discovered that the DNS settings were not pointed to my server, causing repeated failed validation attempts. By the time I fixed the DNS settings, I had hit Let’s Encrypt’s rate limit for failed authorizations.
This limit restricts requests for the same domain to 5 failed attempts per hour. Once you hit this limit, you must wait for the cooldown period to expire before trying again.
How the Error Appeared in Virtualmin
In the Virtualmin interface, I attempted to renew the certificate by navigating to:
- Virtualmin > Server Configuration > SSL Certificate
- Clicking on the Let’s Encrypt tab
- Ensuring the domain and subdomain (e.g.,
testdomain.com and www.testdomain.com) were selected
- Clicking the Request Certificate button
The renewal process failed with an error that Virtualmin reported as “an unknown issue.” Upon further investigation, I found the detailed error logs in the Let’s Encrypt log file located at:
/var/log/letsencrypt/letsencrypt.log
From the log, I saw this message:
urn:ietf:params:acme:error:rateLimited :: There were too many requests of a given type :: too many failed authorizations (5) for "testdomain.com" in the last 1h0m0s, retry after [time].
Understanding Let’s Encrypt Rate Limits
Let’s Encrypt enforces several types of rate limits. Here are the key ones:
- Failed Validation Limit:
- 5 failed validations per domain per hour.
- This applies to any validation failure, such as DNS misconfigurations or inaccessible
.well-known/acme-challenge directories.
- Duplicate Certificate Limit:
- 5 identical certificates per week.
- If you request the same set of domains repeatedly, you’ll hit this limit.
- Certificates per Registered Domain:
- 50 certificates per registered domain per week.
- All subdomains count toward this limit.
- Account-Level Requests:
- 50 certificates per account per week.
These limits are described in detail at Let’s Encrypt’s rate limit documentation.
Diagnosing the Problem
If you encounter a similar issue, here are the steps to diagnose and resolve it:
1. Check DNS Settings
- Ensure the domain’s DNS A records correctly point to your server.
- Use tools like
dig or online DNS propagation checkers to verify.
2. Verify Webroot Accessibility
3. Examine Let’s Encrypt Logs
4. Check Cooldown Period
- If you’ve hit the rate limit, the log will indicate a
Retry-After time in UTC. Convert it to your local timezone to determine when you can retry.
5. Dry Run Your Request
Steps to Avoid Future Issues
1. Ensure DNS Settings Before Requesting Certificates
- Double-check that DNS records point to the correct server and have propagated globally before initiating an SSL request.
2. Test Webroot Configuration
- Verify that the
.well-known/acme-challenge/ directory is accessible for all domains you’re requesting.
3. Use the Dry-Run Option
- Always test with
--dry-run before making a live request to avoid hitting limits.
4. Automate Renewals
- Virtualmin and Certbot support automated renewals. Ensure the cron job is configured correctly and DNS remains stable.
5. Avoid Forcing Duplicate Requests
- Options like
--duplicate and --force-renewal can lead to unnecessary requests. Only use them when absolutely necessary.
Conclusion
Hitting Let’s Encrypt’s rate limits can be frustrating, but understanding the causes and solutions can save time and effort. By checking DNS settings, verifying webroot accessibility, and using dry runs, you can prevent failed authorizations and avoid cooldown periods.
If you’re using Virtualmin, remember to check the Let’s Encrypt logs for detailed error messages, and plan your certificate renewals carefully to stay within the rate limits. Hopefully, my experience with testdomain.com helps you navigate and prevent similar issues.
As always, proactive testing and attention to detail go a long way in maintaining a secure and smoothly running server.
European Union General Data Protection Regulation Compliant