Hunter Safety System Issues Statement After Regaining Control of Social Media Accounts from Hackers
OutdoorHub 06.13.13
Hunter Safety System Marketing Manager Nick Andrews has released the following statement regarding the takeover of its social media pages by hackers earlier this week:
“Recently, you may have observed some objectionable content coming from the Hunter Safety System Facebook and Twitter pages. On Tuesday morning, hackers compromised our accounts, locked out our page administrators and then began posting the objectionable content.
“First and foremost, we want to offer our sincerest apologies to you, your family and friends who were subjected to that content. We have built Hunter Safety System on the principles of wholesome family morals and a commitment to our faith. We do not compromise our standards and are glad to be back sharing these with all our fans.
“We truly value the 300,000 people who stuck with us and offered support over the last week and offer our thanks to the hundreds who contacted us to offer assistance. We are proud of our pro-staff members who have reached out to inform our community of our struggles when our voice was taken. We are blessed with the strategic partnerships we have forged with other companies, which leveraged their power when we needed it most. It humbles us to know that this community is willing to help out however needed. Thank you!
“There are a few people we want to specifically recognize for going above and beyond to help us out. First is our customer service team here at Hunter Safety System; Melanie, Crystal and Sally fielded hundreds of calls over the last few days and remained pleasant and motivated through every one of them. Second is our social media manager Jason Say of Wired Outdoors (www.wiredoutdoors.com), who worked tirelessly to offer problem solutions rather than problem observations when things got hot. Third is Tim Elliott from the I.M. Creative Solutions (www.imcreativesolutions.com) for securing our website and spreading the message in the digital realm at a moments notice. We would also like to thank Loud Door Marketing (www.louddoor.com) for making phone calls on our behalf; Mike Nischalke and Karen Lutto of Hunter Outdoor Communications (www.hunteroc.com) for reaching out to our partners to spread the word that we are back on track; and Ralph & Vicki Cianciarulo (www.archerschoicemedia.com) for utilizing their own social media base to inform our community of the troubles that were upon us.
“In addition, we’d like to thank one of our customers, Chad Hensley, who reached out to us via e-mail, took time out of his day to assist us and connect us with the proper people to ultimately save the Hunter Safety System Facebook page. We cannot thank him enough for doing what he did without asking for anything in return.
“Our mission—to eliminate treestand accidents in the field—is the same today as it has always been. We will continue to innovate and deliver new products that ensure our hunting traditions will get passed from generation to generation. Again, thanks to all of you for your support!
“Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison; — Genesis 27:3”
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Danville, Ala., Hunter Safety System is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative deer hunting gear and hunting equipment for the serious hunter. For additional information, write to: The Hunter Safety System, 8237 Danville Road, Danville, AL 35619; call toll-free 877-296-3528; or visit www.huntersafetysystem.com.
