Beware of Disavow File Mishaps: Protecting Your SEO from Malicious Uploads
In the ever-evolving landscape of Search Engine Optimization, trust and accuracy are paramount. Recently, our team experienced a concerning incident involving a so-called SEO “expert” and a disavow file that threatened our valuable backlink profile.
Background
Earlier this week, I posted about an individual claiming expertise in SEO who had made questionable decisions affecting our site. Today, I want to share a crucial development that underscores the importance of vigilance when managing backlinks and disavow files.
The Incident
This individual, who had previously uploaded a list containing approximately 12,000 redirects, recently submitted a Google disavow file. The troubling part? The file included all of our top-tier, legitimate domains that currently backlink to our site. These backlinks are vital for our SEO health and rankings.
What’s more, the list also contained numerous sites that don’t even link to us—merely a generic compilation of spam sites—alongside legitimate industry partners and customers. Such an indiscriminate approach can do more harm than good, especially when it tampered with a carefully curated backlink profile.
Immediate Response
Fortunately, I was promptly alerted to the file upload via email from Google. Recognizing the potential threat, I swiftly deleted the disavow file, preventing any adverse impact on our rankings.
While Google acknowledges that disavow files can be of limited use and recommends caution, the risk of blindly processing a harmful or incorrect disavow list is significant. In this case, acting quickly was paramount.
Protecting Your Website
This incident serves as a reminder of several key best practices for website owners and SEO professionals:
- Vigilance is Critical: Always monitor your backlink profile and review any unusual or unexpected disavow submissions.
- Control Access Wisely: Limit access to critical SEO tools and accounts to trusted team members.
- Verify Disavow Files Before Upload: Carefully examine any disavow file before submission to ensure it contains only intended URLs or domains.
- Act Quickly in Emergency Situations: If you detect malicious or unintended changes, respond immediately to mitigate potential damage.
Conclusion
Missteps in managing backlinks or disavow files can have serious repercussions for your website’s SEO health. By staying alert and cautious, you can protect your digital assets from sabotage or accidental harm. Stay vigilant, and always review disavow files thoroughly before submitting them