Bandwidth Hijackers
A simple explanation of bandwidth is that it is the wires connecting servers to a network. The grade of the wire will determine how much data will come across the network where your website is hosted. Files that are loaded between servers use internet bandwidth. Every time you load files and pictures onto your website, or surf the internet, you are using bandwidth.
If someone tries to load something too large for the servers to handle, the internet connection will slow down for all the connected users. Most hosting providers will sell packages with a certain specified amount of bandwidth every month. A good, interactive web hosting provider will talk to you about your bandwidth needs and will assist you in choosing the best package.
You will notice something is amiss with your bandwidth when the loading of images and other files starts taking longer. People who steal or hijack your bandwidth will use your images or files on their site. What they will do is link the pictures or files they like from your website to theirs. Thus, they are saving their own bandwidth because they are not putting the files on their own server. In this way they are actually stealing your bandwidth.When you are doing your web design it is good to set up avenues that will allow you to track this sort of theft.
A good way to prevent this sort of theft is to first find out who is doing this. If they have an email address, it is recommended that you contact them and first request that they stop using your files and images. If they do not respond, contact their hosting provider and report what is happening. Most hosting companies will not want to host this kind of person because they are cheating them out of money in the same token. These bandwidth hijackers are paying less for their bandwidth because they know how to steal bandwidth from other website owners.
