Website security is crucial for every business or website owner to protect their intellectual property from thieves and cyber threats like scammers, hackers, data theft, security breaches and malware. This is very crucial especially for e commerce businesses that sell goods and services online and as well as websites that collect user information like emails and those that require users to sign up for accounts and subscriptions. It’s very important to safely secure user data to protect business customers as well as maintain trust by preserving the security and integrity of your business website.
Regular website maintenance and security updates by a website professional is the first step any website owner can take towards ensuring website security. Other ways of improving your website security are as follows:
1. Install an SSL certificate
SSL/TLS Certificates ensures your website uses only HTTPS. An ssl certificate encrypts data between the user’s browser and your server thereby preventing cyber attacks and data breaches like phishing, etc.
2. Keep website CMS Software Updated
Use only renown regularly updated content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress and HubSpot that have the best security updates and features. Regularly update your CMS, plugins, and themes to patch any security vulnerabilities.
3. Always update Server Software
When you use professional well known business hosting services like green geeks and HostGator, you don’t have to worry about server updates. These are done for you as well as backups of your website on the frequency that you set. Problem comes when you use local middlemen reseller hosting whose server and database software is not always updated. This leaves your business website at risk of cyber-attacks, code incompatibility issues, low site speed and constant crushing. Also harden server configuration settings and disable unnecessary services.
4. Use strong passwords and authentication
All website users and administrators should use strong passwords with letters, characters, and numbers in both lower and uppers case way over 8 characters per password. Also
5. Enable Two Factor Authentication (2FA) and re capta
This helps to add an extra layer of security for those logging into their accounts to prevent bots and malicious people from accessing site data.
6. Use only secure Web Hosting providers
Use only safe renown secure website hosting providers like green geeks and HostGator that prioritizes security, with features like firewalls, DDoS protection, and regular backups.
7. Have regular Backups of website data
Set up regular automated Backups at a set backup frequency i.e., weekly or monthly of all website data and files. These should be stored securely offline.
8. Set up a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
Deploy a WAF to block malicious traffic before it reaches your website, protecting against SQL injection, cross site scripting (XSS), and other common attacks like phishing and DDOS.
9. Regular monitor and audit your website
Have website maintenance done regularly by a website professional to keep your website in pristine condition. Also set up security Monitoring tools to monitor your website and report any suspicious activity real time. Always perfume Regular Security Audits to identify and fix vulnerabilities.
10. Prevent Brute Force Attacks
Limit Login Attempts by implementing a limit on failed login attempts to deter brute force attacks.
Also use Captcha to prevent automated login attempts by bots and malicious scam software.
11. Use a secure Content Delivery Network (CDN)
These include WordPress, HubSpot and joomla. These have great security features that can protect your site by distributing traffic and providing DDoS mitigation.
12. Implement Secure File Uploads
Have file type restrictions that limit the types of files users can upload. Also employ Virus Scanning tools to scan uploaded files for malware before they are accepted into the website server.
13. Educate Users and Staff about cyber security
Conduct security Awareness Training to Educate users, administrators, and staff about phishing, social engineering, and best cyber security practices.
14. Ensure legal Compliance
Set up privacy Policies to ensure that you comply with regulations like GDPR or CCPA regarding user data protection and privacy. Also have a Terms of Service page that clearly outlines security responsibilities for users and administrators on the website or intellectual property.
15. Have an Incident Response Plan
Always be prepared and on the lookout for data / cyber-attacks. Have a plan in place for responding to security incidents, including data breaches, to minimize damage. Also set up appropriate security measures to ensure that such an incident never ever happens again.
By implementing these practices, you can significantly enhance the security of your website and protect it from various threats. Contact us today for a free site security audit as well as our other services.
