Are you planning to put up a small online business? Then you need to ensure that your website is as user-friendly as possible. But aside from ensuring usability, you also need to boost your website’s security.
Interestingly, cybersecurity experts note that cyber-attacks are on the rise amidst the pandemic. FBI data reveals that around 4,000 cyber-attacks happen every day.
Unfortunately, some of these cyber-attacks can cost small businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars. In some cases, these attacks even force companies to shut down.
Thus, the need to boost website security is paramount.
But how exactly do you do that? What are the different security measures you should put in place? What are the best practices should you start doing today?
Continue reading below to find out the answers.
Update Your Software
One of the first things to do if you want to boost website security is to update your site’s software regularly. Hackers are like literal viruses that evolve. They find ways to enter systems especially if you’re using outdated software.
If you use outdated software, you become a vulnerable target for hackers.
Thus, you need to update your software regularly. Do so every time a new update arrives. Doing so ensures that you’re running the latest security features available.
Also, you need to be proactive in checking for regular software updates. To do so, review and analyze your website’s software components. Identify the ones that require updating.
Moreover, you need to create a schedule for your updates. This will keep you from forgetting and missing out on timely updates that may come up.
Boost Website Security with Strong Passwords
Your passwords serve as the main security lock that leads to your system. Crack the passwords and your business will be in a lot of trouble. Hence, you need to revisit your old passwords and replace them with stronger ones.
The key is to avoid using lazy passwords and opting for something more creative. Come up with a password that is unique and hard to guess. This means avoiding the use of your name, birthday, or company name.
Also, keep those generic passwords at bay. These are the “qwerty” passwords like “123456” and the like. Instead, use a strong combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Furthermore, implement multifactor authentication. This will prompt anyone who wishes to access your system to answer a special question. This is on top of keying-in a password.
Additionally, implement password encryption. This is crucial especially if you’re requiring customers to log in to your site to purchase. The same thing goes if you’re requiring clients to give their personal information.
Update Your Plugins
Is your website running on WordPress? Then you need to regularly update your WordPress and all the other plugins you are using.
The majority of vulnerabilities in WordPress stem from its plugins. Hence, the need to install a managed in-app web firewall. This web application firewall enables you to get all the virtual patches and updates you need for your plugins.
Also, do the same thing with your third-party plugins. These too are easy targets for hackers. And if you have plugins that you do not use, consider removing them altogether.
Additionally, do not test new plugins on a live website. Instead, create a copy that you can test on your website.
Mind Your Downloads and Uploads
If you have many users accessing your website, you need to be mindful of the files that you upload and download. Some of the most common cyber threats come in the form of files that look harmless on the outside.
But on the inside, these files come with malware. Once you download these files, hackers can access your data through the malware.
As for uploads, some of your customers may send you some. Hence, it is best if you don’t accept these file downloads. Instead, take extra precautions by setting a maximum file size limit.
Moreover, scan all uploaded files for malware. This means investing in a reliable antivirus scanner.
You should also use a file type verification tool. This will help you identify potentially suspicious files from the get-go.
Consider HTTPS Migration
One of the techniques hackers use to steal data is intercepting login credentials. But if you migrate from hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) to hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS), you can prevent exactly that from happening.
To migrate to HTTPS, you need to install secured sockets layer certificate. After installing, you can then redirect your web traffic from HTTP to HTTPS.
Pick a Good Hosting Provider
If you’re looking to have someone host your website, make sure you pick a reputable one. Keep in mind that even if your website is secure, you can still lose your data to hackers if your web host has poor security protocols in place.
Pick a host that is on top of the latest threats. Also, find a host that offers technical support that can help you anytime you need one.
Regular Monitoring and Backup
Last but not least, you need to monitor your website as often as possible. This applies even if you already have the latest patches and updates in place.
When monitoring your website, you want to keep watch on how your website functions. Do you notice your website working weirdly?
Your goal is to detect anomalies that may already be affecting your site’s performance.
Also, you need to back up your website. Create backups of your important files and databases. This will serve as your insurance in case your website falls into the hackers.
Additionally, consider using website security tools and other programs like enterprise solution. These things will help you manage your website and lessen your load.
Continue Improving Your Business Website
Now that you know how to boost website security, you can serve your customers with more confidence. You can ensure the safety of their personal information while protecting your valuable files and data. But website security is only one area your need to work on.
We invite you to continue improving your website by reading our other articles. We discuss topics and provide tips that will help turn your site into a safer and more engaging one.