How To Keep Your Website Secure

As the number of cyber attacks continues to rise, it's essential to take proactive measures to protect your website from hackers. We will explore the fundamentals of website security, common threats to be aware of, and steps you can take to secure your website effectively.

Understanding Website Security

Before diving into the specifics of securing your website, it's important to have a basic understanding of what website security entails. In simple terms, website security refers to the measures website owners put in place to protect their websites from malicious attacks. 

With the increasing number and severity of cybersecurity attacks, ensuring the security of your website and business has become a top priority.

The Importance of a Secure Website

A secure website is crucial for several reasons. 

Firstly, it protects your website and its contents from unauthorised access and manipulation. Without proper security measures in place, your website could become a target for hackers, resulting in data breaches, defacement, or even complete loss of control. 

Additionally, a secure website instils trust and confidence in your visitors, ensuring that their sensitive information is safe when interacting with your site.

Common Website Security Threats

Understanding the various threats that websites face is essential for implementing effective security measures. Here are some of the most common website security threats to be aware of:

Data Breach

A data breach occurs when a malicious actor gains unauthorised access to sensitive information stored on a website. This information can include financial data, customer records, or private correspondence. Data breaches can have severe consequences, including financial loss, legal liabilities, and damage to a company's reputation.

Denial of Service (DoS) and Loss of Website Availability

A Denial of Service (DoS) attack aims to overwhelm a website's servers, resulting in a loss of availability for legitimate users. These attacks can be disruptive and cause significant financial losses for businesses.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a website's files and holds them hostage until a ransom is paid. This form of attack has become increasingly prevalent, with cybercriminals demanding payment in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.

Cross-site Scripting (XSS)

Cross-site scripting occurs when a hacker injects malicious scripts into a website, allowing them to exploit vulnerabilities and potentially gain unauthorised access to user data or control over the website.

SQL and Code Injections

SQL injections involve exploiting vulnerabilities in a website's code to gain unauthorised access to its database. This can lead to the theft or manipulation of sensitive information stored within the database.

Stolen Passwords

Weak or stolen passwords are a common entry point for hackers. If a website administrator's password is compromised, it can enable hackers to gain unauthorised access to the website and carry out malicious activities.

Steps to Secure Your Website

Securing your website requires a multi-layered approach, addressing various aspects of website security. Here are some essential steps you can take to enhance the security of your website:

Keep Software and Security Patches Up-to-Date

Keeping all software, including your Content Management System (CMS) and plugins, up to date is crucial. Software updates often include security patches that address known vulnerabilities, so applying these updates promptly is essential to prevent potential breaches.

Implement SSL and HTTPS

Implementing SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and enabling HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is vital for encrypting data transmitted between your website and its visitors. This ensures that sensitive information remains secure and protects against data interception.

Enforce Complex Passwords and Frequent Changes

Require your users to create strong, complex passwords and enforce regular password changes. This reduces the risk of password-related attacks and unauthorised access to sensitive accounts.

Restrict Administrative Privileges

Limit administrative privileges to only those who require them. By restricting access to critical areas of your website, you minimise the risk of unauthorised changes or malicious activities.

Change Default Settings

Change default settings on your website's CMS and plugins. Hackers often target default settings, which can leave your website vulnerable to attacks. By customising these settings, you reduce the risk of exploitation.

Regularly Backup Your Files

Regularly backup your website's files to an external location. In the event of a security breach or data loss, having recent backups ensures that you can restore your website to a known, secure state.

Have a Recovery Plan

Develop a comprehensive recovery plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a security breach. Having a plan in place allows you to respond quickly and effectively, minimising the impact of an attack.

Utilise a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

Implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) can help protect your website from various types of attacks, such as SQL injections and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). A WAF acts as a barrier between your website and potential threats, filtering out malicious traffic.

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification before accessing sensitive areas of your website. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access.

Monitor Logs and Conduct Security Audits

Regularly monitor logs and conduct security audits to identify any suspicious activity or potential vulnerabilities. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can detect and address security issues before they escalate.

Utilise a Content Delivery Network (CDN)

Implementing a Content Delivery Network (CDN) can help improve website performance and security. CDNs distribute your website's content across multiple servers, reducing the risk of DDoS attacks and improving load times.

Limit Collection and Storage of Personal and Sensitive Information

To minimise the impact of a potential data breach, limit the collection and storage of personal and sensitive information. Only collect data that is necessary for your business operations, and ensure that it is securely stored and encrypted.

Educate and Train Employees on Website Security Best Practices

Educate and train your employees on website security best practices. By promoting a culture of security awareness, you empower your team to identify and respond to potential threats effectively.

Remember, investing in website security is an investment in the long-term success and reputation of your business. Stay vigilant, stay updated, and prioritise the security of your website.

If you are worried that your website is not secure and you are unsure as to the right steps to take, feel free to get in touch for a chat.