Cyber attacks and data breaches are becoming increasingly common, which is why website security is essential for any business operating online. Whether you run a small shop or have an extensive corporate website, a secure website is crucial to gaining your customers' trust and protecting your data. Companies that fail to secure their websites risk not only financial loss, but also reputational damage.
In this blog, we share some best practices to protect your website from cyber threats and data leaks.
Opt for HTTPS and SSL certificates
Using HTTPS (instead of HTTP) is no longer an option, but a necessity. HTTPS encrypts communications between the user's browser and the server, making it much harder for hackers to intercept data.
SSL certificates ensure that your website runs over HTTPS. This is important not only for the security of your website, but also for your SEO, because search engines such as Google prefer websites that are secured with SSL.
Steps to implement this:
- Purchase and install an SSL certificate through your web host or an SSL provider.
- Make sure all pages on your website are redirected from HTTP to HTTPS.
Keep your software up-to-date
Outdated software is one of the most common causes of website hacks. Hackers often target known vulnerabilities in popular CMS platforms such as WordPress, Joomla and Magento. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly update all the software you use on your website.
What to do:
- Update your CMS, plug-ins, themes and all other parts of your website regularly.
- Consider automatic updates or set a reminder to push updates manually.
Strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA)
Strong, unique passwords are the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your Web site. Hackers often use automated tools to guess passwords, so using complex passwords can make a big difference.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security. This means that in addition to their password, users need a second factor (such as a code via an app or SMS) to log in.
Security measures:
- Use passwords of at least 12 characters with a combination of letters, numbers and symbols.
- Enable 2FA for administrator accounts and, if possible, for user accounts.
Limit access to your website
Not everyone who works for your company needs full access to your website. By limiting access to only those who really need it, you reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.
Recommendations:
- Assign different levels of access based on a person's role within the company.
- Delete or block inactive accounts and reduce the number of administrator accounts.
Backup your website regularly
Regardless of the security measures you take, there is always a chance that your website will be hacked. This is why it is crucial to regularly back up your Web site. Should something go wrong, you can quickly restore an earlier version of your website and minimize downtime.
Actions to take:
- Make use of automatic backups through your web host or a plug-in.
- Store backups in an external location, such as cloud storage or an external hard drive.
Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF).
A Web Application Firewall (WAF) provides an extra layer of security by filtering incoming traffic and blocking malicious requests before they reach your Web site. This helps protect against common attacks such as DDoS attacks and SQL injections.
How to implement a WAF:
- Many Web hosting providers offer a WAF as an additional service.
- There are also independent WAF solutions such as Cloudflare or Sucuri that you can integrate with your Web site.
Monitor your website for suspicious activity
Even with the best security measures in place, it is important to regularly monitor your Web site for suspicious activity. This includes unusual login attempts, file changes and other signs of a possible hacking attempt.
Useful tools:
- Use security plug-ins such as Wordfence or Sucuri for WordPress websites to detect suspicious activity.
- Set notifications for unauthorized changes to your Web site, such as code or database changes.
Encrypt sensitive data
If you collect sensitive information such as customer data or payment details, you must ensure that this data is stored and transmitted securely. This can be done by using encryption, both for data during transmission (SSL) and for data being stored.
What to do:
- Ensure that customer data, such as payment information, is encrypted and stored securely.
- Use secure payment gateways and follow PCI-DSS compliance guidelines.
Scan your website regularly for malware
Even if your Web site shows no immediate signs of a hack, it can become infected with malware without you noticing. Regular malware scans can help you identify and remove infected files before they do any damage.
Tools and methods:
- Use security plug-ins that perform automatic malware scans.
- Many hosting providers offer built-in malware protection as part of their service.
Stay on top of the latest security trends
Cyber threats are constantly changing, and it is important to stay abreast of the latest developments in website security. By regularly reading security blogs and participating in forums or webinars, you can proactively respond to new threats.
Website Security is an ongoing process. By implementing these best practices, you can significantly reduce the risks of cyber attacks and data leaks. Protecting your website is not only about securing your business data, but also about building trust with your customers. Make sure your website is always up-to-date, regularly monitored and that your security measures are regularly updated to reflect the latest threats.
Stay safe and make sure your business is digitally resilient!