Your website is the digital face of your business, but it’s also a potential target for hackers. Data breaches, malware, and spam injections can not only disrupt your operations but also damage your reputation and cost you thousands of dollars.
The good news is that you don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect your site. By focusing on a few key, proactive measures, you can dramatically reduce your risk and ensure your website is a safe place for both you and your customers.
Here are four essential pillars of website security every business owner should understand.
1. Keep All Your Software Up-to-Date
This is the single most important thing you can do to protect your website. Hackers often exploit known vulnerabilities in old software versions. When a new update for your content management system (like WordPress), themes, or plugins is released, it almost always contains critical security patches.
- Your CMS: Update your core platform as soon as a new version is released.
- Themes and Plugins: Regularly update all third-party themes and plugins. If a plugin is no longer supported, it’s a major security risk and should be replaced.
Ignoring these updates is like leaving your front door unlocked. Make it a habit to check for and apply updates every week.
2. Use Strong Passwords and Secure Logins
Weak passwords are still one of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access to a website. Using a simple password or reusing the same password across multiple sites makes you incredibly vulnerable.
- Use a Password Manager: Use a tool like LastPass or 1Password to create and store unique, complex passwords for all your accounts.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA adds a second layer of security to your login. Even if a hacker has your password, they can’t log in without a temporary code from your phone. This simple step can prevent most unauthorized access.
3. Use Secure Hosting and an SSL Certificate
The foundation of your website’s security starts with your host. A cheap, unreliable hosting provider can leave your site exposed to shared-server vulnerabilities.
- Choose a Reputable Host: Look for a hosting provider that offers security features like firewalls, malware scanning, and regular backups.
- Get an SSL Certificate: An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate encrypts the data passed between a user’s browser and your website. It’s what makes a website URL start with “https” instead of “http” and gives your site the padlock icon in the browser bar. If you have an e-commerce store or any type of form where users submit personal data, an SSL certificate is non-negotiable.
4. Back Up Your Website Regularly
Even with the best security measures in place, a hack is still possible. A complete backup of your website is your last line of defense—your “get out of jail free” card.
- Automate Backups: Don’t rely on manual backups. Use a plugin or a hosting feature to automatically back up your entire website (files and database) to a secure, off-site location on a regular schedule (e.g., daily or weekly).
- Test Your Backups: Periodically test your backup files to ensure they are working correctly and can be restored in a crisis.
Ready to Secure Your Digital Assets?
Website security is an ongoing process, not a one-time task. By taking a proactive approach, you can protect your business’s reputation, your customer data, and your bottom line.
If you need help auditing your website’s security or implementing these essential protections, a development and IT expert can help you secure your site and give you peace of mind.
Find an IT expert to help with your website security.
