In this day in age, cyber security is of the utmost importance. Don’t let your beautiful website design and reputation go to waste because of a security risk.
Did you know an average of 30,000 websites are hacked every day? If you think you’re not vulnerable, think again.
In this article, we’re covering common ways new websites are at risk for hackers and viruses.
Don’t worry. This is meant to help you, not just scare you. We’re also covering how you can fix it to protect your site and data. Read on for more.
4 Ways Your Website Is a Security Risk and How You Can Fix Them All:
Excellent website design is just the beginning. You also need to protect your site against cyber attacks, hackers, and more. Here’s how.
1. Malware
Malware is short for “malicious software,” and it is just as sinister as it sounds.
Malware programs are designed to gain access to your computer or website specifically without your knowledge.
Malware can be responsible for data theft and search engine blocking, among other consequences.
Protect your website with malware scanners to monitor security 24/7. Always update platforms, apps, and plugins as soon as the new version comes out.
Always be cautious when it comes to free software programs and research them thoroughly before installation.
2. Get an “SSL” (HTTPS)
Google is leading the way on encouraging every website to be secure. Specifically, every website should be protected by an “SSL” certificate which encrypts all user data submitted in forms or payments.
If the URL for your website doesn’t start with, “HTTPS,” your site isn’t secure. Pretty soon this is going to hurt your site in Google searches, which is incentive enough to secure your website!
There are sites out there like “Let’s Encript” that offer free SSL’s, but not all web hosting companies accommodate them. (They would rather have you pay for theirs)
If you have to pay for an SSL, it will cost you about $60/year, which is a good incentive to host your site with a company that offers a free SSL.
3. Passwords
It’s obvious that you need a hard to guess password to protect your site from invasion.
For maximum security, require a two-factor authentication for the admin page, so that only authorized admins are able to access the heart of your site and your valuable data.
Require specific password regulations for your users as well, such as the use of numbers and capital letters.
Further protect your customers from hackers by using a one-way function such as SHA (secure hashing algorithm). This will secure the data by using an algorithm that scrambles the data in a way that only the sever will know how to keep track of.
This helps to prevent password guessing software from easily accessing your user accounts.
4. Backups
Backing up your site is an important way to protect your hard work, but it’s also a way in for hackers and cyber thieves.
Keep backups stored locally and offsite to minimize the security risk. In the case of a malware invasion, you’ll be able to more easily restore a secure version of your site.
*Related coupon: 50% off Carbonite backup
5. Manage User Access
We’re not saying trust no one, we’re just saying don’t trust anyone else’s cyber security.
Every time you allow user access, even to another admin (an employee or a guest poster, for example), you’re opening up a pathway for invasion.
Limit who has admin access to as few computers and accounts as possible. Create a layered system of access to limit the functions of the site to only what is absolutely necessary.
Now You Know!
Implementing these cyber security practices will help ensure the functionality, trustworthiness, and reputation of your site.
It’s much easier to take extra precautions to dodge a security risk than to repair it after an attack.
Want more? Check out this post about the worst high profile data leaks of 2017 or this post about how to avoid dating site scams.