Running a successful website requires strong website security basics. It’s more crucial than ever to take the required precautions to safeguard your website from dangers due to the growing threat of cyberattacks.
Keep Software Up To Date
One of the simplest things you can do to increase website security is to maintain software updates. This applies to any software you use on your websites, such as your content management system (CMS), plugins, and other applications. Maintaining your program’s updates is crucial since software updates frequently include security patches.
Use Secure Passwords
Hackers frequently access websites by using weak passwords. Use difficult-to-guess passwords that are strong and complicated to increase website security. Avoid using information that may be easily guessed, such as your name or birthdate, and be sure to include a combination of letters, numbers, upper/lower cases, and special characters.
Implement HTTPS
HTTPS is a safety protocol that encrypts data exchanged between a user’s browser and your website. Your website may be protected against data theft and other security dangers by implementing HTTPS. To enable HTTPS on your website, you may get an SSL certificate from a reliable certificate authority.
Regularly Backup Your Website
In the event of a security incident or other data loss, a regular website backup is crucial. Be sure to regularly back up your website, and keep the backups somewhere safe and distinct from your website. Making full, complete backups at consistent intervals is one of the best methods at your disposal to help with damage control.
Outsourcing Security
If your site contains sensitive data then it becomes a juicy target. Consider removing the need for storing sensitive data on your hosting if possible, or outsourcing security.
Use a Firewall
A firewall is a security mechanism that keeps track of and manages all website traffic. Putting in place a firewall can help shield your website from possible assaults and stop unwanted access.
Monitor Your Website for Suspicious Activity
Keeping a regular eye out for unusual activity on your website is crucial for spotting possible security concerns. Monitor your website for suspicious activity using tools like security plugins, and respond quickly if you discover anything out of the ordinary.
Removing Malicious Codes
Sometimes removal is straightforward, but more often it involves a complex list of actions. Removing malicious codes can be a tedious task.
Use a Virus/Malware Scanner: You can run a scanner to give you a report if something looks out of place. Login to your hosting dashboard to look for this feature.
Enable MOD Security: Most hosting providers (using CPanel/Plesk) come installed with MOD Security or similar that adds a layer of firewall protection.
Prevent SQL Injection: SQL injection is a popular method of hacking. It involves a tool that runs SQL queries through an unsecured form on a webpage. WordPress provides security plugins that effectively solve this problem.
Enhance WordPress Security: If you’re on WordPress and have been hacked then here’s the official advice from Codex. In addition, you should also consider using the Wordfence security plug-in.
Enable Hotlink Protection: Hotlink protection prevents others from linking resources from your site, which takes up your bandwidth. Disabling hotlinking can be done at the hosting dashboard.
Prevent Brute Force Hacking: All premium service CPANELs should have an option called leech protect. Leech protect helps you to mitigate brute force hacking and to restrict users from compromising your website security passwords. You should also enable brute force protection on the website level using a plugin like WordFence.
Check the RAW Access Logs: If you suspect something is afoot, check out the RAW access log files provided at your hosting dashboard. Look at timestamps and URL actions for anything suspicious. You can then blacklist specific IPs using a security plugin or via the hosting dashboard.
In conclusion, website security is an essential element of running a successful website. By following these website security basics, you can improve your website’s security and protect it from potential threats. Remember to keep your software up to date, use strong passwords, implement HTTPS, regularly back up your website, use a firewall, and monitor your website for suspicious activity.
