Most small business owners assume that their website is the last thing any hacker would want to hack. However, security breaches happen all the time.
Most intruders breach a website not to steal data or mess up the web design, but they are looking to use your server to for email spam or to create a temporary web server to host illegal files. Your server could even be used to mine Bitcoins or as a botnet. And then, there’s the issue of ransomware.
Hackers use automated scripts to look for weak websites that can be compromised in any way. Here are our top tips to keep your website secure and safe from the clutches of hackers and online intruders.
Use HTTPS
This is the simplest and easiest way to secure your website. HTTP is the standard protocol that websites use, however it’s not secure. Instead, an HTTPS protocol adds a layer of security to your website by encrypting the data that’s transferred between your website and the visitors’ devices.
HTTPS not only ensures that the data transmission is secure but it’s also good for SEO. An HTTPS website is mandatory if you want your website to show up in the search results. Moreover, a secure website builds trust, assuring visitors that their data is secure while they use your website.
Regularly Scan Your Website for Malware
The most common way that bots or hackers access a website is by using malware. There are several strategies they use to infect a website with malware, and once it has been injected, it can cause a lot of problems. That’s why it’s important to watch out for viruses that may pop up.
There are many tools you could use to scan your website for malware, and you must leverage these tools to your advantage. You must look for a tool that can detect malware the moment it shows up, demolishing it even before it can unpack its malicious code.
Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
Passwords are the keys that anyone needs to access your website. And you don’t want your website to end up in the wrong hands. You don’t want to use a password that anyone can crack easily. You’ll want to use a password that no one can guess easily.
Another option is to activate two-factor authentication, which not only requires a password but also verifies your identity via a text message or call before giving access to your website.
This helps ensure that no one but you are logging into your site whilst keeping away any intruder with a password to your website.
Use a Good Hosting Service
Be sure to use a reliable hosting service. Even if your website is secure, it could still be at risk if the host is targeted and their security measures are low. In such a scenario, your website can get compromised easily.
Back-Up Your Site
Sometimes, even the best security measures may not be enough to defend your website against intruders. Although the likelihood is low, it could still happen. And if it happens to you, you must be prepared for it. And the best way to go about it is to take regular back-ups of your website.
It’s an important security measure that can help you recover even if your website is erased by hackers. When you have the latest back-up copy of your website, and something goes wrong, you can get your website up and running at the click of a button.
Some hosting companies offer this feature as part of their plan and you don’t have to do anything about it. Even your web design agency could help with this so you have one less thing to worry about.
Update Your Website’s Software
If your website is built on a content management system (CMS), it’s important to regularly update the software to keep it up to date. Most CMS platforms including WordPress regularly release updates to ensure your website is protected against any vulnerabilities. Your web design agency can set up automatic updates so you don’t have to do anything manually.
Looking to Redesign Your Website? Walker Digital Can Help
If you are looking to replace your existing website with a modern, mobile-friendly website, Walker Digital can help. Having built hundreds of websites for clients across Australia, we know what it takes to build a solid digital presence. Schedule a free consultation today!
