You know you need to keep your website secure, as the dangers of being attacked by hackers are lurking around every corner. Attackers are constantly looking for points of entry to steal or misuse various sensitive data. You need to prevent them from crawling into your site, but do you know how to do that? Here are the essential steps to improve your website security.
1. Choose a Reliable Web Host
Your website security starts with your web hosting provider. You need a reliable one that keeps up with the latest web security trends and adopts the latest tech to make sure your site is secured.Your web host also needs to regularly back up all your data to a highly-secure remote server. If a hacker finds their way through to your system, your host must be able to restore your data.
Make sure your web host properly maintains your website and provides 24/7 tech support.
2. Regularly Update Your Website Software
Regular website software updates are crucial for your website security. If you're dealing with an outdated website, you might be dealing with lots of vulnerabilities. If there are any security flaws in your web software, the bad guys may discover them and hack your site.
That's why software updates are so important. They come with security patches that fix any potential flaws in your system, thus keeping your website safe and secure. If you have a WordPress website, you don't have to worry about the updates. The platform will automatically install them, saving you both time and effort.
3. Install an SSL Certificate
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Certificate is vital for protecting your, and your users sensitive data. It encrypts the connection between a browser and a web server, keeping your private data secure. This is paramount for your login pages. With an SSL encryption, potential hackers won't be able to intercept any transmission between a browser and your web server. Your usernames, passwords, credit card details, social security numbers, and any other sensitive information will remain safe and secure.
So, be sure to install an SSL Certificate on your website. Once you do, a padlock symbol will appear in the address bar whenever someone visits your website. That padlock indicates that your site is secure and allows encrypted connections.
4. Reduce Possible Entry Points
Plugins, files, apps, and databases are common points of entry for hackers. If you have any of the old ones that you no longer use, be sure to delete them. Attackers are always on the lookout for possible entry points. Old files, plugins, databases, or apps that aren't in use make it easy for them to crawl into your site. So, keep your site clean and well-organized, and you'll be able to seamlessly monitor the changes.
5. Use a Password Manager
Using strong passwords and changing them regularly is a no-brainer for website security. However, it isn't uncommon for cybercriminals to crack even the strongest passwords. This is why you should consider using a password manager. A password manager will store all your passwords in an encrypted database. It will also provide you with a master password for all your accounts.
If a hacker manages to crack your master password, your password manager will automatically generate a new one. That way, no one will be able to gain access to your login credentials or any other sensitive information. One of the best password managers you can use is LastPass. It comes with a web interface and plugins for web browsers and apps.
But, is LastPass secure? Well, nothing is 100% secure, but LastPass is definitely on the right track. It's your best option for keeping your passwords, and your sensitive data, secure. To additionally secure them, you should use two-factor authentication (2FA) with LastPass. It will give you an extra layer of security so that no one will ever be able to access your accounts.
There are many more ways to keep your website secure, but these will give you a great start.
6. Back Up Your Data Frequently
Backing up your data on a regular basis is one of the most critical steps you should take. It doesn't prevent hackers from getting into your system, but it helps you recover any data you may lose. This may happen if someone hacks your site or due to a power outage, for instance. If you back it up, you'll be able to safely retrieve it.
Your web host will back up your data automatically to a remote server, too. Still, you should set up frequent automatic backups.
7. Set Up a Web Application Firewall
A Web Application Firewall (WAF) will block any suspicious activity and prevent potential data theft or fraud. It will regularly scan incoming HTTP requests and ensure that your and your users' data is always safe. If your WAF analyzes a particular HTTP request and discovers it's not safe, it will instantly block it. It will remove any dangerous HTTP request before it even reaches the server.
Therefore, set up a Web Application Firewall, and you'll prevent any dangerous traffic from disrupting your website security.
8. Run Regular Web Security Scans
Web security scans can be very beneficial, as they can uncover potential vulnerabilities within your site. They may also detect server vulnerabilities that you must immediately deal with. Running a web security scan after any change to your site is especially important. You don't want a new web component you've installed to end up being infected with malware.
9. Hire an Expert Web Security Team
It can be challenging to keep your website secure on your own, especially since you already have lots of other daily tasks on your plate. This is why you should hire a web security expert or a team of them (depending on your needs) to help you out. Web security companies keep up with the latest trends and work with experienced and highly-skilled teams. They can regularly scan your website for any malicious activity and conduct website audits.
So, find an expert company that provides reliable web security services and offers 24/7 tech support.