You’re driven to grow your business by delivering robust, high-performing websites to your customers. While you’re chasing your dream, give close attention to making sure the sites you build are safe. Your users expect it, so it’s time to get serious about website security.
Consider these stats: more than 53,000 attacks on websites were reported last year, according to a Verizon study, and the FBI reported receiving more than 900 complaints a day about attacks in the U.S alone. Big hacks at big companies make headlines, but no business is safe. Here are eight essential tips to help you protect your website and ensure a safe and secure online experience for yourself and your users.
8 website security tips
01. Update your security plugins
Many hackers use bots to automatically scan site after site, looking for security vulnerabilities to attack, and they often find them in software plug-ins, add-ons and extensions. This is because plug-in architecture require users to update all their sites every time a software bug or security hole is fixed—and that leaves plenty of room for human error.
For example, WordPress relies heavily on plugins, which causes 98% of its security vulnerabilities. Platforms like Wix take a safer approach—they only use web apps, which update automatically and security holes are fixed at the platform level, which are automatically deployed to all users. This is important to consider when deciding how to make a website.
02. Install an SSL certificate
Ever notice a site URL reads HTTPS instead of HTTP? That extra “S” indicates the site is using a computer security technology called SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). SSL protects sites from hackers and encrypts data as it flows from the Internet or an internal network.
Once, companies used SSL only on shopping carts or login pages. Now they’re using SSL on every page to prevent breaches caused by visitors switching back and forth between secure and insecure areas. You’ll automatically provide your clients with an SSL certificate by using Wix. Learn more about Wix's enterprise grade security.
03. Implement a web application firewall
Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in applications to insert malicious code that can enable them to steal credentials, destroy data, or even gain control of servers. This threat is called code injection, and it ranks first in the list of Top 10 Application Security Risks compiled by the OWASP Foundation.
The most effective tool for protecting against code injections is a WAF (for web application firewall). It inspects HTTP traffic before it reaches your application and protects your web server by filtering out threats such as cross site scripting (XSS) attacks that could damage your site functionality or compromise data. It’s a must-have in your website design.
04. Use anti-malware software
Malware is a pervasive threat that caused $2 trillion in damages last year. It comes in eight styles, including Trojan viruses, spyware, adware and ransomware. A study of 50,000 security incidents found that malware was delivered via email in 92% of the cases.
Check if your hosting platform includes frequent malware scans and protection through firewalls and antivirus programs. Post site handover, your customers will need to keep up with the latest developments in malware and update their antivirus, browser and operating system regularly. Oh and don’t open suspicious emails.
05. Set up two-factor authentication
Login forms make it easy for customers to sign into their accounts on business websites, but they’re also weak spots that attackers can exploit via brute-force attacks that try thousands of possible login credentials. Prevent access by adding layers of protection, such as limiting the number of log-in attempts a user can make in one session or requiring visitors to prove they’re not robots by signing in with a reCAPTCHA tool.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide a second form of identification, such as a one-time code sent via text message, in addition to their password. This makes it harder for hackers to gain unauthorized access even if they have obtained a user's password.
06. Make strong passwords
According to a Verizon study, 81% of data breaches in businesses come from stolen or weak passwords. These guidelines will help strengthen yours and your web privacy efforts:
Passwords made of at least 12 randomly sequenced letters, numbers and symbols are harder to crack; the longer, the better.
Don’t use names or words that could be found in the dictionary; and never use any personal information (it’s the first thing hackers try).
Never reuse passwords and change them every few months. Password manager tools make this all much easier.
07. Backup your site regularly
Any site is subject to attack. If the worst happens, make sure your website development platform and website infrastructure can restore your sites quickly and cleanly. According to security experts, site backups should be done frequently enough to capture new content; scheduled automatically, so no one needs to remember to do it; and tested to make sure the system is working.
A backup can get a website back in action quickly, but it won’t solve the problem that caused the crash. Be sure to keep a baseline—a full website backup from a point in time when the site was known to be secure. Or use a website builder, such as Wix, which automatically backs up all sites.
08. Choose a reliable platform
Some website development platforms can provide enterprise-grade security to the sites you build and host on them. Ask providers about their security policies and their dedication to continually updating and improving their security offerings. Make sure you know which security measures they’ll provide you (like the ones on our list), and what you may need to add on your own.
Why is website security important?
Website security is crucial for any business that operates online. It not only protects your website, but it also ensures the safety and privacy of your customers.
Here are some reasons to ensure a safe website:
Protect sensitive data. Keep your website secure to safeguard sensitive personal information like names, addresses and financial details. Protecting this data builds customer trust and avoids legal headaches.
Prevent business disruptions. Be proactive against website outages caused by targeted bot attacks or DDoS attacks. These disruptions can be costly, especially for eCommerce businesses.
Preserve your reputation and trust. A security breach can damage your business’s reputation and erode customer trust. Prioritizing website protection shows your commitment to keeping customer data safe and creating a secure online experience.
Ensure regulatory compliance. Stay accountable to federal and international regulations like HIPAA, Payment Card Industry standards and GDPR. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines.
Enhance SEO and visibility. Secure websites rank better in search engines like Google and Bing. By taking steps to protect your site, you boost your SEO and ensure better indexing for your audience.
Website security tips FAQ
What's the best security for a website?
The best security for a website starts with its infrastructure. Choose a website builder with robust, reliable web infrastructure that prioritizes security and site reliability. Wix, for example, has 24/7 security monitoring, an ethical hacker program and advanced security features to keep your site safe. On top of this infrastructure you'll need to put in place strong password protocols as well as a reliable file transfer protocol (FTP).