Cybersecurity threats are very real and they are on the rise. In fact, there were nearly 2,400 cyberattacks in 2023, with nearly 343,339,000 victims. In 2023, there was a 72 percent increase in data breaches since 2021, which is the year that held the previous all-time record. And globally, a data breach costs $4.88 million in 2024 on average.
This is why any business or organization, no matter how large or small, should place website security at the top of their priority list. While it’s wise to have a website security firm in Winchester behind you, it’s also important to understand how and why you should secure your website. Here are some tips.
1. Keep Your Website Updated
A smart business owner will keep their website software up-to-date. If you utilize a content management system, or CMS, (WordPress, Joomla, etc.), be sure to install all updates as they are released. These updates are there for a reason, and they will correct any security flaws that may be present in the software that could put you at risk of hackers and cyberattacks.
2. Scan Your Site Regularly
Next, you should be regularly conducting scans of your website to check for any vulnerabilities. You can use a website scanner tool (there are plenty of them out there) to check your files for potential security issues such as malware. These tools can’t catch everything though, so it’s best to partner with a website security firm that can take things a step further with all the latest technology.
3. Use a Firewall
Web application firewalls can be used to monitor traffic that’s brought to your server. There are a few types, from network-based to host-based to cloud-based, and they will prevent malicious traffic from accessing your website. These firewalls are designed to block hacking attempts while filtering various types of malicious traffic that typically target web applications, such as malware, spam, and bots.
4. Update Security Plugins
Security plugins can help you monitor security while protecting your website from malware and hacking attempts. They can address security vulnerabilities and prevent hackers from getting in. But this isn’t a one-and-done installation. You have to be diligent in keeping them updated regularly to protect against security vulnerabilities that may be present in earlier versions.
5. Secure Your Passwords
The use of strong passwords is vital for any website to guard against hackers and cybercriminals. In general, a secure password will:
- Contain a minimum of eight characters
- Be hard to guess
- Comprise a random assortment of symbols, letters, and numbers
On top of that, implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) is also advisable, as it strengthens security by asking for an extra verification step above and beyond simple passcodes. It’s much more difficult for hackers to get past this extra level of protection and can thwart common cyber threats such as phishing.
In addition to creating passwords, it’s also important to protect the storage of those passwords. You can do this with a high-quality password manager to not only store the passwords but generate them in the first place.
6. Check Permissions
Be sure to check and update website administrator permissions to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive areas. Not only does this lower the risk of unauthorized changes, it also reduces the chance of data breaches and other malicious activities.
7. Install an SSL Certificate
SSL certificates add another layer of security to your website, which will encrypt data and make it more of a challenge for hackers to decipher. Another benefit to this is that Google rewards sites with an SSL by ranking them higher in the SERPs. Installation of an SSL certificate is simple, with many options to choose from.
8. Run Periodic Backups
Regularly scheduled backups will ensure your website can return to its previous state rapidly if there is a system failure or attack. Not only does this minimize downtime and data loss, it also reduces the risk of human error while regularly backing up critical data without the need for manual intervention. Backups are a proactive way to protect your website’s data to reduce the risk of cyberattacks.
What Are the Consequences of Cybersecurity Risk?
Failure to protect your website’s security can result in a multitude of consequences, such as:
- Loss of sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, phone numbers, and emails.
- Interruptions to website operations while the breach is being fixed.
- Fines for not meeting requirements for protection of customer payment data.
- Poor SEO performance, as search engines will blacklist sites that contain malicious code.
- Damaged business reputation caused by even just one hacking incident.
Request a Quote From Cardinal Technology Solutions
Need more tips for a secure website? We can implement safeguards and protocols as part of your overall business security strategy. Get your free quote and consultation today from Cardinal Technology Solutions.
