Don’t believe your website has anything of value to be hacked for?

It is still a potential target. Many security breaches do not attempt to steal data, but want to use the server you have to relay spam or set up another temporary server in order to share illegal files.

Hacking is most often performed by automated scripts that search the Internet and take advantage of issues in software.

Want to know how to make your website secure? Here are our top tips.

1. Restricting Access

There are not many employees that need administrator-level access to the site you have. It’s worth remembering that the more people that have this level of access, the higher the risk that you can become a victim of hacking. Usernames and passwords should only be given out if essential.

2. Complex Passwords

Any passwords you do you have should not be easy to guess. Make sure every password has capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. This will make it more difficult for any hackers to get access to your system. You should also use different passwords for different accounts and change them a few times a year.

3. Sparingly Using Plug-Ins

The more plug-ins you have present on your website, the more software components there are available for hackers to take advantage of. This is especially true if the plug-ins you have are widely used. Only keep these plug-ins if they are an absolute necessity and offer obvious benefits.

4. Keep Your CMS Upgraded

Many business owners are apprehensive of updating WordPress or other content management systems. However, these updates are integral and can often include security features that prevent exploits in your system.

5. Better Hosting

Using housing plans that are cheap will save you money, but can also leave you vulnerable by having your site shared with websites of a lower calibre. Such sites (such as gambling/casinos) can attract the wrong attention and leave you at risk.

6. Multiple Servers

Having multiple websites on one server can be very convenient. However, this practice is a very common way for your security to be compromised. Cross-contamination between sites is easy when sites are sharing the same server. Try to separate each site to its own dedicated server to prevent this.

7. Website Security Tools

You should test website security often. A selection of website tools can be used to make sure your site has no vulnerabilities. There are both paid and free products that you can use including Netsparker, XSS and OpenVAS.

8. Think Before Clicking

Hackers often choose to target your curiosity rather than the actual code available on your website. You should think carefully before visiting sites or downloading attachments from them.

9. Avoid Uploading

If you let uses upload files to your website, you are creating quite a big security risk. Any file uploaded to your site, despite looking unthreatening, can open up scripts that ruin your site. Every file uploaded should be treated with utmost care – or not at all.

10. Regular Reviews

One of the best ways to keep on top of your website security is by screening pages regularly and making sure everything stays up to scratch. Not checking your site security for days or weeks can leave vulnerabilities in your website.

How To Make Your Website Secure

The Internet is full of dangers that can threaten the integrity of your website and can have deeper repercussions, especially those whose livelihood it depends on.

Knowing how to make your website secure can prevent you from becoming a victim and keep your online presence intact. Check out our blog for more tips on security!