We ensure many different precautionary measures to secure parts of our lives such as our home or our car. The same can be applied when securing your website from unwanted hackers. System flaws, viruses, malware, and other forms of hacking nightmares can significantly reduce potential traffic and sales from your business. Luckily, there are means to protect yourself from such predicaments. Here are 5 simple principles to follow when protecting and securing your online business website from intruders:
- Keep software updated
- Backup your Website
- Use a reputable web host
- Manage User Access
- Use an SSL Certificate
Following these steps will substantially decrease the likelihood of a hacker creeping their way into your website and obstructing the flow of your business.
Keep Software Updated
Every element of software utilized by your workstation requires a periodic update. Hackers can find vulnerabilities and security flaws in old, out of date software. Software vendors always provide patches for vulnerabilities during the updates. If your website is powered by a content management system (ie. WordPress), keep the content management software for this updated at all times, including any plugins.
Backup your Website
This includes both local and offsite. Let’s say your website has been injected with malware. The easiest and most secure way to alleviate the mess is to restore the website from the most recent backup prior to the hack. Be sure to retain copies of your website locally as a precautionary measure, and be sure the web host server is backed up daily.
Use a Reputable Web Host
Be wary of web hosts that offer significant discounts or cheap prices to attract you to their services. They oftentimes do not make sufficient investments in cybersecurity. Be sure to ask your web host how they keep their websites secure. Also, ensure that they have regular software updates to the server operating system and other installations. They should proactively scan and address security issues. Here is a list of our top web hosts of 2018 for your convenience.
Manage User Access
Regulate the number of individuals who have access to your important systems, including your business website. Although it is important that you trust your employees, it is also good to consider that the more people have access, the higher the chance of someone being a victim of a cyber scam or hack. If possible, try and assign different access types to different individuals.
Use an SSL Certificate
An SSL Certificate establishes a secure, encrypted connection between your web and your visitor’s web browser. If your website uses logins, processed payments, or stores personal information, an SSL certificate is required for compliance. Compliance standpoint aside, your website visitors will also feel more comfortable providing said information through your website if such security is provided.
Following these 5 tips will bolster your system security and have you with a sounder mind, happier customers, and overall a safer website experience. Being a precautionary online website owner requires you to be pragmatic and safe when it comes to the benefit of your customers.
