Websites get hacked every day, and according to our research, about 25,000 to 40,000 websites get hacked each day. That is a lot! The numbers are growing every day, and the importance of website security is increasing rapidly.
Hackers are the biggest threat to a startup that conducts business primarily on its website. And if your startup is like that, then you have to invest in website security. Because just one hack is enough to put an end to your revenue stream.
What Exactly Is Website Security?
Website security is a small part of cyber security that deals with all the ways of keeping a website safe from hacks, malware, phishing, DDoS attacks, and cyberattacks. With every passing year, hackers come up with newer ways of doing their night jobs. So, you have to be on your toes when it comes to being updated with the latest website security software.
The Essentials Of Website Security
Ignoring website security leads to not only your data being violated but also that of your users. Relax! Do not be stressed. There are some basic things your website needs that can prevent most of these cyber threats. So, here are the three cybersecurity essentials you need to follow.
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificate
When you create a website, you get the option to implement an SSL certificate. Every website’s data is stored on a server. SSL establishes an encrypted link between the server and the client, which is your website. How this benefits you is by securely transmitting sensitive data, like credit card information and login credentials, of your users to the server.
SSL certificates are basically a pair of keys, one public and one private, that work together for the formation of a secure client-server connection.
Firewall
A firewall is just what the name suggests, but for a website. It is a network security device that monitors website traffic and decides whom to let in and whom to block.
Encryption
That “S” at the end of “HTTPS” or the padlock icon indicates that a website is encrypted. Encryption adds another level of security to your website.
Types Of Cyber Attacks And How To Defend
To tackle a cyber threat, you first need to identify what it is. Here are the three most common types of cyberattacks and ways to protect your website from them.
Phishing
Just like a fish is caught using bait, your email account, system, or website can be hacked using phishing mail. Here, the hacker sends a genuine-looking email with a link or an shtml file. It could be as simple as telling you about a lottery you won and asking you to claim it by clicking on the link. Once you click on the link, it will drop a bot or virus in your computer, hacking all details.
How to stay safe: Do not click on any suspicious-looking mail. Sometimes the emails are designed to look genuine, so check the sender’s email to verify.
Malware
Malware in itself is of multiple types. But in general, it is software that works on a website to extract information like card details. It is installed by using brute force techniques on login pages. Hackers also keep an eye on the vulnerabilities of outdated software. These vulnerabilities are exploited to install malware on the website.
How to stay safe: First of all, if there are any plugins on your website, make sure they are updated to the latest version. With newer updates, vulnerabilities are fixed, making the plugin more secure. Secondly, do not give unnecessary access to your website to a lot of people.
DDoS attacks
A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack overloads a website’s server by bombarding it with a ton of traffic, making it crash or become unresponsive. This is basically a zombie apocalypse. The hacker gains access to multiple devices through malware and connects them using IoT. These devices are all controlled like zombies and ordered to access one target website.
How to stay safe: A strong firewall can block malicious traffic and protect your network from attacks. Also, there are many services that provide protection from DDoS attacks.
Best Practices To Keep Your Website Secure in 2023
Prevention is better than cure. By following these practices, you can keep your website secure from most cyberattacks.
Multifactor Authentication
It is easy to figure out a login credential. But two or three? That is where things get tricky. Having multifactor authentication makes it more complicated for the hacker to do his thing.
Multifactor authentication is not just for your personal login but also for your users. If you have allowed your audience to create accounts, it will help keep their accounts secure as well. Implement multifactor authentication while developing your website.
Keep Your Website Updated
As mentioned earlier, older versions of plugins are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Turn on auto-update for all plugins. Also, do not install unnecessary or fishy-looking plugins in the first place.
Secondly, keep yourself updated with the latest developments in the tech world. Know about the new ways hackers are snooping around and ask your developers to be prepared.
Web Application Security Testing
Constant testing is inevitable in website development. Hackers are always on their toes, and so should you. Ask your testers to do security testing on the website. For better results, hire third-party testers, as they will be able to scrutinize the website from an unbiased perspective.
Keep A Website Backup
Never say never, but if your website gets hacked, you need to have a plan B. Have a backup of your website. If you have to start all over again, you will not have to start from scratch.
Enhance Your Website Security With WDI
Having a website security partner is one of the best things you can do. A web development company knows the ins and outs of website security. When you bring your concept to us, we develop it in accordance with cybersecurity standards. Your website’s security is our top concern.
If you want to develop your website from scratch or make it more secure, give us a call. We have 20+ years of experience in this field and hundreds of satisfied clients.
Let us make your website more secure!
