In this blog post, we’ll be discussing 7 best practices for website security. These tips are aimed at small business owners who may not have a dedicated IT team to manage their website’s security. We will cover topics such as password protection and encryption, in addition to what you need in place before launching your site live.
1). Install SSL Certificate
Insert SSL certificates on all pages of your site that collect information from users or credit card data. This is an easy step that many people forget about!
When a user visits your website, their computer will connect to your web server in order to download the files that make up your site.
This connection is secure by default, but if you are collecting any information from users (including passwords), you should use an SSL certificate to encrypt the traffic between their browser and your server.
This will keep the information they enter (such as their credit card number or login credentials) private.
Some web hosting providers will provide a free SSL certificate, while others may charge. This is something you will want to ask your host about before purchasing any plans with them.
In addition, there are plenty of third-party companies that can help you install it.
2). Use Strong Passwords
The next step in website security best practices is to use strong passwords. This means using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, and making sure they’re at least eight characters long.
You should also avoid using easily guessed words like “password” or your name. Instead, try something unique that only you know!
It can be difficult to remember a strong password, so consider using a tool that can generate them for you.
A great option is LastPass, which allows you to create and store different passwords in an encrypted vault. It’s available as both an app or browser extension, making it easy to use no matter what device you are on!
3). Use a Secure Hosting Provider
When it comes to website security, your host is your best friend. By choosing a provider that takes security seriously, you can rest assured that your site is in good hands.
Some hosts offer built-in security features like firewalls and malware scanning, while others partner with third-party companies to provide additional protection.
If you are not sure what to look for, ask your host about their security measures and see if they offer a proof of concept or trial period.
You should also be aware that not all hosts are created equal. Some providers may have fewer security features than others, so it’s important to do your research before signing up.
4). Install a Web Application Firewall like Sucuri SiteCheck
Another one website security best practice is installing a firewall.
Many website owners don’t realize that a security plugin is one of the most important things you can have on your site.
A web application firewall (WAF) monitors incoming traffic and protects against common vulnerabilities. It also blocks known malicious patterns from even reaching your server, making it much more difficult for hackers to attack your site.
Sucuri SiteCheck is a great free WAF that you can install on your WordPress site. It’s easy to use and provides excellent protection against attacks.
In addition, there are plenty of other WAFs available on the market. If you are not sure which one to choose, do some research online or ask other WordPress users for their recommendations.
At the very least, you should have a WAF in place before launching your website!
5). Scan Your Website for Malware and Vulnerabilities
In addition to using a WAF, you should also regularly scan your website for malware and vulnerabilities. This will help you identify any issues that may have slipped through the cracks and fix them before they can cause damage.
There are a number of different scanning tools available, both free and paid. OSSEC is a great open-source option, while Malwarebytes offers a paid version that includes additional features.
It is important to note that not all malware and vulnerabilities can be detected by scanners. Some may require manual investigation, so it’s always a good idea to have a plan in place for what you will do if an issue is found.
You should also be aware that vulnerabilities can appear even after your website has launched, so you will want to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity in the future!
Finally, there are many other great tools available on the market if Malwarebytes and OSSEC don’t fit your needs. You may find a free or paid tool that suits your specific needs better than the ones listed here.
6). Backup Your Website
Backup is another website security best practice.
While it may be tempting to forgo backups and hope for the best, you should always use a WordPress backup plugin.
There are many different options available on the market, including free plugins like BackupBuddy. Most of them allow you to schedule automatic daily or weekly backups that can be stored off-site in case something goes wrong later down the road.
Backing up your website is one of the simplest and most effective ways to ensure its security!
It is also a good idea to keep your backups in a separate location (outside of your hosting provider) in case of a data loss or other catastrophe.
7). Limit the number of times a wrong password can be entered
An important step to ensure your WordPress login security is limiting the number of times a wrong password can be entered.
This will make brute force attacks more difficult, reducing the chance that someone trying to guess your password will succeed.
It is also a good idea to require strong passwords and enable two-step authentication for added protection.
8). Use 2FA
2FA is another website security best practice.
There are many different types of authentication – and two-factor authentication (or “two factor”) is one of the most secure.
Two-factor authentication requires a user to enter their password as well as another piece of information in order to access an account. This could include your phone, a temporary code, or even biometrics.
This extra layer of security is essential for ensuring that only authorized users can access your account. It’s especially important if you have sensitive data or other valuable information stored on your website.
Two-factor authentication is available in most modern web browsers, as well as many different apps and mobile devices. If you are not already using it, we recommend that you consider adding two-factor authentication to your website.
Don’t put off this important step! It will only take a few minutes – and could save you hours of frustration in the future if someone manages to get into your account without permission.
9). Keep Your Site Updated
One of the best ways to keep your website safe is to keep it up-to-date. WordPress releases new updates on a regular basis, and many of them include security enhancements.
If you are not already doing so, we recommend that you install automatic updates for WordPress and all of your plugins. This will help ensure that your site stays up-to-date and protected against new security threats.
This is why we always advise our clients to install automatic updates for WordPress & plugins, as well as all the other software installed on your website (including themes).
Automatic updates are a simple way of ensuring that you are protected from any potential vulnerability or exploits without having to check them manually.
Remember, it is important to keep all software up-to-date – not just WordPress! Make sure you’re also keeping your OS and other applications updated regularly.
If you are not sure how to do this, reach out to your hosting provider or software vendor for assistance.
Remember that some updates may break your website – so always test updates before applying them to your live site.
Make sure you are also keeping your OS and other applications updated regularly. If you are not sure how to do this, reach out to your hosting provider or software vendor for assistance.
Keep in mind that these are just a few of the many website security best practices. By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can help keep your site safe from hackers and other online threats.
