Website Security is increasingly becoming an essential element of a successful online business. Cyber threats constantly endanger the safety, security, and integrity of financial data on websites. Therefore, keeping cybersecurity risks at bay is crucial for any online business. In this article, we will discuss 5 simple ways to improve website security for your online business.
Keep Your Software Up-to-Date
Cybercriminals are constantly seeking security flaws in websites to exploit. This is why it is critical to keep the website software updated. New installments of website software automatically patch any security flaws in previous versions of the software. Unless you regularly update website software, you will always be exposed to dangerous hackers.
Enforce A Strong Password Policy
Cybercriminals are known for using sophisticated software. Advanced hacking software can execute brute force techniques to crack weak passwords. For basic protection against such software, your password needs to be strong.
The password must be complex and contain a mix of the upper and lower case alphanumeric characters, as well as special characters. To protect the passwords from being compromised, it’s best to keep it at least 10 characters long and change it periodically after 2 to 4 months.
At the same time, instead of using the same password for all your login credentials, you should set up a different password for each account you have.
Encrypt Your Login Pages
SSL encryption plays a critical role in keeping sensitive information secure on your website, especially on your login pages. Many websites require users to enter credit card numbers, social security numbers, as well as login credentials, to execute financial transactions.
SSL encrypts sensitive information and allows it to be transmitted securely. Encrypted information will be meaningless to a hacker even if he or she intercepts it. SSL encryption is necessary for stopping hackers from stealing your private data such as login credentials.
Use a Secure Host
Selecting a reputable web hosting company is also essential for website security. Your website host needs to be aware of all the security threats that pose danger to your business and it should actively play its part in keeping your website secure.
These hosts need to back up your website data on a remote server, making it easier to restore if a hacker takes control of your website. You should also prefer web hosts that give you constant technical support whenever required.
Scan Your Website for Vulnerabilities
It is important to regularly perform website security scans to identify vulnerabilities in the website and server. You should perform web security scans routinely, especially after changing components of your website.
Several online tools measure how secure a website is. You can use most of these tools for free and obtain a brief overview of the website’s security. However, these tools cannot detect all possible security flaws of your website. It’s best to rely on a security professional to perform security scans and gain an in-depth overview of all the vulnerabilities on your website.
Maintaining the optimal security of your website is mandatory for any business. You can follow all the tips above to prevent cyber attacks and ensure your website’s security.