How to Handle Your Website Security Like a Pro

Website security is a confusing, complex and often avoided topic for many individuals and brands. Many of us don’t think our sites have anything worth being hacked into, but the truth is that websites get compromised all the time, regardless of their type.

Most web security breaches are not attacks that steal data or mess with the website layout – but attempt to use your server as an email relay for spam, serve files of an illegal nature and so on.

There’s a huge misconception about why websites get hacked. If you think that most sites get hacked because they’re smaller and easier to get into, you’re wrong. Hackers prefer bigger sites to steal more information but can also hack into smaller sites for their other goals.

This is why it’s essential to protect your website and ensure your small business is safe against online threats. The guide below will show you how to handle your website security like a pro and improve your line of defense in the online world.

1. Audit and monitor your website

The first thing you should put on your list when protecting your website is a full security audit, which should be initiated every month. Whether you do it yourself, have an in-house team, or hire a freelancer(s) who will work remotely to get this done, an audit is the most effective way to detect suspicious activities, behaviors and red flags.

A security audit will examine the present security threats and determine the next steps to enhance your website’s safety. From changes in page loading times to additions of internal or external links, user creation and installation of new plugins or extensions, there are many ways your website can get compromised.

Be sure to regularly monitor your website to detect any threats.

2. Keep all software and plugins up-to-date

Are you wondering how hackers get into websites? Simply put, through common loopholes and vulnerabilities such as software and plugins. The key takeaway from this is to update all software and plugins regularly. Regular updates are the only way to ensure your site’s security is aligned with your expectations.

If you don’t know how to update these features, there are plenty of interesting YouTube tutorials that you can watch. You’ll see some of the best coaches in online security showing you how easy updating your plugins is. Similarly, if you cannot find ways to update software within your site, consult a professional.

3. Use a trusted web hosting provider

Next on our list of ways to enhance your website’s security is using a trusted web hosting provider. The web host should be aware of potential threats and devoted to keeping your business website secure. You should also have access to technical support whenever necessary.

At the same time, having a solid web host doesn’t mean you’re protected from all possible threats. Most hosts are not responsible for your individual websites’ structure and plugins or extensions. That is why you can’t solely rely on your web host for your optimal web security.

4. Make sure your passwords are strong (and safe)

This is a habit that most people have. Using short and easy-to-remember passwords is OK if you want to jot down your password every time you log in quickly. However, this practice makes your website more vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Passwords are one of the key aspects of security and something you’ll find essential and recommended by any vulnerability monitoring tool. So, instead of using phrases related to your website, industry, name or pet, try using more complex variations and store your passwords where only you can access them.

5. Consider running regular offsite backups

In the event of a security compromise or simply a user error, having a website that is backed up will help you easily restore the latest version of your site. We recommend running regular offsite backups. Whether daily or weekly, a site’s backup schedule will depend on its traffic and frequency of content updates.

Additionally, our tip is to store all backups “offsite” and ensure you have your site copies stored in a third-party location, in case your entire web hosting setup is compromised.

6. Install a WAF (Web Application Firewall)

A Web Application Firewall (WAF) is a great way to protect your site against malware and hack attempts. It can also help you safeguard your system against DDoS attacks, zero-day exploits and Brute Force Attacks. All of these are terms that are known in the web security sphere and related to enhanced web protection online.

Another great tip is to consider some of the best Chrome extension tools designed to ward off malicious code, protect your online privacy and block intrusive ads.

7. Hire a security expert

We don’t expect everyone to be able to perform all of the web security prevention tips mentioned above. If you can’t do it all, it’s always the best and easiest to hire professionals skilled in web security. You can then handle the small tasks independently and have the bigger security measures covered by them.

An expert that can monitor and scan your website for vulnerabilities, perform full security audits and make repairs when needed is the best way to save time and money while ensuring your site is safe.

Final thoughts

In the end, we all know that website security can be challenging – especially if you haven’t done it before or if you’re dealing with a large network of sites. Still, a secure website is a vital component of every brand’s online presence, and failing to secure yours can be as fatal as having to design a new one from scratch.

Website security demands a systematic approach. It is not a “set it and forget” solution – instead, it demands your continuous attention and requires constant assessment to reduce risk day after day.