We all know we need to keep our websites secure from hackers. That’s a given. However, when it comes to the specifics of how our sites could be vulnerable, that’s when many of us get a little fuzzy. Here’s what you need to know to make your website more secure.
According to experts, about a third of all websites are powered by WordPress. That puts them in the sights for hackers to target.
Secure Web Hosting Company
Whoever you choose to host your website, there are some basics they should perform that help increase security. A reliable host company should back up your data to a remote server (you should backup your data too!). They should offer ongoing technical support. The best case scenario is you can get access to support 24/7, 365 days per year. Also, look for multiple layers of security. Some other bonuses to consider are a hosting site that performs daily malware scans. If you can get that at a reasonable price, great. However, this is one area where you don’t want to cut corners.
Strong Password
Don’t overlook this straightforward but very crucial way of increasing website security. Strong passwords are a must. It’s also a good idea to have everyone who logs in update passwords regularly and disallow repeated passwords. They should be a minimum of 10 characters long, contain capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Keeping passwords complex helps to guard against what is called “brute force” attacks. This method of cracking passwords employs software utilizing a trial and error method that’s a success depends on sheer volume.
Limit Login Attempts
Limiting the number of times someone can attempt to log in before they are locked out is another method of guarding against brute force attacks. The temporary lockout function disrupts such attacks before they can finish.
Updated Software
If your software is always current, then you know that you have limited the amount of time that hackers have available to find the weaknesses in a program. Older programs open your site to vulnerabilities that might not originally have been there. Along with this same line, make sure you install security updates or any other updates for the program you use on your site.
Install an SSL Certificate
Initially, SSL or Secure Sockets Layer certificates were only required for sites using certain types of transactions. For example, a site where you might transmit credit card or other personal information. SSL encrypts data so that it’s not broadcast in plain text that would be easier for hackers to intercept and use. Most experts now recommend it be installed on all sites, and particularly on login pages. Whether you have this installed is immediately visible when someone goes to your site, say as a result of pay per click advertising. Having it will give customers added confidence in your website.
It’s also not a bad idea to perform periodic security scans. There are free programs on the Internet that can do this, or you can hire a security expert for a more in-depth examination of your website’s vulnerabilities.
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