Top 7 steps to keep your website safe and secure in 2021

In 2021, as the world moves further from offline to digital, the volume of business happening online is increasing. This increased digitization of the work also means that websites are more vulnerable to online security threats such as a DDoS attack( Dedicated Denial of Service), spam, malware, phishing, etc. Thus, it becomes necessary to develop the full-proof security of your platform. Following practices will help you keep your website safe -:

1. Install SSL Certificate:

• SSL refers to Secure Socket Layer Certificate. It is a type of digital certificate that enables encrypted connection between the web hosting server and the browser. It confirms that the client has interacted with the actual owner of the domain.
• An SSL Certificate will also protect all your sensitive data such as customer accounts, financial transactions, login data, records, etc.
• After buying an SSL certificate, your domain will begin with ‘HTTPS instead of a simple ‘HTTP. This will give confidence to the end-user signifying that website is secure.
• A ‘padlock’ sign will also be displayed on your address bar which will further boost confidence to any visitor.
• There are different types and categories of SSL certificates depending on the extent of verification done. They can range from a simple domain verification to a full-fledged review involving physical verification. Depending on the type of traffic you expect, your budget, sensitivity of data, etc., choose a plan accordingly
• Additionally, sites with SSL certificates also rank higher in Google search results which will further boost business.

2. Keep your website updated:

No program is perfect. The software and platforms that help you run your website are constantly updated by their developers to correct any glitches. Their security features are updated keeping recent security threats in mind. Most hackers use automated attacks to identify vulnerable sites. Thus, you need to stay updated to prevent any malicious attack.

3. Use anti-malware software:

• Look for anti-malware software, applications, plug-ins, extensions that you can add to your browser, websites, etc. to enhance security. They are like gatekeepers and will guard and monitor who enters your website and what work they do. 
• Most server plans already provide tailor-made security extensions to suit your needs and thus will not be a burden on your pocket. Some of the salient features that anti-malware software will provide you:
• Protection from a DDoS attack
• Web Application Firewall: This will protect from cookie poisoning, SQL injection, etc.
• PCI Compliance: This refers to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard Compliance which will help you in securing financial transactions via credit and debit card.
• Malware Detection & Removal: The application will detect and warn you before visiting any harmful website. It will also block potential threats such as pop-ups.
• Vulnerable Patching: The application will monitor your browser, system, etc. regularly and warn of any vulnerable point that could be misused by any malicious person.

4. Keep a Complex Password & Change Regularly:

• Your password should be a mixture of Capital and small letters, numbers, and special characters. If you are someone who tends to forget a complex password easily, then you should use a password manager to help you. But you should avoid having a simple password. A simple password will be easier to crack.
• Try to avoid having the same password across all platforms. Of course, this increases a lot of complexity but it also reduces your vulnerability.
• Have a new password every few months. This will drastically reduce your vulnerability.
• Have a Two-Factor Authentication for your website and server. Even in an unfortunate case when your system is hacked, this will provide an extra layer of security

5. Keep local Computer Secure:

It’s good to keep your server secure but it’s even better to keep your local system secure. A lot of malware attacks are designed to steal sensitive data from local systems. Thus they pose a threat to your website even if your website is perfectly secure. To avoid such an incident, regularly scan your system, install good anti-virus software and keep it updated. Take all necessary measures to protect your local device secure.

6. Limit Access to Different Users:

• Always keep a limit on the individuals who have access to the back-end of your website, even if they are your own employees. Giving access to an individual who doesn’t need to access the website will not only make the site more vulnerable but also very difficult for you to track in case of any unfortunate event
• All those who are allowed access should have certified and separate login credentials. An ID & password that is common to all will again increase your exposure to an attack
• There should be separate privileges for separate users. Limit the ability to make changes to the core settings of your websites only to the bare minimum. E.g. If you have hired a designer, give them access that is enough for them to do their job, but not beyond that.

7. Keep Regular Backups:

Even if you have taken all the necessary precautions, you should always be on your toes and be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Always keep a regular backup of all content and data on your website. You can keep both online and offline backups and the latter will allow you to recover it easily. It will also help you easily to get back online without any trouble to your customers.

Conclusion:

As an owner, the onus to ensure the security of your website falls on you. A lot of attacks are successful because of human carelessness. Technology when used properly will be an enabler and ease your job.

You need to be disciplined about updates and backups and buy a proper hosting plan that keeps security at the forefront so that the burden on you gets minimal.

All the above steps such as purchasing different extensions and software, keeping regular back-ups, buying security certificates, etc. may feel likes additional costs, but consider those expenses as an investment that will pay off as won’t need to worry about the security of your website and can focus your mind and energy to grow your business.

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Created on Jun 1st 2021 05:38. Viewed 264 times.

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