ALPHA
May 25, 2022
Article
Your go-to website security checklist
With cyber threats on the rise, the ‘it won’t happen to me’ state of mind is no longer a reality. As it turns out, cybercriminals are not only interested in big-shot corporations but also in small to medium-size businesses that may not have the necessary defenses in place to keep out a hacker.
Did you know that nearly 45% of cyberattacks target small businesses? When it comes to securing your website against potential cybercrimes, there are several aspects to keep in mind. Continue reading to learn about some of today’s top website security tactics and how to keep your website secure.
Start using HTTPS
If you aren’t already using Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), you should make the switch. HTTPS is an Internet protocol that secures data and communication transfer between a user’s browser and any given website. HTTPS is a newer and more secure version of HTTP. HTTP was the primary protocol used to transfer information between users and websites.
HTTPS is essential for businesses who require login information and collect sensitive data from users on their sites. Using an encryption protocol known as Transport Layer Security (TLS), information collected on a website with HTTPS will be encrypted as it is transferred online to ensure that cyber attackers are unable to intercept and gain access to it.
Keep your software up to date
We all know how annoying the constant pop-ups reminding us to update our computer software are, however, at the end of the day this what ensures it continues running smoothly. The same thing applies for your website. It’s important to make sure that you web building software, any plugin or your CMS has the latest updates installed.
Most software updates come with improvements such as reduced bugs and enhanced security features. Although no software is picture perfect, it’s important to recognize that hackers will be scanning the web looking to target websites with weaker security measures in place.
Don’t cheap out on your hosting plan
Although a cheaper price point may be appealing, there are several downfalls that can affect your website’s security. For example, lower-end hosting sites do not provide regular backups of your website. On the contrary, well-recognized hosting providers create backups of your site daily and store them for up to 30 days.
As a key component of any website security check list, the importance of having a backup of your website should not be overlooked. If you fall victim to a cyberattack, technical malfunction or natural disaster that happens to take your site down with it, you better have a backup. As part of any successful business continuity plan, data and site backups are a core component.
Reset your passwords regularly
It’s not uncommon for people to reuse the same password for all their accounts. When it comes to cybersecurity, this is far from a best practice. If a cybercriminal gains access to one account, they will try that password on multiple others. By changing your password every three to six months, you decrease the likelihood of an attack accessing your account(s) multiple times.
Get educated on cybersecurity
Finally, it’s important to note that majority of cybercrimes are due to human error. In this sense, we can’t stress the importance of educating yourself and employees on how to recognize potential email phishing and malware attacks enough.
ALPHA provides customers with ongoing support and website maintenance. As part of our monthly maintenance services, our web experts perform monthly updates that help ensure our clients’ websites are secure and up to speed. Interested to learn more? Visit our contact page and get in touch with an IT specialist today
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