Your company's website shares information about your business and promotes sales. Hackers can access your site and wreak havoc by stealing customer data, posting negative messages, or destroying records.
As you lock your company's doors every day, implement several practical steps to protect your website, reputation and business.
Stay Informed About Security Threats
Hackers change tactics often to try to access data, so stay informed. Follow reputable tech and security news sites and subscribe to security alerts to learn about new threats and defensive measures.
Boost Admin Portal Security
Because the admin portal serves as the brain of your website, you need to secure it.
Admin portal security tips
- Use a username and password that are hard to guess.
- Never share login information with unauthorized users or via email.
- Limit login attempts.
- Require multi-factor authentication for logins.
- Reduce access to the portal to only those who need it.
- Scan devices that connect to the network and ensure they are free of viruses or malware.
Install Security Software
A web application firewall (WAF) inspects traffic between your data connection and web server, catching hacking attempts, malicious bots and spam. Choose and maintain appropriate security software and services to monitor and block attacks, and consider how insurance products such as Security and Intrusion Detection Insurance may fit into your overall risk plan.
Update Software
Software updates and patches close security vulnerabilities and fix bugs. Set devices, web servers and all parts of your site to update automatically where possible so known flaws are fixed promptly.
Add an Encrypted SSL
If your site collects customer emails or credit card information, use an encrypted SSL to protect personal data in transit. Also consider coverage options like e-Commerce Security Insurance when you evaluate your cyber risk strategy.
Minimize File Upload Access
Files uploaded by users can hide malicious code. Store uploaded files outside the web root and use a specific, secure script to access or process them rather than allowing direct execution.
Backup Your Website Frequently
Schedule frequent website backups, several times a day if possible. Keep both local and off-site backups so you can restore data if a hacker gains access, hardware fails, or you experience an outage.
Prioritize Security
Everyone in your company should treat security as a priority. Train employees to secure devices that connect to your server and follow strong password practices and session timeout policies.
With these tips, you can reduce the chance your website will be compromised. Additionally, talk to an agent and ask about other strategies and steps you can take to protect your website, customers and business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I update my website software?
Install updates as soon as they are available or enable automatic updates so critical security patches are applied without delay.
What is a WAF and why do I need one?
A web application firewall filters and monitors HTTP traffic to and from your web application, helping to block common attacks like SQL injection and cross-site scripting.
How should I handle uploaded files from users?
Store uploads outside the web root, validate file types and scan for malware before processing or making them accessible.
How often should I back up my website?
Back up critical data multiple times per day if your site changes frequently; keep both local and off-site copies for redundancy.