Your company’s website shares information about your business and promotes sales. Hackers can access your website and wreak havoc on your business, though, as they steal customer data, post negative messages to customers or destroy records. As you lock your company’s doors every day, implement several tips as you protect your website, your reputation and business.
Stay Informed About Security Threats
Hackers change tactics often in an effort to access data, so stay informed. Follow tech sites, including The Hacker News, as you secure your website.
Boost Admin Portal Security
Because the admin portal serves as the brain of your website, you need to secure it.
- Utilize a username and password that are hard to guess.
- Never share login information with unauthorized users or via email.
- Limit login attempts.
- Require a multi-factor authentication for logins.
- Reduce access to the portal.
- Scan devices that connect to the network, and ensure they’re not affected by viruses or malware.
Install Security Software
A web application firewall (WAF) scans all the information that passes between your data connection and web server. It catches hacking attempts, malicious bots and spam, so choose one to install.
Update Software
Software updates or patches may close security vulnerabilities and fix bugs. Because hackers can scan thousands of websites each hour, set your devices, web servers and all aspects of your website to update software automatically as you protect your business.
Add an Encrypted SSL
You may use your company’s website to gather customer email addresses or credit card information. In this case, use an encrypted SSL to hide personal information that’s transmitted from your website to your database.
Minimize File Upload Access
You may carefully scan uploaded files for security threats, but smart hackers can easily hide bugs in those files and gain access to your website. Counteract hackers when you store uploaded files outside of the root directory, then use a specific script when you’re ready to access the stored information.
Backup Your Website Frequently
Several times a day, schedule website backups. Choose a local and off-site backup location so you can get to your data if a hacker does manage to access your website, the hardware fails or you suffer a power outage.
Prioritize Security
Everyone in your company should prioritize security and take steps to deter hackers. Train employees to secure their devices that connect to your server, follow password security protocols and set logins to expire quickly after inactivity.
With these tips, you can protect your website from hackers. Additionally, talk to your cyber liability insurance agent and ask about other strategies and steps you can take to protect your website, customers and business.
