Cyber Security: 10 Ways to Keep Your Website Secure

Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and others allow business owners to establish their online presence quickly and efficiently. The highly flexible architecture of CMS, including plugins, modules, and extensions, makes website creation a relatively easy task without the need for years of learning. Unfortunately, many webmasters are unaware of how to secure their websites or don’t fully grasp the importance of protecting them. In this article, we will share ten tips on how to keep your website secure.

Tips to Maintain Website Security:

1. Keep Software Updated

The first thing to do is ensure that your CMS and plugins are always up to date. Using outdated and unpatched software poses a high security risk. Many hackers today employ automated systems, bots that continuously scan websites for exploitable vulnerabilities. For WordPress users, there is a plugin called “WP Update Notifier” that automatically notifies you of the latest updates for plugins or WordPress.

2. Passwords

Passwords are a critical aspect of cybersecurity. Unfortunately, many people do not take their password strength seriously. Avoid using easily guessable or common passwords, like nicknames, birthdates, and the like. Make sure your passwords meet three key criteria:

• Complexity

Passwords should be random and not easy to guess. You can use a combination of numbers and letters (both uppercase and lowercase) or replace some letters with numbers. For example, “YourWebsite” can be changed to “Y0urW3bs1t3.”

• Length

Passwords should be long enough to resist being cracked by tools or various combinations. Usually, passwords with 6 to 12 characters in length are recommended.

• Uniqueness

Make sure not to use the same password for different services. This is crucial because if a hacker gains access to your password, they can access all your accounts using that same password.

3. One Site = One Server

Hosting multiple websites on a single server can increase security risks. For instance, if one server hosts one website using WordPress with a theme and ten plugins, that site is still at risk of attacks. When you host five websites on one server, the risks increase. After an attacker finds a vulnerability on one site, the infection can easily spread to all sites. The impact is that all your sites will be affected, and the recovery process becomes more difficult and time-consuming.

Read also: Types of Network Security for Your Network

4. User Access Control

If your website has multiple users who need to log in, it is crucial to restrict their access based on their roles. For instance, if you have contributors for your blog, create specific accounts for them with limited access to only creating posts or editing content. By limiting user access, you can reduce the risk of compromised accounts and protect against malicious actions.

5. Change Default CMS Settings

CMS applications often use default settings that are vulnerable to attacks. Most attacks on websites are automated, targeting these default settings. By altering default settings during CMS installation, you can prevent some attacks.

6. Choose Trustworthy Extensions

One of the advantages of CMS applications is the availability of various extensions, plugins, add-ons, and more. Although these extensions are highly beneficial, some of them might have security vulnerabilities. It’s important to only install extensions that are trustworthy and well-tested.

7. Backup Data

Data is a valuable asset on your website, so it’s crucial to protect it. One step you can take is to regularly back up your data. However, be sure not to store backups on the same web server, as this increases the security risk. Backups often contain outdated versions of the CMS software and plugins, making it easier for hackers to access your server.

Read also: Knowing the Definition and Work Process of a Database

8. Server Configuration

Understand the type of configuration files used by your web server, such as .htaccess for Apache, nginx.conf for Nginx, and web.config for Microsoft IIS. By understanding these configuration files, you can apply specific rules to enhance your website’s security.

9. Instal SSL

SSL is used to encrypt communications between the server and the browser, preventing “Man in the Middle” (MITM) attacks that can steal data during transmission. SSL certificates are especially crucial for e-commerce websites and sites that collect sensitive user data or Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

10. File Permissions

Each file has permissions that control user access to read, write, and execute those files. Each permission has a numeric representation:

Read (4): Permission to view the file’s content.

Write (2): Permission to modify the file.

Execute (1): Permission to run program files or scripts.

In the ever-evolving digital world, keeping your website secure is essential to protect your online presence. By implementing the ten tips we’ve shared above, you can minimize risks and make your site more secure. Remember that security is an ongoing effort, so be sure to monitor, update, and protect your website continually.

With these ten approaches at your disposal, AdIns offers network security services through the Virtual IT Department. It aims to simplify your IT team’s tasks, reduce the complexity and costs of network security, and minimize the risk of breaches and cyber threats. AdIns provides high-quality IT Support with 24/7 online helpdesk support. With our solutions, your website will have robust cybersecurity. Don’t hesitate to contact us via WhatsApp for more information on our Virtual IT Department services.