Do you know how to secure your website?
If you’re a small business and you’re not sure if your website is secure, you’re putting yourself and your customers at serious risk.
Cybersecurity is crucial for a company of any size, as hackers can steal precious information from your systems, costing you thousands and even putting you out of business.
Keep reading to learn more about how to secure your website and make sure you don’t become a statistic.
How To Secure Your Website
Unfortunately, 60 percent of small companies go out of business within six months of a cyber attack.
Do you know how to secure your website? If not, here are some commercial security best practices that will protect your customers and keep you in business:
1. Use Complex Passwords
Complex passwords are crucial to prevent your website from getting hacked. Use passwords that would be impossible to guess and make sure that you update them regularly.
If you have any type of online platform that allows your customers to make accounts, make sure you require them to use complex passwords as well.
2. Keep Your Software Updated
Another thing you should always keep updated is your computer software.
This rule goes for your website software, as well as any piece of software you regularly use on your computers. Out-of-date software is vulnerable to hackers.
3. Don’t Allow File Uploads
Another way to keep your website secure (especially if you have customers logging into your website) is to prevent anyone from uploading external files.
Files can contain harmful scripts that will open up your site and allow data to be stolen by third parties.
4. Use HTTPS In Your URLs
Whenever you go to a website, you should always make sure that the URL has https in front of it. These extra letters ensure that the site is secure.
Double check the pages on your website and ensure that they all read as https.
5. Try Security Tools
There are plenty of online tools and software out there that can help you audit your website and scan for vulnerabilities. You might think your website is secure, but an online program could point out holes you’ve never thought of before.
6. Check Your Hosting Provider
Every site needs to be hosted somewhere, but you need to make sure that your hosting provider has its security protocols in place. You can do this by choosing a reputable hosting company.
7. Limit User Access
The more people who use your website daily, the more vulnerable it is to hackers. If possible, limit access to your website to only necessary personnel.
8. Use a Secure Internet Connection
Weak WiFi connections are any easy way for hackers to get into your website and steal information. Make sure the computer you use to access your site is always connected to a secure WiFi network.
9. Seek Professional Help
If you’re a small business owner who knows nothing about cybersecurity, there’s only so much you can do on your own.
It’s probably worth your time and money to invest in some professional help. Plenty of companies out there will set up a cybersecurity plan for you, audit the system and monitor your website for any suspicious activity.
Learn More About Managing Your Businesses Reputation
Now that you know how to secure your website, there is still plenty to learn about online reputation management. Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful tips and tricks.
This article on online reputation management tools is a great place to get started.