An unprotected website may put customers under risk. There are a lot of sensitive data like credit card information which has to be safeguarded. If you don’t understand the importance of security, hackers may intrude and create a worse situation.
Who are hackers and how will they affect us?
Hackers enter your website with malicious intent to steal personal information. These hackers are invisible and they step forward faster than you expect. The intent of each hacker may differ but, however, it will affect your business.
Thus, you have to focus on security which will prevent your business from being destroyed. Here are a few tips which will give you a precise idea on what you have to focus on.
Let’s get started!
1. Check out regular updates
Get regular updates of hacking threats so that you will be aware of possible attacks. Follow famous websites like The Hackers News to get regular hacking updates. This will help you to apply precautions in all required areas on your website.
2. Secured access control
A hacker can gain complete access to the website if admin details are guessed. To secure your website, you must create passwords that cannot be guessed and it has to be changed periodically. Change the default prefix of the database ‘wp6_’ into a strong one. Also, make sure not to send login details via emails as it can be hacked easily if any unauthorized person gains access. You can also limit the number of login attempts for further security.
3. Focus on network security
System users should be aware of maintaining network security else, hackers will find a easy way to steal your information. Network security can be maintained by following best practices.
- Set your logins to expire if it is inactive for a particular duration
- Change your passwords periodically and ensure it has not written down anywhere
- Conduct a periodical malware check-up for all devices connected to the network
4. Make sure to install security applications like a web application firewall (WAF)
The web application firewall (WAF) can act as both software or hardware based application. It reads each and every data which is passed between the website server and data connection.
Web application firewall will block all hacking attempts and help you to filter out all unwanted traffic like spam, malicious bots, and more.
5. Hide your admin pages
Search engines need not index your admin pages. Use robots.txt file to avoid admin pages being indexed. This will improve the security and hackers will find it difficult to get information from your website. Click here to learn more about robots.txt.
6. Narrow file uploads
File uploads are one of the major concerns in a website. Even though the system checks all files, bugs may arise. These bugs are the path for hackers to steal your personal information. To avoid this situation, you can restrict direct access to the uploaded files. Instead, you can store them outside the root directory and use a script to access when required. You can set this up with the help of your web host.
7. Use HTTPS
The HTTP connection delivers the data in a secured format using SSL/TSL. An SSL protocol will encrypt the personal information of the users which is transferred between the website and database. This will prevent hackers from stealing the data in between communication and restrict access without authorization. Thus, SSL encrypted data will be routed using the HTTP protocol for communication.
8. Backup regularly
Backups are necessary in all cases in order to save your work. There is a chance of losing data at any time. Backup-onsite and backup-offsite every day to save your work at different locations. Hardware may fail at any moment.
9. Update your software
Update the security software regularly. Sometimes, the reason behind the update may be a security vulnerability. In such cases, never delay updating the software as hackers are actively looking out for a chance to break in through the personal details of websites.
10. Use strong passwords
Hackers always try to guess your user name and passwords. Create a strong password with a minimum of 12 characters which includes symbols, upper cases, lower cases, and so on. Make changes to passwords regularly and store it in an encrypted format. Avoid using the same password for different logins.
11. Error messages
Avoid adding more information to error messages. Providing information may pave a way for hackers to steal your data(for example, look at the below image). The hackers who come up with brute force attack may decrypt error messages and may hack websites easily. Thus, always keep error messages generic.
Winding up
There are various areas where hackers can step into your website. You have to focus on certain critical issues first. The above listed are some of the important security exploits that you have to look in order to ensure that you are protected. If you require any further security, you can manually compromise your website by altering POST/GET values.
It is always good to reach professional consultants or agencies before you make a decision when it comes to security aspects. If you face any difficuilties, feel free to reach us.
What are some of the measure you take to protect your website? Share your experience and thoughts in the comment section below. We would be happy to hear back.
