Avoiding Cyber Threats: A Helpful Guide to Website Security
In business, a website is one of the most important communication tools to connect with customers and prospects alike. Indeed, they’re essential for any business wanting to sell a product or service.
And, much like any other valuable asset in your life, you must protect it. Whether you’re a business owner with multiple websites or you manage your organizations’ webpage, it helps to know a thing or two about website security.
Here are a few security tips to keep your website safe from cyber threats.
Website Security Software
Most people think of marketing and design when building a website. Although those are important factors for any website, installing website security tools should be your first priority after the conceptual phase. Utilizing security software protects your business and keeps your website safe from cyber threats.
Your website is no different than a house or car, as there are so many ways an intruder can break in and gain access. Even if the house is locked or the car is parked in a well-lit area, an intruder can cause serious damage. Website security tools protect your site code and web applications, making it difficult for cybercriminals to breach your website, alter web content, or copy or steal copyrighted material.
Malware, also known as malicious software, is harmful because it causes disruptions or exploits a network to access sensitive data. Good security software scans your website daily for malware and removes it so your website will remain safe and operable.
Firewall Protection
A firewall is like having a 24-hour bouncer watching the door to see who’s coming and going. To that end, investing in a web application firewall (WAF) is a surefire way to keep hackers out while still allowing customers to access your website. A firewall is one of the best website security methods out there. A home intruder might check for open windows, open doors, or hidden keys until they can gain access into a home. Hackers are no different, as they use a variety of methods until they’re able to breach a system. WAFs recognize the variety of hacking tactics and block the array of attacks.
Software Updates
Sometimes the simplest little things can have the biggest effect on web security. Case in point: You know those prompts that remind you to update your software on various applications and programs?
While they can be annoying and often pop up when you’re deep into work or have a million things on your to-do list, take a few extra minutes at the beginning or end of the day to update your software. Software updates repair security holes that hackers previously exploited, and they’re just one more added benefit and line of defense against threats.
Back to the house analogy again. If you learned an intruder gained access to your garage through an old and rusted window, would you repair the window or just hope they don’t return? Software updates repair holes and remove outdated features that a cybercriminal used to gain admission to your website.
Take the Necessary Steps to Safeguard Your Website
While the digital landscape is constantly changing, you must take the necessary precautions to safeguard your most important assets (your website) from would-be attackers. Stay up to date with website security. In the end, you’ll keep hackers and cyber threats at bay and make your website a safe destination for all to enjoy.
