If you have a website you have to make sure it’s safe. You will follow such standards and you may have a security software for your website to defend against malware and hackers. This blog will lead you through Website security best practices. While there are plenty of resources, this article will provide a comprehensive overview of tips to improve the security of your Website.
Software Update-You ‘d probably upgrade your apps, but you need to ensure regular and timely updates for the server operating system , applications, and security software on the website. Although upgrading your webserver takes time and resources (including testing) it needs to be performed on a regular basis. Unpatched software is abused by zero-day exploits by the hackers. Owing to unpatched or obsolete applications, most websites get hacked. If you’re using content management systems such as WordPress, you need to make sure you update your CMS immediately as they become usable. Automated warnings about update availability must be used, as it may not be possible to manually check for update availability on a regular basis. You should use a patch management system, based on best practices in website security.
Separate Database Server-Experts recommend maintaining separate web servers and database servers for better website security. Though the cost may be prohibitive for small organizations, it does make sense when you have to handle customer credentials and other details.
Avoid hosting multiple websites on a single server-Hosting multiple websites on one single server is possible. While it will save you substantial investment in capital, web security experts do not recommend this procedure. A website with a single content management system ( CMS), such as WordPress or Joomla, will provide one theme and a few targeted plugins. Multiple websites however translate into different CMS and targeted plugins. A successful breach of a single website could spread the infection to other websites on the same server.
Password Policy-Defines a strong password policy and affirms the importance of all users adhering to policy. Recommend passwords of at least 14 character lengths, with a combination of alphabets, numerals, and special characters. Do not use dictionary words or personal information such as birthdates, phone numbers or vehicle numbers. Using pass-phrases if system allows. Do not use passwords again. Password managers are useful though there is a mixed security judgment. Adjust and don’t exchange ALL default passwords.
User Access Control-According to website security best practices, provide access and permissions are strict. Only provide access and permissions when absolutely necessary. Track the user activity and the rogue action logs. Often use different user accounts as activity monitoring would make you.
Backup Policy – Make daily backups to another location – preferably the cloud. Do not store the backup on the database server itself. Data held in digital form is in jeopardy and may be lost. Backup data in case of malware attack can help recover the incorrupt data.
CMS System Management-Because of ease most users continue to use the default settings and passwords. That is, however, a weakness. Automated attacks aim to manipulate default settings and passwords.
Many CMSs provide extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins. Some are offers from third parties and some are either paid or free. Extensions allow work, but always use extensions that are absolutely necessary, and obtain them from legitimate sources only.
SSL for eCommerce Website-An SSL certificate can encrypt contact, protect sensitive information exchanged by website visitors, avoid man-in-the-middle attacks and highlight the website’s authenticity. And if you’re an eCom retailer, then you need it to comply with PCI.
Configuration File Protection-Apache, Nginx and Microsoft IIS servers typically have three types of webservers. You need to know the consequences of the rules set in the configuration files for your webserver. You must guard the configuration file for the webserver and other sensitive files.
Security Application of the Website-Manual monitoring to ensure website security is not feasible. Recognizing and avoiding malware risks, zero-day vulnerabilities, DDoS attacks, and brute-force attacks, you must use a Web Security Solution, such as the Fixhackedwebsite Network, which will search your websites, servers , and applications for malware and vulnerabilities.