Some Tips for Your Business Website Security
As more and more businesses move online, security becomes an even greater concern for a larger majority of the general population. Where once upon a time, cyber-attacks, computer viruses, and malware were something that only existed in science fiction novels, now they are front-page headlines and top-billed stories on the evening news.
And the language of the internet has changed so much that it is hard to navigate. But hopefully, this guide will help you on your way.
What’s the Difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
(And Why Does It Matter?)
HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. HTTPS, which is Secured Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is what you are seeing more of lately. Why is that? Well, for starters, it provides better website security.
For another, it provides better SEO, because now it’s one of Google’s SERP signals. What this means in plain English is that an HTTPS site gains the trust of Google. This should and will help your website rank higher than an HTTP site.
But initially, when making the switch, your page ranking might dip. Overall, though, this is going to be better for your users. It is going to provide them a safer, and more secure experience.
Why do I even need to worry about my website security?
Do you run an eCommerce website? Do you use PayPal or a similar payment processor or payment aggregator to handle transactions on your site? If so, then you do realize that you are collecting a lot of data from your users, right?
What this means is that if your site were to be hacked, your online customers are being opened up to identity theft. Is this a risk you want to take? You can be sure your customers don’t. Take the necessary steps now to protect them from any problems in the future.
One of the main things to remember is that eCommerce sites are one of the biggest targets out there. Hackers and those who wish to commit fraud are going to target them because they are rich in customer information. They have what hackers want: people’s identities.
Make sure you are using SSL certificates.
This simple step will ensure that your users’ information is protected just that little bit more. As will ensuring PCI (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliance. All of this ensures that the communication between the end user, your customer, and your server, is as secure as possible. You are making it that much harder for a hacker to get to the information they crave.
Don’t save customer information
I know, I know. Those sites that save payment information for future purchases sure are convenient. But really, they are just opening themselves up for trouble in the long run. It’s like hanging up a sign that says “Hey hackers, do you see me over here? Come and get it!”
Never assume that a single security measure is enough
Have multiple layers of security. And have a backup. And a backup for your backup. There is no such thing as too secure when it comes to people’s personal information. You can trust that.
Use cloud-based services to ensure DDoS protection
Distributed Denial of Service. The dreaded DDoS attacks. Yes, those are still a thing. And they happen every day. And they are happening more and more often. So, what can web developers do to prevent it? Enter cloud computing and cloud-based servers and services. If hackers cannot locate the server, it makes it harder to attack it.
Install patches and updates on a regular basis
Make sure that your software, CMS, and plugins are all up to date. If you have managed hosting, some of this is done for you. But make sure that everything is up to date. Harass your web development team if you must. This is probably the most crucial step you can take. And it is the most commonly overlooked step.
It is amazing how simple it can be to prevent an attack, and yet how often people do not take the steps in the web development phase or beyond. Or worse, they take the necessary steps in the web development stage to ensure web security, but then they do not follow through and continue on consistently.
Sometimes it is necessary to get inside the mind of the hacker if you will. If your web developers can think like a hacker, they can anticipate what may be coming. And this is the key to preventing it. It really can be that simple.
Hopefully, these tips can help you to understand why web security is so important and will help you to work with your web development team to improve the way you operate and keep all your web information safe.
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