There’s no overstating the importance of security on your website, regardless of whether you use it to promote your growing business or as a personal blog. Unfortunately, countless threats are lurking on the web today – and your site could be targeted at any time.
Fortunately, by following our website security checklist, you can avoid some of the most common cybersecurity mistakes that site owners make.
1. Set Up DDoS Protection
Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks have become an increasingly common threat in recent years. These attacks work by flooding your site’s server with fake traffic, slowing down your website or even causing a complete server outage.
If you don’t already have DDoS protection in place as part of your hosting plan, now is the time to implement it. There are various DDoS protection options available; many work by “screening” traffic as it comes into your site to make sure it is legitimate, which can help protect your server from being overloaded.
2. Install an SSL Security Certificate
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates essentially create a “padlock” on your server connection. This helps protect data like usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information when entered on your site.
Downloading and installing an SSL certificate is inexpensive and simple – and it’s one of the best steps you can take to show your visitors that you value their data security.
3. Create a Data Backup Plan
No one ever expects that their most important files could be compromised in the blink of an eye. Unfortunately, this happens more often than you might think. This is why having a plan in place for backing up your data is so important.
A remote data backup provides a secure place to store your important files so that they can be retrieved in the event of a data breach or other web attack. It’s best to schedule these backups to happen regularly. That way, new and updated data will be saved as it’s added to your device.
4. Create and Maintain Strong Passwords
When it comes to ramping up security on your website, you should never overlook the value of a strong password. Ensure that all users who have access to your hosting control panel are trained on creating strong passwords that can’t be cracked by hackers or software. You should also aim to update your login information regularly (at least once per year).
5. Invest in a Dedicated Server Hosting
Your web hosting can make a huge difference in your site’s security. If you’re not on a dedicated hosting plan already, your data is probably at a greater risk than it has to be. Upgrading to a dedicated server will save you from the vulnerabilities that come with sharing a server with other users. Plus, you’ll enjoy a number of other benefits, such as faster speeds and greater reliability.
Looking for the perfect dedicated hosting plan to suit your needs and budget? ReliableSite is here to help! Contact us to learn more about our hosting options, free DDoS protection, and other advanced security features!