4 Easy Ways to Secure Your Website From Hackers
In this digital age, the number of websites has grown exponentially. There are now more sites than viewers can keep track of. However, with the ease of accessing information comes increased risk. With so many sites accessible, hackers have plenty of targets to choose from. Website hacking is a common problem that does not go away easily. In fact, according to a report by Statista, the number of hacked websites rose by 24% between 2016 and 2017 alone.
The statistics show that hackers are exploiting every vulnerability they can find in order to gain access to private information and other confidential data. To protect yourself from being one of their victims and maintaining your site’s integrity, here are some tips on how you can keep your website safe from hackers.
Install a Security Plugin
In addition to being a great SEO move, security plugins are an effective hacking deterrent. Various plugins are available specifically designed to shield your site from cyber threats. Some of these plugins protect your site against malware attacks, others help to prevent brute force attacks, while there are still others designed to prevent spam comments.
The best way to safeguard your site against hackers is to use a security plugin. You can quickly and easily install one on your website to help protect against malware, brute force attacks, and spam. A security plugin is great for beginners since it requires minimal technical knowledge to install and use. If you are nervous about investing in a security plugin because you don’t want to spend the money, don’t worry. You can find plenty of free security plugins online that are just as powerful as paid ones. We recommend either using iThemes Security or Wordfence.
SSL certificate
Every website that allows users to log in should use an SSL certificate. SSL certificates encrypt the information sent from a user’s computer to your server, which acts as a traffic cop while the information is in transit. It allows users to log in without worrying about intercepting and stealing their data.
Not only are websites with SSL more trustworthy in general, but they are also more likely to get a higher ranking in search engine results. In general, most website hosts should provide a FREE SSL certification; platforms like Cloudways, Bluehost, Siteground, etc all include one in their plans. Additionally, you can read more on SSL certificates here: HTTP vs HTTPS? Why you need to switch now.
Ensure all software; plugins, themes, etc are updated.
Websites are like living organisms: They are always growing and changing over time. Even if your site was running smoothly a few months ago, likely, it has since grown and evolved. You probably added or changed some plugins or themes to make it easier for users to navigate and quickly find the information they need.
While you thought these updates would make your life easier and improve your site’s functionality, they might have also introduced vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. You must regularly check for any outdated software, plugins, and themes on your site. Make sure you update any outdated components with the latest versions as soon as they become available. Updating your site with the latest components helps to secure your website and hackers at bay.
Strong passwords and two-factor authentication
While you might think having a long and complex password is enough to protect your site, you couldn’t be more wrong. Hackers can easily and quickly crack long passwords, even complex ones. You should use a combination of letters and symbols and make them as long as possible. While you should have a long and strong password, you shouldn’t have to write it down and keep it in your wallet. Instead, you can use two-factor authentication (2FA) app for added security. 2FA apps protect your login credentials by generating a login code that changes every minute. You can easily log in to your WordPress website with a single click if you use a 2FA app.
Monitor any unusual activities
You can’t keep an eye on your site 24/7 to ensure nothing is amiss. However, you can install a security monitoring plugin that will inform you of any unusual activities on your site. These monitoring tools are similar to antivirus software because they scan your site regularly to ensure there is no suspicious activity. If they detect anything out of the ordinary, they send you an alert so that you can take the necessary steps to rectify the situation.
We recommend a plugin called SimpleHistory that tracks all actions done on your website!
Your website is your business’s online storefront – it’s the first thing potential customers will see, so you want it to look professional and trustworthy. If your site isn’t secure, it could be hacked and damage your business’s reputation. Unfortunately, hackers are always trying new ways to break into websites. The best way to secure your website is to regularly update your site’s software and have it inspected by a professional. If you follow these tips, you’ll secure your website and avoid becoming the next cyber attack victim.
If you’d like for someone to take care of all your security issues and ensure your website is kept up to date and maintained, have a look at our Website Maintenance Packages that cover all these services for you.
