The web is a wide and quite complicated place on the planet. It provides amazing opportunities for business and individuals, but there it is also a channel that makes its way into the hands of cybercriminals. Never has there been as pressing an event to safeguard your site than in the 2020s, when a cycle of increasingly sophisticated cyber-threat rises up.

Top Things to Do Right After Setting Up a New Website in 2021 Whether you’re an experienced businessperson with established online presence, or new entrepreneur just launching your website of dreams, this article will take through the first few steps after putting up historically strong security for websites. The good thing is that, even if you’re not a tech guru there are many steps you can do to reinforce your website with better defensive mechanisms.

This blog post is your one-stop shop for fortifying your website in 2024. We’ll delve into 9 essential tips, all presented in a clear and concise way. With this knowledge, you can confidently navigate the digital world, knowing your website is shielded from malicious attacks.

 

Tip #1: Embrace the Power of a Reputable Web Development Company

Building a secure website starts with a solid foundation. Here’s where a reputable web development company comes into play.  These experts possess the specialized knowledge and experience to create websites with robust security features built-in.  They understand the latest security trends and vulnerabilities, ensuring your website is constructed with security in mind from the very beginning.

Look for a web development company with a proven track record of creating secure websites. They should be well-versed in secure coding practices and utilize secure frameworks and libraries during development.

Furthermore, consider a web development company that offers ongoing security maintenance plans. This ensures your website remains secure as new threats emerge and technology evolves. Don’t underestimate the value of a trusted web development partner; they’  become an invaluable asset in protecting your online space.

 

Tip #2: Cultivate a Strong Relationship with a Web Security Expert

Think of a web security expert as your website’s digital bodyguard. These highly skilled professionals possess a deep understanding of cyber threats and the tools necessary to combat them.  If your budget allows, consider collaborating with a web security expert to conduct regular security assessments. During these assessments, the expert will meticulously scan your website for vulnerabilities, identify potential security gaps, and provide recommendations for remediation.

Furthermore, a web security expert can guide you in implementing best practices for securing user data, such as enforcing strong password policies and two-factor authentication.  They can also advise you on the latest security technologies and trends, ensuring your website remains a step ahead of evolving threats.

 

Tip #3:  Leverage the Expertise of a DevOps Engineer

The DevOps approach to software development emphasizes collaboration between development and operations teams.  A DevOps engineer plays a crucial role in ensuring your website’s ongoing security.  They understand the intricacies of both development and security practices, enabling them to streamline security processes into your website’s development lifecycle.

By having a DevOps engineer on board, you can create a secure development environment that minimizes vulnerabilities.  They can automate security checks and tests throughout the development process, ensuring potential issues are identified and addressed early on.  The proactive approach offered by a DevOps engineer plays a vital role in maintaining a secure website.

 

Tip #4:  Software Updates: Your Website’s Armor Against Hackers

Software updates are not just about adding new features. They often include crucial security patches that address newly discovered vulnerabilities.  This is why keeping your website’s software, including your CMS (content management system), plugins, and themes, up-to-date is an absolute necessity.

Schedule regular updates for your website’s software.   Many web development companies and CMS platforms offer automated update features.   By staying on top of software updates, you significantly reduce the risk of hackers exploiting known vulnerabilities.  Make software updates a non-negotiable part of your website maintenance routine.

 

Tip #5:  Embrace the Strength of Secure Passwords

Strong passwords are your website’s first line of defense. Encourage your users (and yourself!) to create strong and unique passwords for their website accounts.   A strong password typically involves a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords for all your online accounts.

 

Tip #6:  Two-Factor Authentication: Adding an Extra Layer of Security

Think of two-factor authentication (2FA) as a double lock on your website’s door. In addition to a username and password, 2FA requires users to enter a unique code generated on their phone or through an authentication app. This additional step significantly increases the difficulty for hackers to gain unauthorized access to your website and user accounts.

While not always mandatory, implementing 2FA for your website and user accounts is highly recommended. It adds a crucial layer of security that can

 

Tip #7: Regularly Back Up Your Website: A Safety Net in Case of Attacks

Even with the most robust security measures, there’s always a chance your website could be compromised.  This is why having a comprehensive backup plan is essential. Regularly backing up your website’s data ensures you have a clean copy in case of a cyberattack or unforeseen technical issues.

There are several website backup options available.  Many web hosting providers offer automatic backup services as part of their plans.  Alternatively, you can explore third-party backup solutions that cater specifically to website security. The key is to choose a backup method that suits your website’s needs and perform backups regularly.  Ideally, schedule automatic backups to occur at regular intervals, ensuring you always have a recent copy of your website’s data.

 

Tip #8:  Secure Your Website with an SSL Certificate

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital security protocol that encrypts communication between your website and its visitors. This encryption safeguards sensitive information, such as credit card details and login credentials, from being intercepted by hackers.

In today’s digital landscape, having an SSL certificate is no longer optional; it’s considered a baseline security measure.  Most web hosting providers offer SSL certificates as part of their plans, or you can acquire one from a reputable SSL certificate authority.  Look for a certificate that offers strong encryption (256-bit encryption is the current standard) and provides features like domain validation or organization validation.

The presence of an SSL certificate is visually indicated by a padlock symbol in your website’s address bar and the prefix “https” instead of “http.” This assures visitors that your website is secure and protects their sensitive information.

 

Tip #9: Stay Vigilant: Proactive Monitoring is Key

Website security is not a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor.  Cybercriminals are constantly developing new tactics, so it’s crucial to stay vigilant and proactively monitor your website for security threats.

There are several website security monitoring tools available.  These tools can scan your website for vulnerabilities, malware infections, and suspicious activity.  Consider investing in a website security monitoring tool that aligns with your website’s needs and budget.

In addition to automated monitoring, be mindful of any unusual activity on your website.  This could include a sudden spike in traffic, failed login attempts, or changes to your website’s content.  If you notice anything suspicious, investigate it promptly and take necessary actions to address the issue.

 

Working with a web development company that prioritizes security procedures will help provide the best possible security for your website.  A web development company may provide you continuous maintenance plans to guarantee your website stays secure and can help you navigate the website building process with security in mind.

Keep website security in mind at all times.  You may comfortably navigate the digital terrain knowing that your website is well-protected from fraudulent actors by adopting a proactive strategy and putting the tactics described in this blog article into practice.

 

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Why is SSL important for my website?

SSL encrypts data between your website and users, protecting sensitive information and boosting trust.

What is two-factor authentication (2FA) and why should I use it?

2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of identification beyond just a password.

Why are secure coding practices important?

Secure coding practices help prevent vulnerabilities in your website’s code that hackers could exploit.

What are the benefits of using a secure hosting provider?

Secure hosting providers offer robust security measures, regular updates, and support to keep your site safe.

How can I secure my website during development?

Use a development environment separate from the live site and follow secure coding practices.

Should I use CAPTCHA on my forms?

Yes, CAPTCHA helps prevent automated bots from submitting forms and spamming your site.

What is HTTPS, and why is it important?

HTTPS encrypts data between your site and users, enhancing security and trust.

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