It shouldn’t be assumed that everyone who owns a website is well-versed in the dangers of cybercrime. While many have been given the full briefing on where not to leave personal details and how hackers can access sensitive data, many of website owners still leave their websites open to threats sometimes by accident, and sometimes as a result of limited knowledge.
1. Invest in a firewall
Many website owners may not be aware that there are both software and hardware firewalls. Hardware firewalls resemble a plug-in hard drive or any other piece of USB storage, except their purpose is to filter any proxy data that comes in and out of your server. The second is the kind that most people will be familiar with – a software firewall that can be downloaded in conjunction with your current operating system. It should be noted that just because you have one form does not mean you can’t use the other. Using both hardware and software firewalls are great for maintaining good online security.
2. Utilize passwords
While it may seem common sense to not use your birthday or your mother’s maiden name as your password (and in fact, many hosts demand far more variety from you), it’s good practice to keep your passwords diverse, and uniformly complex. It is advised that, if you are working as part of a larger organization, you impose a strict code on all employees to use a password that has a mixture of upper and lower cases and numbers and symbols.
3. Get regular assessments
Cybercrime continually changes, as does technology, which means that once you’ve implemented some prevention tactics, you’re not necessarily covered for life. Reassessing your cybersecurity regularly is one of the best ways to prevent against threats. Use IT services, such as Torix, to put in place the sound infrastructure that’s needed in order to avoid cyber attacks. They also have the knowledge reassess your current prevention methods and evaluate whether they are truly working or not.
4. Ensure you use HTTPS
Ever got that warning that the website you’re using isn’t secure? The reason for that little message is because web browsers such as Google Chrome will now alert visitors that the site they’re on isn’t secure. In order to prevent this message, your website will need an SSL certificate, meaning that visitors won’t be worried about their details being compromised, which include:
- Payment details
- Contact details
- Their personal information, including their address
Search engines will rank your website lower if you don’t use an SSL certificate. This is because search engines are prioritizing safety for visitors who use their website, helping to ensure their own credibility.
If you’re worried about your website being secure for visitors and your personal information, the best route to take is to get some expert guidance. Using an IT service provider will help to give you accurate guidance on how best to keep your website’s information safe and secure. By ensuring that your site is reliable and safe to use, you can rest assured that this will be one feature that won’t impinge on its success.
