Did you know that nearly 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses? Out of this percentage, only 14% of businesses that fall victim are adequately prepared to face such attacks.
Moreover, these crimes come with a hefty price tag, with small to medium-sized businesses shelling out between $826 and a staggering $653,587 on average for cybersecurity incidents. With these consequences, maintaining a solid cybersecurity posture isn't optional.
Literally, It is mandatory if you're keen on protecting your sensitive data and preserving your business's reputation and financial health. In today's guide, you will learn six best practices to implement to safeguard your business against seemingly incessant cyber-attacks.
Best Website Security Practices to Protect Your Business
Despite the costly nature of cyber attacks, some businesses sometimes hesitate to adopt robust security measures due to misconceptions or budget constraints. For example, some may believe they're too small to be a target, which the stats above already contradict.
Also, for some SMBs, investing in website security might seem costly. However, the reality is the potential of massive fallout from a cyber attack far outweighs the initial investment.
So, you care about the longevity and reputation of your business. In that case, it helps to take the right steps toward securing your business against cyber attacks, as inaction may lead to severe consequences. Here are five cybersecurity tips for websites to protect your business;
I. Install a Valid SSL Certificate for your Business
One of the key security steps for any website is to purchase an SSL certificate and install it on your website. SSL certificates encrypt data transmitted between web servers and browsers.
It is through this encryption that an SSL certificate safeguards your business from potential theft of sensitive data. When looking to buy an SSL certificate, there are different types you will need to choose from.
If you're looking to provide higher levels of assurance to your web visitors, the extended validation (EV) SSL is the best option. It provides a higher level of assurance by verifying;
- The legal rights to the specific domain
- The authorization for the issuance of the certificate
- Physical existence and most importantly,
- The alignment with official records
Websites using HTTPS protocol not only encrypt user data. They also secure the connection itself.
Notably, search engines like Google prioritize HTTPS sites in their rankings. This means that with a valid SSL certificate installed on your website, you can rest assured of it being indexed.
You can verify your website's SSL protection by checking if the web address begins with https://. You can also check with the tune icon displayed in the address bar. Check out the image below for it.
For businesses, especially in eCommerce, SSL certificates are crucial not just for securing digital transactions and reputation. They also ensure that you remain PCI compliant.
II. Keep your Software Updated
Regular software updates are the linchpin of a solid cybersecurity landscape. They help maintain your website security by ensuring that every potential risk profile is patched on time.
This is relatable as software updates typically come with vital security patches and bug fixes. To safeguard your business, make these practices routine:
- Install the Latest Security Updates: Always check to ensure your devices and CMS are equipped with the most recent security updates.
- Enable Automatic System Updates: This ensures your systems stay secured even without manual intervention.
- Activate Automatic Security Updates in Browsers: An often overlooked but crucial step.
- Keep Plug-ins Updated: Outdated plug-ins can be exploited. Keep them current for added protection.
III. Use Strong Passwords
Using strong passwords is one of the tips you can rest assured of finding in any guide on cybersecurity tips for websites. While it may seem obvious, it is still worth mentioning.
Using strong passwords is a key step in improving website security. This is relatable as a weak or reused password leaves your login system vulnerable to brute force attacks.
Brute force attacks leverage trial-and-error to guess passwords. This means that if you have weak security measures in place, you will be left vulnerable.
To improve your defenses therefore, opt for a unique password. It should be made up of a mix of special characters, upper and lower cases and numbers.
Also, do not repeat passwords. If you have problems generating and storing passwords, use password generators and managers like LastPass and Secure Password Generator.
IV. Use Multi-factor Authentication
The conventional login with strong passwords entails only username and password. Here is where the MFA comes in.
It introduces an extra layer of defense to further deter attackers. It demands extra authentication, like a unique code, another password, or even a biometric identifier.
To enable or implement multi-factor authentication for website security, you can make use of hardware tokens or authentication apps that generate tine-sensitive codes. If you're using CMS like WordPress for example, you may want to install security plugins like WordFence for example, to enable MFA for your website.
V. Choose a Secure Web Hosting Provider
When shopping for a web hosting provider, look for vital website security features like regular backups to shield against data loss. A web application firewall is also necessary as you will need it to ward off unauthorized access attempts.
Most importantly, ensure that your web hosting provider offers; DDoS protection, secure FTP, antivirus and consistent software updates. DDoS prevention thwarts cyber criminals from overwhelming your server while a secure FTP ensures files remain untampered with. Antivirus software will protect your website against viral assaults.
Conclusion
The security of your website shouldn't take the backseat. If you want to ensure longevity and maintain a good reputation, don't make yourself an easy target for the bad guys. Implement website security best practices and keep you and customers who trust your brand safe.
