A lot of small businesses and startups have their hands full developing their business. More often than not, website security slips the minds of business owners as it’s not considered a crucial part of business growth. However, this however is a mistake, as website security is one of the most important elements of any business. Everything and everyone is connected via the Internet, including businesses, customers and associates.
With all the communications, sales, marketing and promotions conducted online, it’s crucial for any business to have a website, as the hub of their online presence. Moreover, securing a website is vitally important for smooth business flow and its survival. Without security, you’re gambling with your business success and its future, because a single cyber attack can ruin your business in a blink of an eye. Here are a few tips on how to keep your small business website secure.
Strengthen your passwords
Passwords are your website’s first line of defense. Your password’s length and complexity will determine how hard will it be for someone trying to breach your security to crack it. For instance, a strong password is between twelve and eighteen characters long, which contains both small and capital letters, as well as symbols and numbers.
Moreover, make sure that you never use the same password for two or more different credentials. If you use the same password for multiple platforms such as website administrator log-in and e-mail or your social media account, it will be easier for hackers to crack it and therefore breach your security. Also, it would be a good idea to change your passwords often – every three months at least – and if you have trouble remembering your passwords, then make sure you don’t have them written down in digital format.
Always have a backup plan
Operating in the digital world requires you to store and maintain sensitive information and data in digital format. In the age of technology, paper became obsolete and data is kept in digital formats on internal or external hard drives. However, anything digital can be compromised and a loss or misuse of any sensitive information can ruin your business reputation, if not ruin your business entirely. That’s why it’s important to backup your website files as well as any sensitive information or data related to your business or your clients.
In case that your website goes offline due to an attack or system failure, you can continue to operate it by restoring the backup files. That way, your customers or visitors can continue to browse your website, while you deal with the issue at hand. Having a backup is crucial, because any damage done to your website can easily be repaired and you won’t have to start over from scratch.
Scan for threats regularly
Maintaining website security means scanning for potential threats such as malware, viruses or other types of malicious software, frequently. There are plenty of website scanners that can help keep your website safe from any potential threats. Furthermore, built-in security options from your web hosting service provider can also be very helpful in improving your website security.
Scanning your website on a monthly basis helps improve security and avoid potential security breaches. Also, make sure you scan your website immediately when you suspect or spot any suspicious behavior. Regular scans help protect both your business and your customers. After all, if you aim to grow your business and have a good and trustworthy relationship with your customers, then scanning for threats should be a priority for you.
Use encryption
One of the surest ways of keeping your website secure is by switching from the good old HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) to HTTPS (HTTP Secured). This means adding an additional layer of security and encryption to your website using SSL certificate (Secured Socket Layer). What HTTPS does is encrypt the communication between the users and your website, thus securing the data transmission.
For instance, HTTPS helps protect your website and your customers by eliminating the MITM (Man-in-the-middle) threats. This is achieved via SSL cryptography, which ensures that no one can listen in and steal sensitive information after the communication is established.
Stay up to date
All of your security measures are meaningless unless you update your software regularly. Security software manufacturers constantly upgrade their products with latest security patches and updates and they make it available for you to use. Security threats are constantly evolving and changing, making them more difficult to counter with outdated software.
That’s why it’s vital that you plan ahead, update the software you use with the latest patches and help your website to remain secured. Another thing to keep in mind is not to let your guard down. Even though your business is small, it doesn’t mean that hackers will avoid it.
Website security is important for the survival of your business and for protecting your customers and their sensitive information. The digital world brings many benefits, but it also hides awful threats. That’s why website security is essential in doing business in the digital world.
