A website needs to be secure. This includes securing access to the hosting infrastructure. Today, websites are generally hosted on remote cloud servers. Administrators and content creators need access to that infrastructure. This access can be a substantial vulnerability. Traditionally, ports are opened in the firewall so people can access the resources remotely. Then, they rely on password authentication to control who gets in. Bad actors scan these open ports 24/7, trying every compromised password in the book. Anyone who has seen a webserver's log can attest to this. A better solution is to use a more modern approach where the web server initiates the connection outbound. This way, no open ports are required in the firewall, and only those who need access can get back in. Modern VPN protocols like WireGuard make this easy. Configuring WireGuard can be laborious. But third-party tools exist to automate management and make the remote server as easy to work with as one on your LAN, while also keeping it tightly restricted to the three people who actually need access.
Business leaders should make multiple backups if they want to keep their sites safe from cybercriminals. You can take a lot of steps to prevent hackers, but if one does get through your line of security, a backup can quite literally save the day and all of your hard work. The best part is you don't need to be a tech expert to do this. There are plugins and other software that you can buy that can quickly and easily back up your site to their server and your computer. Once you've invested in one of these tools, store the data on an external hard drive and keep it somewhere safe. This extra peace of mind will make it easier to operate without fear of hackers or other bad actors.
Updating your default log-in URL is one way of protecting your website from automated attacks. If your website is built using WordPress, the log-in URL is undoubtedly your site name, followed by /wp-admin. It’s the same for most off-the-shelf content management systems, including Magento and Shopify. Knowing this puts a hacker one step closer to gaining access to your site. Using a free plugin, it's relatively straightforward to change the default URL to something harder to guess. Adding this to your web security checklist will improve your site's security posture.
Regular software updates are essential. Non-technical business leaders should ensure that all software, including the website's content management system (CMS), plugins, and any third-party integrations, are kept up-to-date. This is crucial because updates often contain security patches that fix vulnerabilities hackers could exploit. They can typically take action by enabling automatic updates whenever possible or regularly checking for updates through the CMS dashboard and promptly applying them.
The concept of Zero Trust. Zero Trust is a security concept which, simply put, means requiring strict verification measures from anyone, anything, anywhere, be it within or outside the organization and its perimeter. It's reinforcing identity verification, controlled and secured access around resources on a need-to-know basis, and continuous monitoring from all fronts. It also works around the principle of constant vigilance, encouraging a high-alert environment regarding breaches to avoid complacency.
One essential aspect of web security that often gets overlooked by non-technical business leaders is the critical importance of using a strong, unique password for every online service, especially for your website's administration panel, and employing multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. Although I'm more recognized for sharing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies and highlighting the impact of cyber threats on businesses of various sizes, my experience has taught me that these basic steps can often serve as the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your digital assets. It might seem daunting, especially if you're not particularly tech-savvy, but taking action on password security is simpler than expected. Non-technical users should leverage password managers, which can generate and store complex passwirds for every account. This means you don't have to memorize any complicated strings of characters, yet your accounts each have a unique key to their locks. Adding an additional layer of security, MFA - which typically requires a code from your phone in addition to your password to log in - significantly reduces the chances of unauthorized access, even if someone manages to guess or steal your password. In concrete terms, consider the case of a small retail business that transitioned to e-commerce. Despite their efforts in cybersecurity, they hadn't emphasized the importance of unique passwords or MFA among their staff. This oversight led to a situation where an attacker obtained one employee's credential reused across several platforms. The fallout was immediate, with unauthorized access to sensitive company data. However, after implementing a policy of unique passwords stored in a manager and required MFA for access, there have been no similar incidents. This shift not only safeguarded them against further attacks but also served to build greater trust with their clientele by demonstrating a commitment to security. This tangible example underlines the accessible yet effective step non-technical individuals can take to enhance their web security significantly.
With an MBA in Technology Management and my expertise in building productivity tools, the digital nature of our services necessitates a deep understanding of online safety practices. Given this, I can share some insights that have been crucial for our operations and can benefit non-technical business leaders in safeguarding their websites. Each point reflects our commitment to simplicity, security, and user empowerment. Secure Your Web Forms Against Injection Attacks: Web forms, such as those used for contact information or customer feedback, can be vulnerable to SQL injection and other forms of injection attacks if not properly secured. Protecting against these requires validating and sanitizing all user input. For non-technical leaders, this might sound challenging, but many website-building platforms and plugins automatically handle much of this security. Ensuring that your site uses reputable, regularly updated plugins for web forms can mitigate this risk without requiring you to code.
One absolute must-have on your checklist is a strong security plugin. If you use a website builder like WordPress, look for a well-respected option like Wordfence. Think of it like an automated guard for your website – even with the free version on its default settings, it will block a surprising number of everyday hacking attempts. Don't worry, you don't need to be a tech genius to set this up. In your admin dashboard, go to Plugins, click "Add New" and search for "Wordfence," install it, and click "Activate." That's it for now! Tuning some settings will give you even more security if you know what you're doing, but even the plugin's default settings provide a big security boost compared to not having it at all.
Implement a recurrent free scanner that checks every week for new and older vulnerabilities and rate the site's security score. scanner.blacksight.io is a free industry leading scanner that let's people for free scan their main production site and report automatically on a weekly basis. The resson is, sites and contact change fast, a business needs to check their production sites constantly to catch security issues fast.
One essential item for the website security checklist is regular software updates and patch management. Outdated software, including content management systems (CMS), plugins, and server software, often contain vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access to your website. Non-technical business leaders can improve web security by ensuring that all software components of their website are kept up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. This can be achieved by regularly checking for updates within the CMS dashboard or respective software platforms and installing them promptly. Additionally, enabling automatic updates where possible can streamline the process and ensure continuous protection against emerging security threats. By maintaining current software versions, non-technical individuals can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches and protect their website from hackers.
A fundamental item on the checklist I recommend is the implementation of HTTPS on your website by obtaining and installing an SSL/TLS certificate. This is essential for encrypting data transmitted between your website and its visitors, protecting sensitive information from being intercepted by hackers. For non-technical business leaders, the process of securing your site with HTTPS can be straightforward. Many web hosting providers offer free SSL/TLS certificates through partnerships with initiatives like Let's Encrypt, and they often provide simple, automated tools within their hosting control panels to install these certificates on your website. Ensuring your website runs entirely over HTTPS not only secures your visitor's data but also improves your site's credibility and search engine ranking. Regularly check your website's address bar for a padlock icon, indicating that your SSL/TLS certificate is active and correctly configured.
As a founder, I believe prioritizing regular software updates is crucial for web security. Outdated software leaves websites vulnerable to cyber threats. To take action, utilize content management systems like WordPress, which often have built-in features for automatic updates. Alternatively, invest in website security plugins or services that offer automated update functionality. If automatic options are unavailable, regularly check for updates manually. A proactive approach ensures that your website's software remains patched against potential vulnerabilities, safeguarding your business and clients' data.
Absolutely vital to any website security checklist: Regular software updates. Here's why: outdated software is a playground for hackers. It's like leaving your front door unlocked and inviting thieves to take a look around. Here's the layman’s action plan: Schedule updates. Just like setting reminders for business meetings or medical checkups. Make it a recurring date in your calendar. For WordPress users, for instance, it's as simple as clicking 'update now' when that notification pops up. Also, use managed hosting services if possible. They often include updates management, taking the burden off your shoulders. Bottom line – staying current with updates is a simple yet powerful shield against cyber threats. It closes the doors on vulnerabilities before hackers can waltz in.
As someone deeply involved in customer service and web solutions through my company, OneStop Northwest, I've seen the critical role web security plays in safeguarding online businesses. One vital checklist item for non-technical business leaders to prioritize is regular security updates. These updates are essential for protecting your website against the latest threats, including viruses, malware, and hackers. Implementing security updates doesn't necessarily require technical expertise. For instance, if you're using a content management system (CMS) like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal, they often come with user-friendly interfaces that prompt you for updates. By simply logging into your CMS dashboard, you can usually see notifications for any required updates. Acting on these prompts by clicking 'update now' can significantly enhance your site's security. It’s imperative to ensure that not just the CMS core, but also any themes or plugins you use are kept up-to-date. Post-update, it’s wise to test your website—or have someone test it—to ensure functionality remains intact. Through OneStop Northwest's focus on web maintenance and optimization, I've overseen countless updates and security measures implemented across various websites. A concrete example of the importance of regular updates came from a small business website we managed. The site had neglected updates for several months, making it vulnerable. It eventually fell victim to a malware attack, which significantly disrupted their operations. The recovery process was arduous but served as a valuable lesson in the importance of proactive security measures. By simply adhering to regular updates, the business could have avoided the disruption. This example underscores the straightforward yet crucial action point for enhancing web security without needing in-depth technical knowledge.
One essential item on a website security checklist for non-technical business leaders should be implementing regular software updates and patches. Keeping all website software up to date, including the content management system (CMS), plugins, and scripts, is crucial because many hacks exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. To properly action this checklist item, business leaders should set up automatic updates wherever possible and regularly check for updates in their website's back-end or dashboard. For systems without automatic updates, scheduling a recurring task in your calendar to manually check for and apply updates can be an effective strategy. This practice closes security gaps and significantly reduces the risk of cyber attacks. Additionally, partnering with a reliable web hosting provider that offers managed services, including regular updates and security monitoring, can further enhance web security for those less technically inclined.
One crucial item for a website security checklist is regular software updates. Keeping your website's platform and plugins up-to-date is vital because many hacks exploit known vulnerabilities in older software versions. Non-technical leaders can schedule automatic updates or set reminders to check for updates monthly. This simple step significantly reduces the risk of security breaches and ensures your website benefits from the latest security enhancements and bug fixes, safeguarding your online presence against potential threats.
One essential checklist item is using a service like CloudFlare to centralize your website's security. CloudFlare provides a Web Application Firewall, DDoS protection, HTTPS encryption, and secure DNS services. To implement this, simply sign up for CloudFlare, add your website, and configure the settings. Another crucial item is using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and practicing the Zero-Trust Principle. MFA requires multiple forms of authentication before accessing sensitive information, while Zero-Trust limits admin-level accounts and grants access only to necessary tools. Work with your IT department or a security consultant to set up MFA and adjust user permissions. Keeping all software, including plugins and third-party services, up-to-date is also essential. Outdated software often contains known vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Set up automatic updates and regularly check for and install available updates manually. Provide security awareness training for all employees. Focus on identifying and avoiding phishing attempts, practicing safe browsing habits, and handling customer data securely. Partner with your HR department or a security training provider to develop a comprehensive program, which can include online courses, workshops, and regular reminders. By implementing these checklist items, even non-technical business leaders can significantly improve their website's security and protect their organization from potential cyber threats. —Krystian Olszanski, Co-Founder & CTO, Cadence www.cadenceco.com
Incorporating multi-factor authentication (MFA) is paramount in fortifying web security. This approach adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to verify their identity through multiple credentials, such as a password and a unique code sent to their mobile device. Non-technical business leaders can seamlessly enhance their web security by incorporating MFA through user-friendly, reputable authentication apps readily available for various platforms. By enabling MFA, they effectively bolster their website's defense against unauthorized access, even if passwords are compromised. This straightforward yet impactful measure significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized intrusion and data breaches, making it an essential component of any comprehensive web security checklist for non-technical professionals.
Implement Regular Software Updates: One of the most crucial actions non-technical business leaders can take to protect their websites from hackers is ensuring all website software is regularly updated. This includes the content management system (CMS), plugins, and any third-party applications. Hackers often exploit known vulnerabilities in software, and updates typically contain fixes for these security gaps. Actionable Step: Set a recurring schedule to check for software updates, at least monthly. For those not technically inclined, consider utilizing managed hosting services that include automatic updates or hiring a web maintenance service. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of security breaches and keeps your website running smoothly.
One of the most important items to include in a website security checklist for non-technical business leaders is implementing a web firewall, especially from reputable providers like Cloudflare or GoDaddy. The reason this is of utmost importance is that a web firewall serves as the first line of defense against a wide range of cyber threats, including DDoS attacks, SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and more. These attacks can compromise the integrity of a website, steal sensitive data, and even shut down services, which can have devastating consequences for any business. The beauty of choosing a web firewall service from Cloudflare or GoDaddy is their simplicity and efficiency. These providers specialize in web security and have designed their infrastructure to detect and block potential threats before they reach your website. They constantly monitor for new types of attacks and automatically update their security policies and protocols to ensure strong protection.