As cyber threats loom larger than ever, leaving your website vulnerable can lead to disastrous consequences. From malicious hackers to sneaky malware, the dangers are real. But fear not, as we unveil 6 foolproof, wallet-friendly methods to fortify your online fortress. No need to break the bank or hire an expensive security team. You can do this by yourself or with the help of a beginner and affordable web designer.
So, let’s dive in and make your online presence impenetrable.
1. Incorporate an SSL certificate into your website.
SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, establishes a secure connection between your web server and the visitor’s browser by encrypting data. This is crucial, particularly for e-commerce sites, as it safeguards customers’ sensitive payment details.
Luckily, obtaining an SSL certificate[1] for your WordPress site is straightforward and doesn’t require technical expertise. You can procure one from various sources, such as:
- Hosting providers
- Domain registrars
- Certificate authorities (CAs)
— without spending a penny. Some hosting companies even offer SSL certificates as part of their packages, like HubSpot’s Content Hub. Alternatively, CAs like Let’s Encrypt provide free SSL certificates if your hosting provider doesn’t include them.
2. Keep your website fresh by updating it regularly.
When your site’s software gets old, it becomes an easy target for viruses and cyber-attacks. So, it is important to check for updates often or set up automatic updates. As these updates usually come with security fixes from the developers, installing them right away will secure your site better.
If you’re using WordPress, some hosting providers offer managed hosting, which handles updates for you. For WordPress sites, you can turn on auto-updates for the core software, themes, and plugins. Just follow some simple steps in your WordPress dashboard to enable auto-updates.
Also, be careful when adding any new features to your site. Always check reviews and permissions from the developers to avoid installing risky plugins or components.
3. Set strong passwords and 2FA.
Do you have a password that’s just common words, numbers in order, or your own name? If yes, you need to create a new, stronger password immediately. Weak passwords can make your website vulnerable. So, strong passwords are your best defence, and they are totally free!
A strong password mixes letters and numbers, upper and lower case, and even special characters. If you struggle to create one, let your browser suggest something secure for you. On top of it, you can also add Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), which requires you to solve two puzzles to log in, like entering your password and then a special code sent to your phone.
This gives a big boost to your website’s security. Plus, you can set up 2FA for free for some users through providers like DUO.
4. Make regular backups of your site.
While regular backups might not sound exciting, it’s crucial for keeping your site safe. Think of it as a safety net for when things go wrong. By backing up your site, you can quickly restore it to its former glory, or you could lose all your hard work in an instant.
You can back up everything from your files to your databases, saving you time, money, and stress if something goes awry. You can do backups manually, use a tool, or let your hosting provider handle it. Many providers offer automatic backups as part of their plans, like Nexcess, which includes 30-day backups with its WordPress hosting.
For smaller sites, your hosting provider might offer free backups, while larger sites might need extra storage space, like cloud storage.
5. Educate your team on cybersecurity.
Even top-notch security firms can fall prey to clever hackers, and sometimes, the culprit is within your own ranks. Your staff may excel in their roles, but they can still unintentionally invite trouble by clicking on suspicious links or emails. Phishing attacks, especially, can trick employees into revealing sensitive data like login information or credit card details.
Want to prevent such mishaps? Provide training and help your employees spot potential threats and avoid risky online behaviour. With a cybersecurity awareness program, you can empower your team with the knowledge they need to safeguard company and customer data. Moreover, this only requires an investment of time and effort rather than money to strengthen your defences against cyber threats.
6. Scan the site often.
Scan your site regularly to catch any issues before they harm your visitors’ experience or tarnish your brand. Thankfully, there are lots of free tools out there to help, like:
- Quttera
- MalCare
- VirusTotal
- SiteGuarding
- Astra Security
- SiteLock Free Website Scanner
You can also choose a hosting provider that offers malware and virus scanning as part of their service. This is particularly handy for websites that don’t handle financial transactions directly. Hosting companies like Namecheap and Hostwinds come with built-in scanners to keep your site safe.
If you’re running a WordPress site, WPX and WP Engine are solid choices, offering specialised protection for WordPress websites.
Final Word:
Securing your website is essential, regardless of its nature or platform. By following these free methods like installing SSL certificates, updating regularly, using strong passwords, backing up data, and training staff, you safeguard your online presence effectively. However, professional help may seem crucial at times. In such cases, feel free to contact Make My Website[2]– one of the most skilled and affordable web designers in Australia. With their expertise at your disposal, your site will have better security and better overall success.
References
- ^ SSL certificate (www.techiexpert.com)
- ^ Make My Website (www.makemywebsite.com.au)