Data breaches amongst websites are common problems. Statistics reveal that there were nearly 1,862 data breaches[2] last year alone. This caused a huge impact on several internet platforms, and many users stopped using these website builders.
However, data breaches are not the biggest problem. Experts believe that most users have these issues because they do not know about security problems with website builders.
Many individuals design and maintain their website independently, however for those who do not have sufficient expertise regarding web design and coding, there are several web building platforms available to help them get started. These website builders[3] use drag and drop features, available templates, and free to premium plans that help people to establish their business online. Cyber security is a common threat to all of these platforms, therefore security features are one of the most important tools that web builders offer their users. This article will focus on three of the most popular platforms available: WordPress, Wix, and Weeble, and review them from the cyber security perspective.
WordPress
WordPress is one of the most popular website-building platforms that people utilize globally. It has over 1.3 billion websites[4] operating on the internet. However, the following are some of the most common security issues that it has.
Unauthorized Logins
Unauthorized logins on WordPress are a major concern as attackers use “Brute-force” against the website. It involves using a bot to try thousands of account passwords and details to access the site. The main reason is that the default accounts are easy to find.
Outdated Core Software
WordPress site updates are readily available but do not download on their own. Users need to permit the site updates, and their sites can be at risk without these core software updates causing website builder security issues.
Mixed User Roles
There are two primary roles on WordPress sites. These are administrators and subscribers. Most admin access details are protected, but it can compromise site security if someone else accesses them. Attackers can access the site details more easily causing Website security issues.
Weebly
Nearly 30 million Weebly websites are running online across the internet. Despite such a large fan base, Weebly has certain Website security problems you should keep in mind.
Passwords Compromise
Weebly has friendly user options which make the site-building experience more enjoyable for the users. The site also lets users save their site login credentials on the platform.
While that is convenient there are some risks involved too. These saved passwords are easier for hackers to access and compromise. This is the biggest website builder security concern.
Corrupt Applications
Weebly has tons of site integration options including applications that let users add more features on the platform. While most of these apps are great, some of them can also cause a lot of security issues for online users.
There is always a chance that the Weebly applications hold malware, or ransomware, which could compromise site security complexly. Weebly website owners could even lose complete access to their sites if this problem persists. You can find more details about the Weebly applications on the Weebly App Center.
Malware
Weebly offers plenty of amazing features and options for users on site. However, malware and data compromise is a big concern for users. Weebly has strong security protocols; however, it is still at risk of facing problems with data breaches. This could even block your Weebly account completely.
WIX
WIX is one of the most powerful tools for creating a website online[5]. It allows businesses to create a website, integrate applications, widgets, and personalize websites as much as possible. It is a popular tool and relatively very secure thanks to Wix’s comprehensive security framework covering prevention detection and response efforts, users are fully protected from issues like CSRP, that can induce users to make actions that can leave them insecure, and SQL Injections, which lets attackers access the site’s queries and view data owned by users. Alongside their multilayer security, WIX offers these key cyber security features[6]:
SSL Certificate
WIX has an SSL certificate with an HTTPS extension providing better security to its users. This means your visitors can trust your sites and are not at risk of a data breach.
Level 1 PCI Compliant
WIX fulfills the highest online payment industry standards. This keeps all transactions on-site private and avoids all kinds of data compromises online.
2-Step Verification
WIX has a 2-step verification process, which sends a confirmation code or link on a trusted source listed by the user. Users will receive this code each time someone logins with an unauthorized device.
Website security Monitoring
WIX has round-the-clock site monitoring that abides by the NIST standards that let it protect users against unwanted access, data breaches, and compromise. It alerts the site owners of any possible breaches or suspicious activities on the account. It also gathers consistent security controls for better results.
Bottom Line
It is understandable that there are security complexities that occur on websites that every business should know. It is for this reason that users aiming to start their business by creating a website should be aware of the security protocols that are available on website builders which allow for better protection.
References
- ^ Source (pixabay.com)
- ^ 1,862 data breaches (www.cnet.com)
- ^ website builders (gritdaily.com)
- ^ 1.3 billion websites (barn2.com)
- ^ creating a website online (www.wix.com)
- ^ key cyber security features (www.itsecuritynews.info)