Website Security

Online customers have high expectations about the websites they visit. Simply having a site is not enough. Yours must be functional and secure around the clock to be an effective tool for your business, and a positive way to connect with current and prospective customers.

Due Diligence

This may have been possible 15 years ago, but it is not the case these days. Since technology changes, programs come and go, and there is such a thing as hackers in the world, it is a vital necessity to tend to your site and not only to keep it current and in working order, but safe and secure.

Security measures

Hackers are constantly trying to compromise sites to use your server space for their own purposes. But you can take steps to safeguard your site.

• Hosting: Standard ways to avoid hacking are included in most hosting packages. For instance, hosting services set up firewalls to block non-essential areas of the site from outsiders. Restricting physical access to the server is standard procedure, as well as regular backups systems should the site be compromised. Related Hosting Blogs: 
• Finding the Host with the Most
• Website Cornerstones
• Software updates: Software used to build a website requires regular updating. It should be comforting to know that software developers are always looking for ways to improve their product, and make it more secure. When a new version of software is released, it must be applied to the server, or the site as necessary. It is very important to find out if your host, or website developer offers a service for doing these upgrades, and works pro-actively on your behalf to ensure your site stays secure.
• Onsite development: When developing a site there are steps that can be taken to keep it secure. For instance, if you have an online form, it likely requires a validation process before the information can be submitted. If you collect confidential data on your form, such as a Social Security Number, then that form will require an SSL certificate. Providing a "Secure Socket Layer" is the standard means of securing the information by encryption.
• Password Upkeep: One of the simplest ways to take action against intrusion is to regularly change your password. Strong passwords include a combination of letters, numbers and special characters, and are at least eight characters long. Be sure to save your passwords in a secure location, and do not share them with anyone else.
• Email Safeguards: One of the most common methods of stealing passwords is a virus. Simply opening a suspicious email can be enough to infect your computer. This threat is extended if you follow a link from a suspicious email. Malicious emails often disguise themselves as trustworthy by pretending to be a common service. If you didn't place an order for something but receive a receipt, it is most likely bait to get your account information or plant a virus. Make sure your email is using a spam/virus protection systems, and learn to be wary of strange emails and act accordingly.

It's not worth the risk to wait until the site is compromised before you act. So check with your web developer to what steps they're taking to keep your site safe.

Here at IdeaBank we require clients to be part of our hosting / service agreement which includes regular software upgrades and CMS support. Contact us if you would like more information about keeping your site secure.