Website security: The steps you need to take

Websites have become a fundamental feature for almost every business. Whether your website is simply used as a page to direct leads to give you a call or its where all your sales take place, you need to make sure your website security is up to standard.High profile cases of cyber attacks over the last couple of years have highlighted that no organisation is safe from malicious software. Even if your customers don’t depend on your website to make a purchase and obtain information, your website going down gives an unprofessional reputation that can be hard to recover from, especially when consumers and businesses are increasingly aware of the details a website collects whenever they visit.With this in mind, it’s time to review your existing website security and take these steps if you haven’t already.

· Check your software is up to date – This is one of the easiest steps to take when you’re looking for a way to bolster your website security. But it’s often on that’s delayed or put off. Outdated websites become vulnerable to attacks, so the more updates you miss the higher the chance that your website will be affected at some point.· Use SSL – Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encrypts the connection between the server and the browser. You do have to pay for an SSL but it’s well worth it when you consider how well they protect your sensitive data. An SSL can also give potential customer more confidence when parting with their details to place an order or enquire, helping to improve your sales and reputation too.· Keep passwords secure – One of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access is through passwords that aren’t protected. Your passwords should be strong, using a mixture of letters, numbers, and symbols, changed frequently, and only given to those who need it. This helps to limit the number of people who can access your website and reduce the chances of cyber criminals unlocking it.· Choose secure servers – The servers you chose to host your website have an impact on security too. You’ll often be sharing with thousands of other websites and should one of them become hacked, it’s easier for hackers to reach yours. Going for the cheapest option when it comes to servers isn’t always the best option, it’s worth looking at security features first.· Scan for malware frequently – The problem with malware is that it can often go undetected for months on end. A quick scan means you’re alerted to its presence and allows you to take action sooner, limiting the damage that it causes. Set out a schedule for scanning for malware and make sure you stick to it.Of course, even with the all these steps taken, it’s possible that your security can let something through. Back up your website regularly, giving you peace of mind should the worst happen.