Intro

We can do more than ever with the internet these days, but that, unfortunately, means there are more bad actors than ever. With hackers and other cybercriminals looking to prey on weak systems, it’s important to know exactly how to keep your site secure, both for your and your visitor’s sake. That all begins with learning how to keep your website secure. 

Why It’s Crucial to Keep Your Website Secure

When you operate a website, you’re not only hosting your own personal information on the platform, but you’re also keeping valuable information of visitors too. Whether it be cookies that track a user’s data across websites or it is storing passwords and usernames – everyone who accesses the site is vulnerable. 

That’s why it is so important that you keep your website secure and up-to-date to limit the chance of bad actors taking advantage of that important data. Not sure how to do so? Below are a few tips to keep in mind. 

1. Make Sure Software Is Up-to-Date

While they may seem like something that just happens every once in a while, software updates are important and strategically done to help with things security. A company may issue and update for software that is better equipped to fight off a particular bug or problem area that other website owners have noticed. By making sure that the software is updated, you can ensure that you’re operating with the most up-to-date and strongest website model. 

This is usually an easy thing to do and may be as simple as a button and brief shutdown while it kicks in. Remember, it’s not just your website that needs the updates, it’s also any related services, like your computer’s operating system and your banking app. To further navigate finding bugs when your site’s software is updated, consider using a third-party source like BugHerd. 

2. Avoid Unused Plugins 

Sometimes, plugins present a security threat for a site, even if inactive. Why? Because they implement new code on the webpage, meaning one more integration that can present a weak spot for your website. 

If you previously used a plugin but no longer need it, do yourself and your website a favor by deleting the plugin. Your site will improve with less code and loading times. That will in turn, improve the user experience and potential google rankings, but it also helps bolster your website’s security by limiting who has access to the website. 

3. Keep Access Limited

There is nothing worse than having sensitive data being accessible by a number of people who don’t necessarily need access. 

Limiting who can see important data to top-level employees help to minimize the number of eyes on that information. But also, it helps to cut down on the pathways that a criminal could take to access your sensitive files. 

For example, if you give access to secretaries, associates, and lower-level employees, you run the risk of being an easier target. Limit high-level access to high-level employees that need access as part of their job function. 

4. Top-tier Encryption 

For extremely sensitive information, it’s vital that you use an encryption method to help protect the data and prevent even those who access your sensitive data to understand it. 

There are plenty of encryption methods but above all else, it is crucial that you find an effective method for your website’s needs. The reality is that as hard as you try to protect your website from attackers, there may come a time when they slip through regarldess. 

Placing an additional layer of protection like encryption means another hurdle the cybercriminal will need to get through to reach your data. For more information on encryption and how it works, visit here. 

Conclusion 

Managing a website means wearing a lot of different hats. One area where you won’t want to skip on routine is maintaining that site’s security. Without a proper security routine, you run the risk of losing all of that hard work that you initially invested. Whether it be staying on top of small tasks like hitting the update button or ensuring that your company is set up for success with proper access, there is plenty to do in order to protect yourself.