How to Protect Your Website From Cyber Attacks

Even lesser known websites that generate small amounts of traffic are subject to hackers and cyber thieves. Any established web platform has something to offer, including access to email accounts that can be used for spamming purposes, temporary servers that can be set up for illegal uses, and worst case scenario, obtainment of personal information. You might think you have the right preventative measures in place, but as technology advances so do the skills of computer experts who seek to exploit software for personal gains. A good web design company should set up security measures during the design and advise you on your options after the site goes live as well. That’s why online brands like Loveplugs.ca usually employ their own cybersecurity teams so they have people dedicated to keeping sensitive information safe.

Here are some ways to protect your website — and your brand’s — identity.

Keep Software Up to Date

This might seem like a basic one, but too many web owners get complacent with security updates, unknowingly leaving entry points for malicious attacks. If a software update becomes available, make you sure you install it right away. Companies provide software updates for a number of reasons, including to fix possible system vulnerabilities, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Tighten the Reins

Especially if you have multiple admins capable of accessing the highest avenues of your website, it’s important to tighten up accessibility. Limit the number of login attempts and ensure that passwords are long, different, and complicated for each user. Make sure you are using numbers, letters, and symbols in your passwords. Also, don’t ever write down your password! Other suggestions include changing your passwords periodically and scanning any devices plugged into your system for malware before downloading them.

Put Up Walls

If you’re not using firewalls on the your website it’s like leaving the doors of your house open for thieves to just saunter on in. Web application firewalls are cloud-based and serve as gateways for your website, capable of filtering traffic and keeping out unwanted visitors. All you need to do is install a firewall and it will do all of the work for you. This is one of the simplest measures of security you can implement on any website. Free security software can applications can serve as supplements to firewalls but firewalls are absolutely your best line of defense.

Protect Your Domain Name

Your domain name is the engine behind your brand, your trademark. It comprises the identity of your enterprise and yet is not as commonly thought about in terms of susceptibility to cyber attack. Cybersquatting is absolutely a crime and there are measures you can take you prevent this particular kind of activity. To start, make you sure you register a unique domain name through a trusted source, such as this helpful tool (https://www.shopify.com/domains). When registering your domain name, make sure that you are listed as the “registrant”, the “administrative contact”, and the “technical contact”. Prevent others from being listed under any of these categories in order to ensure exclusivity in this category. Implement a strong password and keep track of any expiration dates that might apply so that you make sure you renew your domain name on time.

Here is a helpful article on how to stop domain name thieves: http://aberdeenessentials.com/techpro-essentials/domain-name-thieves-stop

SSL is Your Friend

To help with transferring sensitive user information on your website or between your website and database, you should be using encrypted SSL codes. The encryption will prevent unwanted eyes and hands from getting ahold of your private information. The cost of SSL encryption is minimal and will provide much needed added security for your business.

HTTPS is Shorthand for Security

When you see https in front of a URL, you know that your information is being processed securely, such as through a financial server. It’s important to recognize these security measures so that you can give yourself and your customers peace of mind.

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