Cybersecurity needs to be a top priority for companies with a web presence which, in 2022, is just about 100% of companies. Unfortunately, hackers are reportedly able to penetrate 93% of company networks, according to Positive Technologies, with credential compromise being responsible for 71% of the problem.
Since an unsecured website can lead to user data being stolen, the seemingly innocuous act of letting security policies lapse can lead to data theft and lawsuits.
Ramping Up Security
Your IT infrastructure must be hardened to protect users and your company (despite the drought of cybersecurity talent.) Any website design must employ cybersecurity measures that are up to date. Let’s discuss ways you can create a safe website.
1. Limit User Roles
Not everyone in your company needs to have access to the back end of your website. Only those in charge of changing content should have the ability to make changes.
Plus, there are different types of roles available that can limit the actions of those who log in. Those who need the most access can be admins, while those who don’t need as much access can be editors.
2. Have Secure Hosting
Not every hosting service is created equal, and while you may find one that has a large amount of hosting space for a low price, it may have serious security vulnerabilities. Choose a hosting provider that is reputable and reliable.
3. Make Constant Backups
Thanks to the proliferation of ransomware, many companies have had their networks hacked and taken over by scammers. These scammers then demand money to return control.
Transferring to backup data can keep your company running behind the scenes. This approach is also necessary in case of a genuine mistake or accident where data gets lost forever.
4. Update Software
Don’t ignore updates, either for your web editing software or for your company’s workstations and network. As programs and operating systems age, hackers discover security vulnerabilities that can give them access. By staying on a strict schedule of updates, you can stay ahead of their discoveries.
5. Spread Websites Across Servers
“Don’t host all of your websites on one server” is the modern version of the idiom, “don’t keep all of your eggs in one basket.” If you do, and there’s a breach of one of your websites through a plugin or other route, then all of your other websites can be accessed, too.
6. Use TLS Certificates
Transport Layer Security or TLS certificates are the next evolution of Security Socket Layer or SSL certificates. Using the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), these security certificates create an encrypted connection between a company’s website and a user’s browser.
When companies buy SSL certificates or TSL certificates, they’re either purchasing them for public websites through a public SSL certificate authority (CA) or, for internal network security, they may opt for a private PKI from a private CA.
Either way, having a proper SSL/TLS certificate and PKI management is essential. When certificates expire, they can be snatched up by hackers.
Protect Yourself and Your Users
By employing some basic cybersecurity measures, you can create a layer of protection that will act as a deterrent to thieves. They’re looking for unsecured targets, and if you make yourself a target that fights back, they’ll seek easier prey.
You’ll need a smart IT department, and it’s wise to choose automated SSL certificate managers, virus protection, and other programs that can keep on top of threats for you.
