Securing Website | 10 Effective Tips & Tricks To Comprehend

In this article, we will introduce you top 10 fascinating tips & tricks to assist in the website securing task. Make sure to read till the end to discuss other issues related to website security.

Key Takeaways

• There are various ways to help you enhance website security, like SSL certificate installation, regular website updates, and Web Application Firewalls set up.
• Some standard website security issues nowadays include Ransomware, Gibberish, Malicious code/virus  hacks, and Denial of Service (DoS).

10 website securing tips to implement urgently 

Examine the below-suggested website securing tips  to pick up the optimal ways for your site protection.

Install the SSL certificate

One of the simplest ways to secure your website is to install the SSL certificate. An SSL certificate is installed on your website, and it encrypts data (like login information) traveling between it and your visitors. There are multiple degrees of SSL; for example, online stores handling credit card information should use a more sophisticated version.

In addition to alerting users when they access a site without SSL, Google now “discriminates” against certain websites in its search results.

SSL security is crucial if you’re receiving money, requesting login information, or exchanging files over your website. Without it, the data is exposed to hackers and is not safeguarded.

Moreover, if you operate an online store or gather visitor information, such as email addresses, on your website, you must have an SSL certificate. Along with helping your SEO, SSL certifications demonstrate that any data your visitors provide to your site is transmitted via an encrypted channel, preventing hackers from viewing it in transit.

3 ways to install SSL certificates:

• Select a reputable website builder that offers free SSL.
• Choose a hosting provider (such as HostGator) that provides a free SSL with all plans (if you’re building your site with a content management system, such as WordPress.org)
• Install a free, basic Let’s Encrypt SSL on your own computer or other smart devices.

Note: You may need to pay for an advanced SSL certificate if you want a significantly better level of protection. You may get them for various  prices from hosting companies or domain registrars. The free version of SSL should be adequate unless you operate a sizable online business or deal with sensitive data.

Create strong and uncrackable passwords

Another tip for securing your website is to create strong passwords. Here are some pieces of advice  on how to strengthen your passwords and keep them safe from hackers:

• Combine alphabetical and numerical characters.
• Add capital letters as well as lowercase  letters.
• Use special characters like $, !, @ inside the passwords
• Combine three illogical but memorable statements from different sources
• Choose a character set that was created at random.
• Do not reuse passwords; instead, store them all in a password manager.
• Create a lengthy password.
• Never use a password that contains personal information; this is the first thing that hackers will attempt!

In addition to keep your passwords strong, try to avoid setting the keywords simple as the following samples:

• password
• 111111
• 123456
• 123456789
• abc123
• 1234567
• qwerty
• 12345678
• password1
• 12345

Once you have managed to create a secured password, try to keep it as secret as possible. Do not share, send, or show it to your friends, relatives, colleagues, or  strangers. Also, consider changing keywords regularly to avoid potential password breath.

Update your website regularly

Outdated software can increase a website’s vulnerability to viruses, cyberattacks, and other security risks.

To prevent these issues, it’s essential to maintain aintain the most recent version of your website by routinely checking for changes or setting up automatic updates. A new software update usually includes security patches from developers.

If you use a website builder, you won’t have to worry about security upgrades and software updates as much because most of them will handle these tasks for you.

Update WordPress’s website 

If you’re building a website from the beginning and utilizing a website builder platform like WordPress, you need to be completely on top of things and perform updates as needed. Both your WordPress core software and any installed plugins need to be updated using patch management. If you don’t, everything might become out-of-date and subject to errors, defects, and hostile code-wielding hackers. You may select a built-in option from WordPress that allows automatic updates for the WordPress core, themes, and plugins.

Schedule regular backup

A backup is simply a duplicate of the files, information, media, and databases that make up your website. You will require more backup storage to save all of your data if your website is enormous  or complex.

It is a great strategy to regularly create backups of your website. A backup is crucial in the event of malicious assaults, hardware failure, or natural catastrophes. Your website can be quickly restored if you have a backup. Otherwise, you run into the risk of losing all of your data, preferences, and settings without a backup. 

Your website’s primary files, media, non-media content, and databases may all be backed up. You won’t have to spend the time, money, or effort dealing with data loss if you have backups. 

You have three options for backup production: manually, with a tool, or by entrusting your hosting company. You can plan and automate backups using the majority of tools and hosting companies.

How to run a backup for your website

There are multiple ways to backup your website, including:

• Consider a paid backup service like CodeGuard or Sucuri to handle the job for you.
• Pick a web host like A2 Hosting that offers backups as part of its services. Some hosts come with built-in backup software or provide it as an add-on. However, because of  their potential storage limitations, we often advise against using them for all of your backup requirements.
• Employ a WordPress plugin like VaultPress or UpdraftPlus. Users of WordPress may easily control their backup options and install the plugin of their choice.

Back-up reminders

• Off-site backups: By storing your data elsewhere than on a typical server, you can keep it safe from hackers. This shields your backups against hardware malfunction as well.
• Automated backups: By automating this procedure, you may just sit back and relax. Don’t forget to generate backups and pay the charge.
• Redundant backups: Try to store your data in multiple server locations, but not just a single place. Consider it similar to having backups of your data.
• Regular backups: It’s useless to run backups just once a year. You’ll have an old version of your site if a hack assault occurs. At the absolute least, you should aim for weekly backups. 

Manually accept On-Page comments

The ideal approach to gauge interest, offer social proof to other visitors, interact with others in your field, and even get constructive criticism is through comments. However, comments from trolls, bots, and false accounts are waiting with an absurd comment or spammy link. At worst, it may put you and your users’ security at danger. 

If visitors are allowed to leave comments directly on your website, there’s a risk that harmful links could be embedded in the comments section. People visiting your site are particularly vulnerable, as they might click on these links and unintentionally expose personal information or install malicious software.

How to deal with On-Page comments issue

Here are some solutions you can take to deal with the threat from On-Page comments:

• Alter the site’s settings into manual comment approval for quality check.
• Install the anti-spam software or plugin to block harmful links automatically sent to your site. For instance, Akismet is a popular choice for WordPress users to avoid spam links or comments.
• Request clients to register the account first before they can start commenting. You can easily control the validity and quality of the comments from real users.
• Turn off comments on posts after a month or two for quality reviews and spam  removal.

Be aware of human error

As per a recent research, 95% of cybersecurity breaches are caused  by human errors. Scams and faults are growing significantly and becoming more sophisticated to handle.

Below are 5 tips to make yourself more careful of unexpected cyber issues:

• If you’re working in a common area like a cafe, be wary about using open or public internet connections because they won’t be safe.
• Never click on links in emails that appear dubious; instead, immediately delete the email! Even if you use a business email linked to your website rather than a personal one, this is still crucial.
• Make sure the administrators of your website are trustworthy and security-conscious before granting them access.
• Only verified experts and users should be allowed access to your website. For instance, scammers may attempt to manipulate your screen while pretending to address a technical problem.
• Being wary of any calls, messages, or emails that request personal information. Stop giving information to people you don’t know!

Protect  your web against Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and Injection Attacks

XSS attacks

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a security vulnerability that lets attackers tamper with how users interact with a vulnerable application. The majority of the time, XSS flaws let the hacker act as the victim, performing all of the user’s actions and getting access to their data.

XSS attacks take place by tricking a vulnerable website into returning harmful JavaScript to visitors . When this is carried out in the user’s browser, the hacker has full access to how the user uses the website.

Three main types of XSS attacks:

• Reflected XSS:  The current HTTP request is the source of the malicious script.
• Stored XSS: The website’s database contains harmful scripts .
• DOM-based XSS: The vulnerability exists in the client-side code rather than the server-side code.

Injection attacks

Attackers can insert malware, code, or queries into a computer using injection attacks to carry out remote orders.

The severity of these assaults varies according on the type of program and user that has been compromised. The effects can be disastrous, for instance, on websites with a lot of data or on people with  complete admin rights.

How to deal with XSS and injection attacks

In order to protect against XSS and injection attacks, you need to:

• Encode data on output
• Use prepared statements or parameterized queries
• Validate input on arrival

Refer to Web Application Firewalls (WAFs)

By screening and keeping track of HTTP traffic between a website and the internet, a Web Application Firewall (WAF) effectively aids with website security. Moreover ,  WAFs help  prevent some common cyberspace breaks like Cross-site forgeries, XSS, file inclusions, and SQL injections. WAFs  are often employed as part of a package of technologies to provide effective cyber security.

In essence, WAF acts as a shield in front of the web application, guarding the server by requiring visitors to pass through it before accessing the website.

Typically, WAFs will use either a blocklist, an allowlist, or a combination of the two. A blocklist functions by thwarting known threats, whereas an allowlist simply allows traffic that has been previously allowed.

Reminders when applying WAFs to  your website:

• Network-based WAFs: They may be placed locally to reduce latency, but they are the most costly and need a lot of storage.
• Host-based WAF: It’s a cheaper alternative embedded within an application’s software. However, the burdensome maintenance needs are a disadvantage.
• Cloud-based WAFs: This option is inexpensive and simple to use. Users will pay a one-time fee upfront  and a subsequent monthly charge to a third party.

If you’re using a unified observability platform, it is less of a struggle to oversee WAFs and ensure that any potential threats are both identifiable and addressable without any blindspots cropping up as your tech stack gets more complex. This is an example of how the implementation of multiple security solutions which compliment the functionality of their counterparts is the most salient strategy.

Train your staff  about cyber security

Smart hackers may trick even the best cyber security firms, yet occasionally the guilty party is identified as an unskilled employee. Even if your staff members are the greatest in the business at what they do, they are still capable of making simple errors that invite viruses and assaults.

Tips on training staff  about cyber security

The company’s managers or employers should teach their staff to be alert for suspicious activities and cautious when opening any doubtful links or emails from unfamiliar senders if they  want to prevent these types of errors. 

Additionally, managers or employers should set up a cyber security awareness training program within their firm to instruct staff members on how to safeguard the data of the business and its clients.

Make use of security tools

You can also secure your website by using free tools. Below we’ll look at some of the most essential security tools that are available and offer both free and premium plans.

UpGuard

UpGuard  is a  Network security business that focuses on protecting enterprises’ sensitive data. Third-party risk management, attack surface control, and managed security are among the services offered by UpGuard. In order to stop data leaks, it monitors data coming from your vendor or any other party.

SiteGround Security 

Being a free security plugin for WordPress, SiteGround Security is brimming with top-notch security tools to keep your websites safe. Users may make  use of features and tools that stop malware, compromised logins, brute-force assaults, and data breaches. The plugin comes with thorough monitoring and weekly security reports and is simple to install and configure.

Sucuri

Sucuri is a popular cybersecurity  firm in the world. They can assist you in protecting a website from a number of serious security problems, including hackers, malware, spyware, trojans, and denial-of-service attacks.

Real case studies of securing websites

Securing websites is of paramount importance in today’s digital age, as cyber threats and attacks continue to evolve and become more sophisticated. Here are a few real-life cases that highlight the importance of securing websites:

Equifax Data Breach (2017):

In one of the most significant data breaches in history, Equifax, a major credit reporting agency, suffered a breach that exposed sensitive personal and financial information of approximately 143 million individuals. The breach was attributed to a vulnerability in the company’s website software. This case underscored the need for robust security measures, timely patching, and regular vulnerability assessments to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

Target Data Breach (2013):

In 2013, cybercriminals gained access to Target’s network through a third-party vendor’s compromised credentials. The attackers exploited weaknesses in the payment system, compromising 40 million credit and debit card records, as well as the personal information of 70 million customers. This breach highlighted the importance of securing third-party integrations and the potential consequences of inadequate network segmentation.

WannaCry Ransomware Attack (2017):

The WannaCry ransomware attack infected hundreds of thousands of computers worldwide, targeting vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows systems. It disrupted critical services in healthcare, government, and other sectors. The attack demonstrated the need for promptly applying software updates and patches to prevent malware infections and the importance of maintaining strong backup systems.

SolarWinds Supply Chain Attack (2020):

A sophisticated attack on SolarWinds, a widely used IT management software provider, resulted in the distribution of malware to thousands of organizations, including government agencies and corporations. The attackers gained unauthorized access by compromising the software’s update mechanism. This case highlighted the potential risks posed by supply chain attacks and the need for strict code reviews and security assessments in third-party software.

Cambridge Analytica and Facebook Data Scandal (2018):

In this case, the personal data of millions of Facebook users was harvested without their consent by a third-party app, which was later used for political purposes. This incident underscored the importance of securing user data, obtaining proper consent, and monitoring the activities of third-party applications on platforms that handle sensitive information.

Marriott International Data Breach (2018):

Marriott’s reservation system suffered a data breach that exposed the personal information of approximately 500 million customers. The breach, which was attributed to a long-standing vulnerability, highlighted the need for continuous security monitoring and proactive risk management to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities before they are exploited.

Common cybersecurity issues nowadays

Ransomware:

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts a victim’s files or entire system, demanding payment (ransom) in exchange for a decryption key. This cybersecurity threat can have devastating effects on individuals and organizations, causing data loss, operational disruption, and financial damage. Prevention involves regular data backups, strong network security, and cybersecurity training to avoid falling victim to phishing attacks that often deliver ransomware.

Gibberish Hack:

The gibberish hack involves injecting nonsensical or irrelevant content into a website’s code or database. This can lead to a compromised user experience, reduced search engine visibility, and potential security vulnerabilities. Attackers may exploit this technique to distract security teams, hide other malicious activities, or manipulate search results. Regular code audits and security monitoring are essential to detect and mitigate gibberish hacks.

Cloaked Keywords Hack:

Cloaked keywords involve hiding malicious content behind seemingly innocent keywords or phrases on a website. This technique is used to manipulate search engine rankings, redirect users to malicious sites, or deliver malware. Detecting and removing cloaked keywords requires thorough website scanning, code review, and maintaining the integrity of the website’s content.

Japanese Keywords Hack:

This hack involves inserting Japanese keywords and content into a website, often manipulating search rankings and attracting  unsuspecting users to malicious websites. Attackers leverage this technique to distribute malware, phishing pages, or scam content. Regular security audits and monitoring are crucial to identify and remove such injected content.

Malicious Code/Viruses:

Malicious code and viruses encompass a wide range of harmful software designed to exploit vulnerabilities, steal data, or damage systems. These threats can spread through infected files, emails, or websites. Implementing robust antivirus software, keeping software updated, and practicing safe browsing and email habits are essential defenses against malicious code and viruses.

Denial of Service (DoS):

Denial of Service attacks aim to overwhelm a target’s network, server, or system resources, rendering them unavailable to legitimate users. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks involve multiple compromised systems. Such attacks disrupt services, causing financial loss and damage to an organization’s reputation. Mitigation strategies include traffic filtering, load balancing, and collaboration with ISPs.

Phishing:

Phishing attacks involve deceptive tactics to trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card details, or personal data. Phishing emails, websites, or messages often mimic legitimate sources to gain the victim’s trust. Education, strong email filters, and cautious user behavior are crucial in preventing phishing attacks.

Securing website: To sum up

As the owner of online websites, you should choose  a reliable website builder or hosting provider, making sensible choices about how you run your site, and putting in the extra effort to make passwords secure. You don’t need tech skills or a huge budget to make your website secure