Many website owners think that hackers target websites of large organizations and that they have nothing to fear. Unfortunately, that is not the case. In fact, small and medium websites are more prone to hacking attacks than large corporations. The primary reason behind this misunderstanding is that many site owners believe that hacking happens only with the intention of stealing data. However, most hacking attempts are made to use your server as a relay for spam or to set up a temporary server to server illegal files and various other forms of digital abuse. Such attacks can cause your financial and reputational loss in no time. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your website is hacker-proof. While tools like SiteLock Website Security can help you keep your site secure, here are six tips to help you keep hackers away from your site.
Tip 1. Update all software
As a site owner, you will be using multiple applications and software along with an adequate web hosting service to offer the desired hosting experience to your site visitors. Security vulnerabilities in the software are the primary targets of hackers who exploit them to gain unauthorized access to your site. This includes the server’s operating system too. If you are using managed services, then the host will ensure all updates. Even then, ensure that you check that all applications and software are regularly updated.
Tip 2. Keep an eye open for SQL Injections
SQL injections are one of the most common ways used by hackers to gain access to your site. When you use standard Transact SQL, there is a possibility of unknowingly inserting rogue code into your query is high that can be used to create havoc on your site. This can be prevented by using parameterized queries.
Tip 3. Check your passwords
One of the most common ways used by hackers is using brute force to crack the password to your website and server admin area. Hence, you must ensure that you use complex passwords that are a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters and are difficult to guess.
Tip 4. Use HTTPS
HTTPS is more of a necessity than an additional security measure. It encrypts information flowing between your server and the user’s terminal. This makes it difficult for hackers to interrupt this exchange in transit and steal information.
Tip 5. Use the latest security tools
There are numerous security tools available that allow you to keep your site secure like SiteLock Web Security, OpenVAS, etc. Use the latest tools to identify vulnerabilities and patch them before they are exploited.
Tip 6. Safeguard against XSS attacks
Cross-site scripting or XSS attacks insert infect JavaScript into your webpages which in turn steals information and sends it back to the hacker. You must ensure that no one can inject active JavaScript into your webpages.
Summing Up
While there is no secret formula to keep your site secure, you must ensure that you take all precautions to keep hackers at bay. Adopting website security services like SiteLock Security benefit you by keeping such attacks at bay. Also, following the tips mentioned above can help you make your website hacker-proof. Good Luck!
