In recent years, the Internet has become an open playing field for anyone who wants to build their website. However, with such an increase in the online population, the Internet has also become an attractive place for hackers looking for vulnerable victims. These unscrupulous individuals can compromise computers and even whole networks and cause serious damages, such as stolen, changed, or destroyed data.
Without the proper protection, there’s also a chance that your website will fall victim to hacking and malware, or malicious software. When this happens, you not only put your data at risk, but you also put your business at risk of failing. To avoid the worst-case scenario, you have to keep your website secure and put the necessary protection in place to keep hackers and bugs away.
Aside from using strong passwords and changing them regularly, here are three other important features you must have to ensure that your website is safe and secure:
1. SSL certificate
This term may be unfamiliar to you, but there’s a big chance you come across SSL every time you browse the web. Check the URLs of the websites you’re visiting; some will have an “s” in “https” in their URLs while some may not.
That presence of a single letter spells a big difference when it comes to your website’s security. It indicates further protection that you can enjoy if you have installed an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate on your website.
Other than adding a single letter and the padlock to the address bar, SSL encrypts the information that’s exchanged between your website and your visitors. If you accept payments through your site or ask for login details, you need this certificate to protect the data entered from hackers.
2. Anti-malware software
Just as its name suggests, this software protects you from malware attacks and conducts regular scans to make sure that your computers and networks are safe. In case it detects any form of malware, it proceeds to remove it right away to prevent further damages. It also provides you with a web application firewall, automatic backup, vulnerability, and patch management, and disturb denial-of-service (DDoS) protection.
There are various anti-malware options at different prices that you can choose from, so you’re sure to find the right software for your needs and budget. Installing this software saves you from worrying about the technicalities of keeping your website secure and gives you that much-needed layer of protection.
3. An updated website
While keeping the contents of your website updated is a good practice, you should keep your website’s software up-to-date as well. If you are using a WordPress platform, for example, you need to constantly check for updates and install them. Otherwise, your website can become outdated and vulnerable to bugs and malicious codes from hackers.
On the other hand, if you work with website builders, you can rest easy and leave the updates in their hands while you focus on your core tasks. Whatever your situation is, remember that it’s worth being vigilant and making sure your website’s software is up-to-date.
Conclusion
It won’t hurt for you to be extra cautious and meticulous when it comes to your website’s security. After all, you are protecting your business and customers, and letting your guard down will only leave your business and customers exposed to cyber threats. Before serious problems occur, it is important that you put preventive measures in place.
Looking for ways to keep your business secure? If you don’t have the technical expertise in-house, getting professional website security services in NYC is a smart alternative. Get in touch with our team at Virtual Host Solutions today to learn how you can protect your business in a fast and easy manner!