Establishing an online presence is crucial for business visibility, yet a secure website is essential for fostering consumer trust. While a company website can boost brand recognition and enhance customer interactions, neglecting website security can deter potential customers. Are you ready to learn how to create a secure website? Continue reading as we delve into the nine-step process for establishing a secure business website. If you require a secure website immediately, contact us online or call 888-601-5359 to explore our web design services!
When initiating a website, you have various hosting options, each with unique advantages that can enhance your site’s performance. The level of security is determined by whether the provider offers features like web application firewalls (WAF) and denial-of-service (DDoS) protection.
Established web hosts such as Bluehost and GoDaddy allow you to choose your level of security, which is the first step in creating a secure website. A web application firewall is particularly crucial, as it prevents attempts to breach your website. Issues like SQL injection and cross-site scripting can expose your information to attacks, but a WAF can monitor and mitigate these risks.
Data loss or a non-functional website can drive away potential customers, so partnering with an effective hosting provider is vital, especially for e-commerce stores and sites with user accounts. A content management system (CMS) can help construct and manage your website’s content, with beneficial systems continuously improving their security measures, overseeing code, and maintaining efficient processes.
When creating a secure website, a robust CMS is essential. As vulnerabilities arise, an equipped CMS can defend your website and minimize security gaps. Many popular CMS platforms, such as Joomla and WordPress, are user-friendly and facilitate security, making it convenient for both development and marketing teams to install modifications.
While plugins and add-ons can enhance the visitor experience, an excessive number can expose your website to risks. Regularly inspecting these additions can reduce the likelihood of problematic extras, and it’s crucial to examine their reputation, details, and revision history, whether they are from your CMS or a third-party.
Like a CMS, these website accessories require ongoing maintenance and updates to ensure their defense mechanisms are effective. Outdated plugins or add-ons can leave your business vulnerable to security risks. Utilizing security-specific add-ons, such as Wordfence Security or Sucuri Security, can reduce the risk of infiltration and assist you in learning how to build a secure website.
Implementing different levels of control and permission for various personnel can help you manage their behavior and safeguard your website. Restricting access to specific areas or actions can prevent errors and crashes, and separate logins for employees can help avoid mistakes.
Inadequate passwords can lead to online data breaches, so it’s essential to have set password practices, particularly when multiple personnel are collaborating on your website. Cybersecurity professionals recommend using a diverse number of passwords across platforms, and adopting original passwords with a variety of symbols, letters, and numbers.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is another screening technique to deter hackers, with many CMS platforms including this feature in their security measures. Investing in your website requires effort and time, but servers can fail, potentially destroying your hard work.
Backup systems are essential solutions that can quickly restore your company’s core website materials and expedite your relaunch. Storing your data in a reliable location, like a central server, can protect your content against potential threats, and automatic backups can prevent starting from scratch.
Recurring security applications from your host or CMS should be promptly renewed through subscriptions. Updating these protective elements is a priority, as malware can exploit gaps in coverage. Tracking your various services can keep you informed on which subscriptions are running out and how integral they are to your website.
Secure transactions are crucial for businesses, and secure sockets layer (SSL) certificates are the way to protect online purchases. SSL encrypts sensitive data like credit and debit card numbers, allowing you to securely receive this information. Along with SSL, business websites can exchange an HTTP address for HTTPS, improving security and serving as a trust signal to customers and partners.
While structuring your website and security measures, it’s crucial to systematically test each aspect to identify areas requiring improvement. Regular testing can help catch and address issues like error messages, redirections to HTTP addresses, or suspicious glitches, ensuring a reliable platform.
For a secure website in 30 days, seek support from experts who have assisted numerous companies in launching successful sites. Check out WebFX’s rapid web design services to create a stable website your company can trust. You can also visit a local WebFX hub:
Baltimore web design agency
Atlanta web design agency
Fort Myers web design agency
and 30 other locations
With over 155 web design awards, our web design services result in safer, functional platforms that can increase your revenue and earn valuable sales, leads, and traffic. Contact us online today or call 888-601-5359 to speak with our helpful team members!
