7 Ways To Improve Your Website Security In 2023

It doesn’t matter if you are starting out or if you’ve had your website for years already, you need to put the security of your website first. We often hear about hackers destroying businesses and leaking or stealing sensitive information. The most tragic aspect of these situations is that they are usually avoidable. Keep reading to learn how to improve your website security.

Hacker attacks are a common occurrence. The targets are often businesses that are on the rise. So, you can’t just prepare; you also need to be aware of the threats you face. You also need to understand that it’s not just you who is a target for hackers; it’s your customers as well. That is why, to help you, we have created a list of 7 ways to improve your website security in 2023.

1. Stay Up To Date With Your Software

You may believe that once you develop your website, you can use it indefinitely as it is. However, this is not the case. You can look at it this way: after a building’s construction has been completed, it must be maintained, or it will fall into disrepair. This is what will occur if you do not regularly update your website.

Updates to a website are just that, maintenance. Other than that, if you use widgets, scripts, or other software on your website, you must also maintain their current versions. Hackers actively probe popular online software for security flaws. Therefore, to maintain the security of your website, you must update your software regularly. Additionally, incorporating ASPM security ensures that your website’s application posture is continuously monitored, identifying any vulnerabilities that could expose your site to potential threats.

2. Implement A Strict Password Policy

Good passwords will be your first line of defense when it comes to making your website more secure. Most people associate hackers with programmers who use complex code to circumvent a website’s defenses. In reality, most hackers will go after people’s passwords. As a result, enforcing a strict password policy can significantly reduce the threat of hackers.

Another great thing about this security measure is that it’s free of charge. Implement a system that requires your customers/clients to create robust passwords when registering. Passwords should be complex to avoid brute force attacks, incorporating capital letters, lowercase letters, digits, and special characters. Passwords must be at least ten characters in length. This password policy should be implemented throughout your company. You should also consider performing a password strength test regularly to ensure your customers’ passwords are strong and secure against potential threats.

3. Choose Your Hosting Provider Carefully

Most people make a great effort to prevent potential security vulnerabilities in web development, but they forget about it when choosing a hosting provider. Selecting a safe and reliable web hosting provider is critical to the security of your website. That is why you should ensure that the host you choose is aware of potential risks and committed to keeping your website safe.

If your website is under attack, your host should back up your data to a distant server and make it simple to recover. Choose a host who provides continuous technical help as needed. For our clients, CommonPlaces offers safe, dependable hosting.

4. Purchase An SSL Certificate

SSL encrypts your data as it travels across different computer networks. It provides data integrity, privacy, and security for your website’s data and critical client information. This is important because when you send information to another user, the data goes through many servers before the information arrives at its destination.

The issue is that if your data is not encrypted, hackers can access it at any point during the transfer of information. However, if you use an SSL to secure your data, only the intended receiver can view it. This implies that all information, including the customer’s payment card number and passwords, is safe from unauthorized users. As a result, to strengthen website security, you should get an SSL certificate.

5. Use Data Protection Tools 

Microsoft recorded more than 600 million malware infections just last year. Furthermore, there have been a large number of ransomware attacks. Based on these statistics, you can see how important it is to develop basic website security policies for your website to combat this threat. Ransomware is an example of malicious software that causes extensive collateral damage.

When a hacker installs ransomware programs on your website, you and your users are at risk. Furthermore, this could cost your business a lot of money. A ransomware application usually encrypts the content of your website and locks you out.

However, many software companies have created data protection tools to combat this issue over the years. These tools can help your business run safely and keep sensitive information secure. Malware assaults will not catch you off guard this way. However, comprehensive malware protection requires selecting the finest anti-malware applications with robust capabilities. Therefore, if you decide to use any protection tools, choose carefully. 

6. Turn To Cyber Security Experts For Help

Hiring a company that provides security services could benefit you in more ways than one. While you can handle minor security issues yourself, you should leave more significant security issues to professionals. Companies that provide security services can:

• Scan your website for vulnerabilities regularly.
• Complete comprehensive website security audits.
• Monitor for harmful activity.

Aside from that, you can rely on them for advice on any new additions you want to make to your website. You will be able to ensure that all bases are covered in terms of hacker risk.

7. Make Sure To Back Up All Of Your Data Regularly

And the last of the seven ways to improve your website security in 2023 is the tried and true backup. Backups are just common sense recommendations that anyone should follow, regardless of the type of website they are running.

This will protect you from hackers and other issues that may compromise your data. You should keep backups of all your website files in case your site becomes unavailable, or your data is destroyed. Although your web host provider should back up their servers, you should still do it with your data regularly. Some content management systems feature plugins or extensions that can back up your site for you. However, it’s always a good idea to do it yourself to be sure.

We hope this article has helped you improve your website security in 2023.