Hacked! Tips on Creating a More Secure Website

Do you own a website? Is your website secure? Have you taken the necessary precautions to protect your business and online customers? With the malicious DDoS attack in October, it’s time we start taking cyber security more seriously. Sure, cyber security can be complicated and confusing, but that doesn’t mean we put it to the side. You are 100% responsible for safeguarding the information you collect through your website (credit card numbers, address information, social security numbers, etc), and are in charge of protecting your own data.  Don’t give hackers the opportunity to ruin your business and put your customers in potential danger.

Creating a secure website is more than installing a plug in or changing a few passwords - hackers are always looking for ways to break the latest security updates. Protect your business and your customers’ credit card information by following the simple steps below. For more website security information and service information, contact the security experts at FireDrum.

FireDrum Security Checklist

Perform Daily or Weekly Backups
We recommend backing up your website at least once a week. If you’re regularly updating content or have other multiple admins on your site, back it up daily. We hope you never have to use the backups after following the website security tips below, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you’re not sure how to create full-website backups, contact your hosting site. Many hosts (like FireDrum), create automatic daily backups to protect the content and style of your site.

Generate Secure Passwords and Update Often

Yes, we know it’s annoying when websites require one capital letter, at least one number, two special characters, a total of eight characters, an arm and at least two legs. Believe us when we say: it’s for your own protection. Hackers will try anything from the common “Abc123!” passwords to your mother’s birthday. Create passwords that are complex, carry no meaning and are not related to your business whatsoever.

Password generators, like WordPress’ automatic generator, come in handy. Easily generate a passcode underneath your account settings, store it somewhere safe and then easily generate a new passcode three months later. (Repeat until all computers and robots are destroyed).

Let the Webmasters Update your Site

With websites built on platforms like WordPress, Big Commerce and Shopify, it’s important that you let the website maintenance professionals handle all plug-in, theme and CMS updates. Updates are meant to help reduce security breeches and keep your website’s functionality high, but sometimes aren’t compatible with certain plug-ins or features. Passing all update notifications to the webmasters at FireDrum will allow us to evaluate what needs to be done and when.

Stay Up-To-Date on Who Can Access Your Site

Who has your website password? Who is labeled as an administrator? Better yet, how many people have your passwords and how many are labeled as administrators? It’s vital that you keep track of who can login to you website for security purposes and personal preferences. The more people who have total access to your site may increase security vulnerabilities, while the more angry ex-employees you have with access passwords may increase vengeful behavior.

Just like Facebook, you’re able to adjust the labels (or permissions), of each user. For example, employees that only publish new blog posts or change page content, set their status to “editor.” Remember to keep backups of your site and content!

The size of your business does not matter. Hackers will hack with every chance they get. By adjusting the permissions you have set for every employee, you’re limiting potential threats.

Get your SSL Certificate

Maintaining an SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is essential to your website. In short, SSL’s protect your customer’s information as it passes through web servers and browsers. The little green security lock and ‘https’ tag that appears after you purchase the SSL certificate shows customers that your website is trustworthy.

Research and Invest in Malware Detectors

When browsing the web, have you ever ran into a site that immediately cuts you off with   virus warning? Some browsers have built-in malware detectors. These detectors protect you from hackers infecting your site and, in turn, your customer’s computers. Yikes!

Protect your website by investing in a powerful malware detector. These detectors can quickly and efficiently dispose of malware that would jeopardize your safety and your sales.

Two OR Three Step Credit Card Verifications

Sure, it may be annoying to enter those extra three digits on the back of your credit card when making a purchase, but it’s an extra step of precaution. Protect your company against fraud by requiring the purchaser’s CVV and AVS (address verification), at check out.  For more information on installing CVV verifications into your eCommerce forms, contact FireDrum.

Protect your website by investing in a powerful malware detector. These detectors can quickly and efficiently dispose of malware that would jeopardize your safety and your sales.

Final Notes

Protect your business, your customers and your sales by following these few simple website security measures. Cyber security can be overwhelming and confusing, but it is an unavoidable if your run an online business. Need help starting the security process? Contact our experts at FireDrum, today.

Hacked? Need your website cleaned up and secured? Our webmasters can help. Contact us, today.