Let’s dive into all digital safety measures and security tools to keep your digital life as a new website owner happy:
1 – Secure Passwords
Creating strong, unique passwords is a basic yet effective way to protect your online accounts, including your website’s administrative login. Avoid easily guessable passwords like “123456” or “password.” Instead, craft complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to reach a higher level of digital safety. If you own a website, ensure that your content management system and hosting accounts use secure passwords which are not the same. Consider using a password manager tool to store and manage your passwords securely.
2 – Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of digital safety to your accounts. With 2FA, even if someone gains access to your password, they can’t enter your account without a second authentication method, such as a code sent to your phone or email. Enable 2FA whenever possible, especially for sensitive accounts like your website’s content management system and email.
3 – Keep Software Up to Date
Keep your website’s software, plugins, and themes up to date. Just like your personal devices, websites are vulnerable to security threats if not properly maintained. Regularly update your content management system and plugins to patch security vulnerabilities. Failing to update leaves your website exposed to potential threats.
4 – Be Cautious with Email
Phishing emails pose a significant threat not only to your personal accounts but also to your website. Cybercriminals may attempt to gain access to your website by tricking you into revealing login credentials or sensitive information. Be extra cautious when opening email attachments or clicking on links, especially if the email seems suspicious or originates from an unknown sender. Verify the sender’s legitimacy before taking any action to protect your website and personal accounts.
5 – Use Secure Wi-Fi Networks
When connecting to Wi-Fi networks, ensure they are secure. This is particularly important if you need to access your website’s backend while on the go. Avoid using public, unsecured Wi-Fi networks for tasks that involve sensitive information. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection and protect your data, including your website’s data. Keep your digital safety in mind when you are out and about.
6 – Regularly Back Up Your Data
Data loss can be disastrous, whether it’s your personal data or critical website content. Backup tools create copies of your website, allowing you to restore it to a previous state in case of data loss or a security breach.
Use Security Software For Your Website
There are various security software and tools available to enhance the security and protection of your website. These tools serve provide various layers of security to safeguard your website from potential threats. Here are some common security software and tools for website owners and what they do:
Firewalls: Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) and network firewalls are essential security tools. WAFs specifically protect your website from malicious traffic. Network firewalls, on the other hand, control network traffic to and from your server, blocking unwanted or harmful traffic.
Antivirus and Malware Scanners: These tools scan your website’s files and databases for known malware, viruses, and malicious code. They can help identify and remove malicious files, preventing them from harming your website and its visitors.
SSL Certificates: Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates encrypt data transmitted between your website and its visitors. This encryption is crucial for protecting sensitive information, such as login credentials and payment details, and helps in establishing trust with your audience.
Security Plugins: If your website is built on a CMS like WordPress, there are various security plugins available. These plugins offer features like login attempt monitoring, brute force protection, and file integrity checks to secure your site.
Vulnerability Scanners: These tools scan your website for vulnerabilities, such as outdated software, plugins, and themes. They help you identify weak points that could be exploited by attackers, allowing you to patch them promptly.
There are also File Integrity Monitoring tools that continuously checks your website’s files and alerts you if any changes are detected. Database Security Tools protect sensitive data by preventing unauthorised access.
User Authentication and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Tools for managing user authentication and access control are crucial for restricting access to sensitive areas of your website. They help ensure that only authorised users can make changes to your site. IDS systems continuously monitor your website for signs of suspicious activity.
Content Delivery Network (CDN): CDNs can help protect your website by providing DDoS protection, caching, and filtering out malicious traffic before it reaches your web server.
Staying informed about the latest online threats and safe practices is not only important for personal accounts but also for the security of your website. The specific tools you choose will depend on your website’s platform, complexity, and the level of security required. Regular updates, monitoring, and proactive security measures are key to maintaining digital safety including a secure and trusted online presence.
