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Writer's pictureBarb Ferrigno

10 Best Practices to Protect Your Website from Malware & Cyber-Hacking



In recent years, the ease of creating websites has increased. Thanks to content management systems (CMS) like WordPress and Joomla for their handy features because of that business owners can now manage their websites without technical knowledge. But it is their responsibility to keep a website secure, they need to learn how to secure their website. When customers use an online payment option, they want their personal information to be safe.


Whether you run a small business or an enterprise, users expect a great online experience with the use of the latest features like WooCommerce product labels and badges and advanced data protection. It is necessary to take precautionary measures to improve the security of your website. It helps to hide information from prying eyes. If you have a website, it's better to be safe than sorry.


Following are the ten best practices to protect your website from malware & cyber-hacking.


#1. Use a Firewall

Windows and macOS have built-in firewalls, software designed to create a barrier between your data and the outside world. Firewalls prevent unauthorized access to your business website and alert you to intrusion attempts.


Before connecting to the Internet, make sure the firewall is active. You can also purchase a firewall from companies such as Cisco, Sophos, or Fortinet, depending on your cellular network, which also has a firewall. If you have a more significant business, you can purchase a Business Networking Firewall.


#2. Keep Software and Plugins Up to Date

Every day, countless websites are at risk due to outdated software. Hackers and bots are looking for places to attack.


Updates are critical to the health and safety of your website. If your website or applications are not up to date, your site is not secure. Take all requests for software and software updates automatically.


Updates often include security improvements and bug fixes. Visit your website for details or add contact information. Some settings allow automatic updates; this is another option to keep the site secure.


The longer you wait, the less secure your website is. Make updating your website and its components a high priority.


#3. Protect against Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Attacks

By inserting malicious JavaScript into your code, hackers can steal data and enter cookies when you select or register. Install firewalls and protect your pages from JavaScript injection. Learn about web design and development.


Cross-site attacks (XSS) are a type of injection that injects malicious text into secure and trusted websites. XSS attacks typically occur when an attacker sends malicious code to another user using a web application.


The problems that allow these attacks to be successful are widespread, and the website uses the user's actions to get them without authentication or encryption.


#4. Practice Good Password Management

We have a lot of passwords, and it's easy for us to use shortcuts, like reusing the same password repeatedly. Password management can help you maintain strong and complex passwords for all your accounts. These programs can generate strong passwords, automatically encrypt your password, and remind you to update your passwords periodically.


#5. Use Two-factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA), sometimes referred to as two-step verification or two-factor authentication, is a security process that gives users two authentication credentials.


It better implements dual authentication to protect the user's credentials and available resources. Two-factor authentication provides a higher level of security than authentication methods based on one-factor authentication (SFA), where the user authenticates only one factor, usually a password or passcode. Two-factor authentication methods—relying on the user providing a password as the first and second unique factor—are traditionally a security token or a biometric device such as a fingerprint.


Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to the authentication process, making it difficult for attackers to access a person's devices or online information, even if the password is compromised. Victim's password, only one password is used. More is needed to get certified.


#6. Watch out for SQL Injection

SQL injection attacks are when an attacker uses a web form field or URL tag to access or use your database. When using standard Transact SQL, it is easy to accidentally insert rogue code into a query that can be used to alter tables, retrieve data, and delete data. You can easily prevent this by using particular questions, many online languages ​​have this feature, and it is easy to implement.


#7. Control What Data Users Upload to the Website

In case users need to upload files, it is necessary to specify which extensions are allowed and the maximum allowed file size. Also, please do not neglect to scan the provided files, as they may contain malicious content. The files supplied must be kept away from the room box so that even if some types of malware are present, they do not compromise the functionality of the website and the security of its data.


#8. Automate the Attack

While there is no substitute for a real hacker to check the security of your website, there are tools widely available on the Internet that can do the job for you, though at a low level.

A word of warning, though, these tools must be used by a professional or tester because if the device succeeds in using your site, you will end up in trouble. There are many automated tests for test results, and a quick Google search will reveal many options.


They all work permanently where; they are equipped with several user guides that they implement one at a time until their entire stable. So, they experiment with dynamic power and automatically explore all options.


#9. Back up Your Computer

If your business doesn't support your hard drive, you should start doing so now. It is essential to save your data in case hackers gain access and damage your device.


Always make sure you can recover quickly after any hack or data loss. The built-in utilities in macOS (Time Machine) and Windows (File History) are an excellent place to start. There can also be enough space to use these practical applications well.


#10. Regularly Scan Your Server

A piece of malicious code placed on your site can have dire consequences. Of course, you want to try to prevent this by controlling what can be sent to any part of your site, but hackers will always find a way.


For example, an attacker can put malicious code in a comment on your blog, which can cause a lot of damage to another user who sees it. When loading an account, this malicious code can cause anything from opening a pop-up window to a malicious redirect, a stolen session or password, and even a complete computer compromise.


Therefore, it is recommended to regularly scan the server for Trojans, malware, and other malicious files using a tool like Lynis, i.e., antivirus software for your server. Any potential problems will be detected and fixed before they cause serious problems.


Conclusion

You must build a website and remember it as a business owner and web admin. Although creating sites is easier than ever, it does not change the fact that security must be maintained.

Always be vigilant when protecting information about your company and customers. Whether your website accepts online payments or personal information, information about visitors entering your website should be in safe hands.


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