Your website may be one of your organisation's most important digital assets. It represents your business, generates enquiries, provides information to customers and, in some cases, connects directly with other business systems.
But how often do you think about its security?
Website security requires ongoing management to reduce vulnerabilities and protect both the organisation and its users.
Keep Software Up to Date
Modern websites commonly rely on a combination of a CMS, themes, modules, plugins and other software components.
Security vulnerabilities can occasionally be discovered within any of these components. Developers regularly release updates and patches to address them, which is why keeping website software up to date is important.
A website that has been left untouched for several years may continue to appear perfectly functional while running outdated software behind the scenes.
Control Who Has Access
Weak or compromised login credentials can provide another route into a website.
Administrator accounts should only be provided to people who genuinely require them. Strong passwords and multi-factor authentication should be used where available, and accounts belonging to former employees or suppliers should be removed.
It is also sensible to review access permissions periodically rather than allowing administrator accounts to accumulate indefinitely.
Look Beyond the Padlock
Most users recognise the padlock symbol in their browser as a sign that a website is secure.
An SSL certificate is important because it encrypts information travelling between the visitor and the website. However, SSL alone doesn't mean the entire website is secure.
Server configuration, software updates, access controls, application security and monitoring all contribute to the wider picture.
Have Reliable Backups
Even with good security practices, organisations should prepare for the possibility of something going wrong.
Regular website backups provide an important layer of protection. These should be stored appropriately and, importantly, organisations should know that they can actually be restored.
A backup that has never been tested may not provide the reassurance you expect.
Consider Your Hosting Environment
Website security also depends on where and how the site is hosted.
A professionally managed hosting environment should include appropriate server maintenance, monitoring and security measures. The exact requirements will depend on the website and the sensitivity of the systems and information involved.
Higher-risk websites may require additional monitoring and protection.
Security Is an Ongoing Process
Cyber security threats continually develop, so website security cannot be treated as a one-off exercise completed when a site launches.
Regular maintenance, updates, backups and reviews all help reduce risk.
At BBI Brandboost, website hosting and ongoing support form an important part of our web development services. Whether we're developing a new website or supporting an established platform, we consider security, performance and maintainability together.
The important question isn't simply whether your website is secure today. It's whether you have the processes in place to keep it that way.