Websites are under constant attack from hackers. These cybercriminals use various methods to gain access to website servers, including SQL injection attacks, phishing scams, and malware infections. As a website owner, it’s essential to protect your site from these threats. 

Here are some tips to keep your website safe from hackers.

Manage your digital certificates

Digital certificates and keys encrypt communications between your website and visitors’ browsers. There are many risks of unmanaged certificates. They can easily be stolen or compromised if they are not appropriately managed. This can leave your website vulnerable to hackers who can intercept traffic and steal sensitive data. Be sure to properly work your digital certificates and keys, using strong passwords and storing them in a safe location.

Install security updates and patches

One of the most important things you can do to protect your website from hackers is to keep your software up to date. That includes the operating system, web server, database server, and any applications running on your site. New security patches are released regularly to address vulnerabilities that have been discovered. Hackers are constantly trying to exploit these vulnerabilities, so it’s important to install updates as soon as they are available.

Use a web application firewall

A web application firewall (WAF) is a security system that sits between your website and visitors’ browsers. It filters traffic and blocks requests that contain malicious code. This can protect your site from SQL injection attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, and other web-based threats.

Update your software regularly

Outdated software is one of the most common ways hackers gain access to websites. Regularly updating your content management system (CMS) and plugins can close any security holes that hackers might exploit. Newer software versions usually include security enhancements that make it more difficult for hackers to access your site.

Use strong passwords

Another way that hackers gain access to websites is by brute-forcing password guessing. To prevent this attack, use strong passwords that are difficult to guess. Also, consider using two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of protection. 

You can also use a strong password manager. A password manager stores all of your passwords in a secure location and can automatically generate strong passwords for you. This can make it difficult for hackers to guess your passwords and makes it easier for you to remember them.

There are many different password managers available, both free and paid. Be sure to choose one that is reputable and has a robust security protocol. And be sure to keep your password manager’s master password safe and secure.

Scan for malware

Malicious code can be injected into your website without you even knowing it. That’s why it’s important to regularly scan your site for malware and remove any infected files as soon as possible. Several security plugins can help with this task.  

You should also scan any files you upload to your site before adding them. This includes images, videos, and other types of media files. Use a reliable virus scanner to check these files for malware before uploading them to your site.

Back up your site regularly

You’ll want a recent backup to restore your website quickly if your website gets hacked. How frequently you need to back up your site will depend on how often it’s updated, but once per week is generally a good rule of thumb.

There are many different ways to back up your website. You can use a plugin, manually copy files to a separate location, or use a cloud-based backup service. Be sure to choose a method that’s right for you and your site.

Protect sensitive information with HTTPS

Any time-sensitive information transmitted on your websites, such as customer credit card numbers or login credentials, should be done over a secure HTTPS connection. This will encrypt the data and prevent hackers from intercepting it in transit.

To set up HTTPS on your website, you’ll need to purchase an SSL certificate and install it on your web server. Once installed, you can enable HTTPS for your entire site or specific pages.

Monitor your website traffic

It’s important to be aware of the traffic going in and out of your website. By monitoring your site’s traffic, you can quickly identify any suspicious activity and take action to stop it. This can be done with a security plugin or by monitoring your server’s log files.

If you notice unusual traffic patterns, such as a sudden influx of traffic from an unknown location, your site may be under attack. Be sure to investigate these incidents and take steps to protect your site.

Hire a professional

You can always hire a professional if you’re not confident in your ability to protect your website from hackers. Many companies offer website security services, including malware removal and firewalls.

Hiring a professional can be a good investment, especially if your website is large or complex. But it’s important to research and choose a reputable company that will keep your site safe.

Final Thoughts

Following these tips can help keep your website safe from hackers. However, it’s important to note that no website is entirely secure. Even with the best security measures in place, risks of unmanaged certificates, malware, and more are always a possibility. That’s why it’s crucial to plan what to do if your site is hacked. By preparing for this possibility, you can minimize the damage and get your website back up and running as quickly as possible.