We’ve come to an age where web security is one of the buzzwords on the tip of most tongues. Whether you are a high-flying business, or a company just starting out, the importance of preserving your web security cannot be underestimated in the midst of some truly high-profile breaches over the last few years. And in such case, a secure coding training plan for businesses can really come in handy.
This is an industry which has exploded in size over recent years; so much so that some investment companies, like C5 Capital, founded by Andre Pienaar, have been formed that make it their aim just to invest in businesses within this sector.
Regardless of your company’s size, if you have a website there are various steps to follow to make it secure. Today, we have detailed some of the most important.
HTTPs is now essential
Had this article been penned several years ago, this might not have been the answer. After all, back then HTTPs was something which tended to only be used on payment pages, or other pages that required users to provide sensitive information.
Now, things have turned on their head. Google has initiated a real push to make all websites use the HTTPs protocol, and those that don’t will be branded “not secure” by Chrome browsers.
By going HTTPs, you don’t just prevent the above, but let’s not forget that you also encrypt your user’s data so it’s nigh-on impossible for their personal credentials to be intercepted and misused.
Install the latest updates
Nowadays, most websites use some sort of out-of-the-box software, with WordPress currently the most popular content management system out there.
However, one of the drawbacks of this popularity is that hackers take pride in attempting to sabotage it. This is the reason so many updates are released each year and, in a bid to protect your website, you really must look to install these patches as soon as they are available. They close any security loops that cyber criminals find, and make your website much less vulnerable from attack.
Be wary with file uploads
This is one of those suggestions that isn’t going to be relevant to everyone, but if your website does provide any sort of file upload service, we really would urge you to exercise caution.
This is one of the easiest ways for a cybercriminal to take advantage and upload files that can wreak all kinds of damage to your site and server.
The best solution? Either prevent uploads, or at least restrict them to very simple file types that won’t cause any harm.
Don’t leave footprints
Finally, whenever possible, try to avoid leaving footprints. In the case of your CMS, this might involve using a plugin that hides which version you are using – just so hackers don’t quite know which security vulnerabilities you are open to. Or, in the case of your admin area, name it something bizarre so that outsiders can’t access the login page easily.
Small suggestions like the above can make the world of difference in your bid to fight against cyber security, and can at least act as a deterrent.
