Cybersecurity is a constant threat to businesses and private entities all around the world. Websites get hacked every day, and some of those hacks can be disastrous to a company, especially as a small business. And as the hacking attempts become more sophisticated, it’s important to make website security a priority.
Sites that lack proper security measures leave themselves open to hacking, phishing, data breaches, and even lawsuits, if client data is improperly secured. Small businesses are a prime target for hackers because many times, small businesses are more likely to lack robust website security than larger corporations.
It’s essential to identify and resolve any weaknesses in your website before a malicious actor does. Taking a proactive approach can protect you and your customers. We will explain why it is essential to have a secured website, as well as its benefits.
What Exactly Is Website Security?
Website security is protecting your website from unauthorized access or from being hacked. When a website gets hacked, not only can important information be compromised, but the hacker can also take complete control of the site, and even use it as a staging point for other attacks.
Why Is Website Security So Important Now?
Website security is essential to protect your business, your brand, and your reputation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hackers have taken advantage of the fact that so many people are now online more frequently. The FBI reported 791,790 complaints of cybercrimes (up 300,000 from 2019). And with today’s more sophisticated malware, a cybercriminal can enter your website and stay hidden, and you may not even realize they are there.
Website Security Requirements
- SSL Certificate — An SSL Certificate protects the data your website collects as it gets transferred to the server from your website. Many search engines will label websites without SSL as “insecure,” which will likely make visitors hesitate to visit your site.
- Web Application Firewall (WAF) — A WAF can stop automated attacks on lesser-known sites. During these attacks, bad bots automatically look for website vulnerabilities.
- Software Updates — Most programs and plugins will have regular updates to their software that contain security patches to protect you from known threats. Make sure to update your software regularly.
- Website Scanner — A website scanner will detect malware and any other vulnerabilities or security issues. It will remove the malware, scan your website regularly, and alert you if anything is detected.
Benefits of Having a Secure Website
1. Keeping Your Customer Information Safe
As a small business owner, it is vital to ensure that your website is secure and that your customers can trust it. Website security will ensure that your customer’s personal information does not fall into the wrong hands.
Even if you don’t collect personal information on your website, your customers are still at risk. Hackers can take over your website, build pages, and send emails from your domain name that look just like they are coming from you. When unsuspecting customers receive that email, they are likely to provide the requested information because they genuinely believe you are the one requesting the information.
2. Better Website Speed and Experience
Malware and viruses can slow down your website’s loading speed and even cause your website to go offline. You also have to keep in mind that if a visitor has anti-virus software on their computer and the software detects suspicious activity — they will be notified and urged to leave the website. That kind of insecurity could cause your visitor to leave your site and find what they need elsewhere. Worse yet, the portrayal of your website as potentially malicious or untrustworthy can damage your credibility and reputation.
3. Your SEO Will Get a Boost
Having a secure, quality website will help you rank higher in search engine rankings. So, by increasing your website security, your business stands to be put in front of more potential customers than if it were compromised or unsecured.
Let HPX Media Secure Your Website
It’s important to make sure that your website is a safe place for your customers. If you put website security on the back burner, you risk a security breach that can incur significant costs, scare away your customers and result in losing business. Don’t worry — you don’t have to tackle website security alone.
When you trust the experts at HPX Media with your website, you can rest easy knowing that your website is safe. We have provided reliable service and advice to customers for almost a decade.
Our WordPress Integrity Plans include 24/7 uptime monitoring, real-time security protection, malware scanning, and WordPress component updates. You will also receive monthly reports to keep you in the loop with any issues we may have found and fixed. We will also back up your website regularly, and we visit each of our client’s websites monthly to ensure that your site is working the way it should.
Don’t wait. Schedule a free consultation today, and let us handle your website so you can get back to what you do best.
