Cybersecurity is more than just having a firewall on your website.
It is about ensuring that any and all data on your website is protected via encryption, as well as about limiting access and, in essence, building a digital fortress!
This is, of course, a bit technical for many people, which can lead to oversights and mistakes when setting up a webpage, which may cost you a fortune in revenue and reputation later.
So, what are the most common security mistakes you should avoid when getting your website online?
Weak Passwords
You may think that having a password like “12345” is OK for your website’s admin. Of course, it isn’t! Hackers will usually rely on simplistic passwords to get access to sensitive data stored on your page.
It is wise to update the passwords to payment information or shipping addresses regularly, as well as having software installed to protect passwords, so you will be alerted when someone is trying to hack your website. If you aren’t sure about the best software options to prevent this, it is worth contacting a cybersecurity team like Red Canary for advice.
Outdated Software
It is true that when most people or businesses are trying to set up their websites, they will usually look for the cheapest option. This can and does often equate to installing outdated software or installing the most recent version of software and then not updating it.
As you can guess, both are bad and can be a hindrance to your website’s cybersecurity. If you can, aim to install software that updates automatically, or, if you are using third-party software, be sure to audit it at least once a month to ensure that there are no security issues that could be used by hackers.
Poor Data Storage
When hackers attack websites, they are usually after two things: payment information, or data and sensitive data, such as the addresses of customers.
You should always aim to place such data behind a firewall, but do not store the passwords in plain text. Instead, aim to use hashing passwords and be sure that the website encrypts data that is stored.
No Employee Training
If you have an online platform for customers to buy goods, or for clients to book your services, then you will need to make sure that all of your staff are up to date on how to keep the data and the page safe. Luckily, these courses don’t cost a fortune, and there are even some free options, such as the ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training. This will ensure that you and all of your staff are able to detect unusual activity on your company page and to create an action plan should this happen to neutralise the threat.
Wi-Fi Security
It can feel like an additional cost if you are a small business owner, but you need to ensure that you have your own Wi-Fi network, rather than relying on free or public access Wi-Fi. Even if you have your own business Wi-Fi, it is also suggested that you use a VPN to be safe! Hackers can easily get access to your website via public access Wi-Fi, as such platforms are able to transmit sensitive data to the public forum. So, be sure that the only Wi-Fi you use comes with a password!
If you aren’t sure about cybersecurity when building a webpage, it is well worth hiring the help of a website designer, who can install these features and protections. If you already have a webpage and are worried about its integrity, contact a cybersecurity team.
