Simple Ways to Increase the Security of Your Website

You don't need to be a security expert to protect your website. These simple steps make a big difference.

Website security can sound intimidating, but most protection comes down to good habits. Here are simple, effective steps any business can take.

Choose secure hosting

A reputable host with firewalls, malware scanning and isolated accounts is your first line of defence.

Keep software current

Updates often fix security holes. Set a regular schedule, or automate safely.

Control who has access

Review user accounts regularly and remove anyone who no longer needs access, such as former staff or developers.

Use HTTPS

Encrypt all traffic with an SSL certificate.

Protect your forms

Use spam protection and server-side validation on every form.

Secure your domain and email

Enable registrar lock and two-factor authentication, and set up email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) to stop people spoofing your email address.

Have a recovery plan

Know where your backups are and how to restore them. Test it once in a while.

Need a security check-up? Our team can help.

Key takeaways

This guide on security of your website covered:

• Choose secure hosting
• Keep software current
• Control who has access
• Use HTTPS
• Protect your forms
• Secure your domain and email

Security of your website checklist

Use this checklist to put the ideas above into practice:

• A firewall and malware scanning are active
• Email uses SPF, DKIM and DMARC to avoid the spam folder
• Hosting resources match your traffic
• Software, plugins and the server are updated regularly
• SSL is installed and renews automatically
• Admin accounts use strong passwords and two-factor login
• Uptime is monitored with alerts
• Daily backups are stored off the server and tested

Key terms explained

CDN

A content delivery network that serves your files from locations near each visitor, making pages load faster.

SPF, DKIM and DMARC

Email authentication records that prove messages really come from your domain and keep them out of spam.

Backup retention

How many past backups are kept and for how long, so you can restore from before a problem started.

DNS

The system that points your domain name to your server and email provider.

VPS

A virtual private server with dedicated resources, suited to busier sites, online stores and web apps.

Malware

Harmful code that attackers inject into websites to steal data, show spam or redirect visitors.

Uptime

The share of time your website is online; good hosts aim for 99.9% or better.

Security of your website FAQ

Why do my website emails go to spam?

Usually because the domain is missing SPF, DKIM or DMARC records, or the server has a poor sending reputation. Fixing these records makes a big difference.

What type of hosting does my website need?

Small business sites run well on good shared or managed hosting; busy online stores and web apps usually need a VPS or cloud server with more resources.

Why is SSL important?

SSL encrypts data between visitors and your site, shows the padlock in browsers and is a small ranking signal. Browsers warn visitors about sites without it.

What is website uptime monitoring?

A service that checks your site every few minutes and alerts you if it goes down, so problems are fixed before customers notice.

How do I know if my website has been hacked?

Warning signs include strange redirects, unknown admin users, spam pages in Google results, browser warnings or a sudden slowdown. Regular scanning catches problems early.

How often should a website be backed up?

At least daily for active sites, with copies stored somewhere other than the server. Backups only count if you have tested restoring them.

How DigiGlobal can help

DigiGlobal provides fast, secure hosting with SSL, daily backups, updates and monitoring, and can move your existing website with no downtime. If you have questions about security of your website for your own business, our team is happy to help.

• Web Hosting & Domains: Fast, secure hosting with real humans to help when something goes wrong.
• Web Development: Websites and web apps that are quick, secure and built to grow with your business.
• Website Design: Good design isn't decoration. It's the reason a visitor stays, trusts you and picks up the phone.