Is Your Business’s Website Secure?

Understanding the security of your website and company data is crucial for any business. While creating a website can be relatively straightforward, building one that effectively secures your financial and user data is more complex. In recent years, content management systems like WordPress and Laravel have gained popularity, but hackers are increasingly exploiting these template-driven platforms to access the backend and steal user data. It is essential for business owners to secure their sites and implement additional security measures. Here are some key points to consider to ensure your website and data remain secure.

Key Security Considerations

Is your site hosted on a secure server with a valid SSL certificate?
Any site that collects private information from its users needs to use HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) to protect against data interception. An SSL certificate encrypts data, making it harder to breach.

Does your website have complicated passwords?
All users with access to your website's backend should use complex passwords that include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. This should be a mandatory requirement for signing in.

Does your website have a firewall?
A firewall can automatically block duplicate IP addresses, preventing hackers and spammers from registering multiple accounts from the same device.

Does your site have custom coding?
Custom-coded designs are preferable to template-based platforms because templates are more predictable and, therefore, more vulnerable to hacking.

Are your plugins up to date?
Regularly updating software and plugins is crucial for maintaining security.

Are you protected from malware?
Ensure that your PC, network, and website are safeguarded against malware. Malware can cause significant damage to your data and can infiltrate your devices and backend. Implementing a firewall, as well as security and anti-spam software, will help protect your systems.

Is your wireless network secure?
Wireless networks are easy targets for hackers. Strengthen your router with strong encryption and disable the broadcast function to keep your network hidden from potential attackers.

Has old data been disposed of properly?
Old and unnecessary digital data must be disposed of appropriately. This involves scrubbing old storage devices to prevent private data from being recovered later. Simply reinstalling your operating system or deleting files is not enough, as data can often be retrieved. Instead, your IT professional should overwrite the data multiple times to ensure it cannot be recovered.

The Bottom Line

While a DIY website may seem like an easy option for a busy business owner, neglecting security can lead to severe consequences. A cyber breach can disrupt your entire business, resulting in downtime and significant expenses. Securing your website and company data requires layered security measures. Although this may seem costly, the repercussions of not doing so can be far more expensive. Merchant Capital offers cash advances in less than 48 hours, which can help fund your efforts to safeguard your website. For more information, contact Merchant Capital today.

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