The importance of website security: How to protect your site from cyber threats

Every day, thousands of websites become targets of cyberattacks. And it’s not only large corporations at risk. In 2023, an estimated 41% of small businesses suffered from cyberattacks—almost doubling from 22% in 2021. (Insurance Business, 2024) 

The need for a secure website has never been greater. Website security measures protect sensitive information, establish trust, and ensure peace of mind for website owners and visitors alike. 

What is website security, exactly? And what common website security threats should you be aware of? This guide answers these essential questions to help you safeguard your site.  

What is website security?

Website security is anything and everything done to protect a website from digital threats. Common website security threats might include hacking, malware, and data breaches. 

Rather than relying on a single line of defense, robust security measures involve several layers, including:

• Encryption to protect data during transfer.
• Web application firewalls to block unauthorized access.
• Regular maintenance to proactively address vulnerabilities. 

Such web security measures are essential for safeguarding sensitive information. Customer data, financial records, and private business details are especially at risk.

Why website security is important

Some 60% of small businesses hit by a cyber attack closed within six months. (Business Dasher, 2024) This statistic highlights the seriousness of website security breaches.  But what exactly drives these businesses to shut down after a security breach? 

There are a few major factors:

• Data loss – Cyberattacks can result in the permanent loss of sensitive data. Recovery can be challenging without proper backup and security measures in place.
• Reputational damage – One survey found that 55% of customers are less likely to do business with a brand that’s experienced a security breach. (Strong DM, 2024) Regardless of the reason for the breach, customer trust erodes quickly and isn’t easily regained.
• Financial challenges – The previous challenges often snowball into a financial one. Data recovery costs, legal penalties, revenue loss from website downtime, and reduced customer trust all place an overwhelming financial strain on businesses.

Protecting information and preserving customer trust are both critical factors for web security and sustainable business growth. 

Pro Tip: Stay ahead of potential threats by using tools like Name.com’s website monitoring and malware removal solutions. They detect malware early and protect your business from costly downtime.

Common website security threats

The first step to protecting your website is understanding its potential threats. While there are countless possible security risks, a few of the most common include: 

• Malware – Short for “malicious software,” malware can be hidden in various website components, such as plugins or themes. Once installed, it can steal data, redirect visitors, or even turn your website into a source of malicious code.
• Phishing attacks – Phishing attackers send fake emails to trick users into providing sensitive information. The rise of AI tools has made such schemes even more convincing.
• DDoS attacks – A distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack floods your website with traffic, causing it to crash. DDoS attacks can make a website unavailable for extended periods, leading to customer frustration and revenue loss.

In most cases, hackers are financially motivated. Malware and phishing attacks attempt to harvest data that could be used for profit, such as credit card information. Meanwhile, DDoS attacks essentially hold your website hostage by rendering it inaccessible until you pay a ransom.

Key web security measures to protect your website

As noted earlier, a strong web security strategy utilizes several layers of defense. Consider a few of these measures in more detail: 

SSL certificates and HTTPS

For websites that handle sensitive information, SSL certificates and HTTPS encryption are essential to maintaining data security. Here’s how they work together to protect your site:

• Secure socket layer (SSL) certificates create an encrypted “tunnel” between your website and its visitors. This encryption protects any information they enter, such as passwords or credit card information, from third-party interception.
• HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is a related encryption system, commonly seen in the “https://” prefix in a website’s URL. The “S” at the end indicates that the website is secured via SSL certificates. 

A secure HTTPS connection instills trust in website visitors, reassuring them that their data is protected. HTTPS can also boost your site’s search engine rankings, as algorithms generally prioritize robust security in websites.

Explore Name.com’s SSL certificate options to ensure your website is properly secured.

Firewalls and website monitoring

As your site’s first line of defense, firewalls filter out harmful traffic before it reaches your website. Meanwhile, monitoring tools complement your defenses by continuously tracking your site’s activity. This allows you to spot security risks in real-time and respond accordingly. 

Together, these tools prevent unauthorized access and provide valuable insights into security vulnerabilities.

Regular software and plugin updates

Outdated software and plugins are among the most common vulnerabilities hackers exploit. It’s critical to regularly update these often overlooked aspects of your website, such as:

• Content management systems (CMS)
• Third-party plugins and themes
• Tools for gathering sensitive information, such as customer data collected through form builders

Keeping an eye on these and other software aspects of your website minimizes security risks. Updates and security patches work to “close the gaps” that hackers slip through.

Best practices for website security

Beyond technical measures, following website security best practices is crucial to minimize vulnerabilities. Here are a few effective strategies:

• Use strong passwords – Default or easy-to-guess passwords are a common entry point for hackers. Use complex passwords that combine letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using the same password across multiple platforms.
• Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) – MFA provides an extra security layer by requiring customers to verify their identity with a second method, such as a code sent to a mobile device. This makes it far more difficult for unauthorized users to access your accounts, even if they have your password.
• Regularly back up data – In the event of a security breach or cyberattack, having recent backups allows you to restore your website to its previous state. With regular backups on hand, you can cut data loss and downtime.

While many organizations understand the need for such practices, security for website infrastructure as a whole is often overlooked. For example, according to Strong DM, only about 20% of small businesses have implemented MFA in their cybersecurity operations.

How to identify security vulnerabilities in your website

Regular vulnerability scanning helps identify vulnerabilities before they become issues. Doing so requires both an initial, in-depth configuration and consistent, ongoing monitoring.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA, 2022) and the US Small Business Administration (SBA, 2024) recommend the following key steps to secure your site:

• Keep operating systems and web servers patched and operating on their latest version.
• Change default passwords for administrator, hosting, and database logins.
• Disable unnecessary or unknown services and applications.
• Secure log files and regularly monitor for any signs of tampering.

Automated security scanning tools can complement manual audits by continuously checking for known vulnerabilities and malicious activities. These essential tools provide detailed reports and actionable recommendations for addressing identified issues.

What to do if your website is hacked

While you should prioritize hacking prevention, you should also develop a clear action plan in case of a cyberattack. Responding quickly to a hack can limit damage, prevent data loss, and help you regain control of your website. 

Here are some critical steps to take:

1. Temporarily take your site offline to stop ongoing attacks and prevent the spread of malware.
2. Change all of your passwords immediately.
3. Identify and patch the security vulnerability.
4. If you have a clean backup available, re-upload it to your hosting account.

According to Strong DM’s data, 80% of all hacking incidents involve compromised credentials. Simply changing your password can deter the majority of attacks. 

However, there could also be an underlying structural issue with your website. If so, you’ll need to leverage specialized security software or consult with an expert to identify and fix the exact cause.

How to keep your website secure in the future

Hacks create serious challenges and setbacks for businesses—how can you avoid them? Besides implementing the security measures already mentioned, you might also try incorporating:

• Automated backups – Name.com’s web protection hosting services come with free automated backups. While Name.com’s secure hosting plans boast a 99.9% uptime, having a backup available is essential for peace of mind.
• Security plugins – Many web hosting services offer security plugins. These tools add another layer of protection by blocking malicious activity, scanning for malware, and alerting you to potential threats.
• Website administrator training – Most hacks are preventable with the right security measures in place. Basic training programs and response plans are vital, whether you’re a solo website owner or part of a larger team.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, so should the tools you use. Regular updates—to your software and your knowledge—are the key to maintaining website security in the long run.

Final thoughts on website security

As cybercriminals increasingly target individuals and small businesses, website security is more critical than ever. Take time to understand your options for protection. Develop a response plan in case of a security breach. These are the best ways to keep your website safe from potential losses.

For website owners, investing in the right security measures is essential to success. It’s also far less costly than the financial (and sometimes legal) troubles that result from a security breach. 

That’s why Name.com offers only the safest, best-in-class products for establishing a digital presence for your business or personal venture. Buy a domain, create your website with our easy-to-use website builder, secure your site with our website security solutions, and project professionalism with our custom email solutions.

 

Sources: 

Insurance Business. Despite awareness, small businesses still highly vulnerable to cyber attacks. https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/cyber/despite-awareness-small-businesses-still-highly-vulnerable-to-cyber-attacks-474678.aspx

Business Dasher. 25+ Small Business Cyber Attack Statistics & Numbers (2024 Update). https://www.businessdasher.com/small-business-cyber-attack-statistics/

Strong DM. 35 Alarming Small Business Cybersecurity Statistics for 2024. https://www.strongdm.com/blog/small-business-cyber-security-statistics

CISA. 4 Things You Can Do To Keep Yourself Cyber Safe. https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/4-things-you-can-do-keep-yourself-cyber-safe

US Small Business Administration. Strengthen your cybersecurity. https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage-your-business/str