Today we had a meeting with a new client who told us that while their current website was being designed it was hacked…twice…before it was even live.  Needless to say, they lost faith in the developers and they have come to us to help get their project back on track.  But what the heck does a hacked website mean, and how can you prevent it?

Almost every website collects some level of customer data – whether it’s a simple contact form, or a full retail system.  When a website is hacked (or breached), someone can access the information that they should not be able to, or display information on your website that you don’t want there, and your website is now considered to be compromised.

An insecure website can damage your reputation and your customers’ trust, and can even lead to financial loss, so it is worth investing the time and money in making sure your website is secure.  Since no security system is 100% fool proof, it is also worth knowing what to do if a website does suffer a breach attempt, and how to batten the hatches back down again.

What makes a secure website?

There are some non-negotiables when it comes to a secure website:

1.Choose a Reliable Web Host:

• Security Features: Look for a host that offers robust security features like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security updates.
• SSL Certificates: Ensure your host provides SSL certificates to encrypt data transmission between your website and visitors’ browsers.

2. Keep Your Website Updated:

• Regular Updates: Keep your website’s software, plugins, and themes updated to patch vulnerabilities.
• Content Management System (CMS): If you use a CMS, keep it updated with the latest security patches.

3. Manage Accounts & Passwords:

• Complex Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for your website’s admin panel and any other accounts associated with your website.
• Manage your accounts: The fewer accounts with administrative access to your website, the better. Delete people who don’t need access anymore, and ensure those who do, use complex usernames and passwords (please, please don’t use ‘Admin’ as your username…)
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Consider implementing 2FA to add an extra layer of security to your website’s login process.

4. Backup Your Website:

• Regular Backups: Regularly back up your website’s data to protect against data loss due to attacks or accidents.
• Off-Site Storage: Store backups off-site to prevent data loss in case of a physical disaster.

5. User Education:

• Phishing Awareness: Educate your team and users about phishing attacks and social engineering tactics.
• Best Practices: Train your team on best practices for secure browsing and password management.

Need Expert Help?

Building and maintaining a secure website can be complex. Kuka Studios can help you implement these security measures and save the day when things go wrong. Our team can provide website security services, including:

• Security Audits
• SSL Certificate Installation and Management
• Malware Scanning and Removal
• Regular Security Monitoring and Maintenance

Contact Kuka today to learn more.