There are almost 2 billion websites across the internet, with the number rising every day. And every day, these websites are at risk of being hacked. In fact, as much as half of the data breaches online are the result of hacking.
This is why, as a website owner, hack prevention is so important. After all, you’ve likely spent countless hours creating and maintaining your website, you should do everything you can to protect it!
If you’re interested in learning how to prevent hacking, we’re here to help. Listed below are a few great tips for lowering your chances of falling victim to hackers. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Update Your Passwords
You’ve no doubt heard this one before, but it’s mentioned so often (and listed first here) for a reason. The strength of your passwords truly is the difference-maker more often than not.
First, your password should be long – at least 8 characters. For extra protection, it should be a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. From there, all you have to do is ensure that you aren’t using the password to your website anywhere else on the internet.
If there are other people who have access to your website, make sure they use strong passwords too. It’s beneficial to assign passwords rather than allowing them to choose their own, if possible.
2. Keep Your Site up to Date
Between your website platform, your plug-ins, and other software on your site, updating can be a hassle. However, it’s essential that you do so every single time you’re notified of an available update.
Thankfully, a huge percentage of websites are powered by WordPress, which makes things easier for its users by including a one-stop shop for WordPress maintenance. Every time you log in, simply take a look at your dashboard to check for available updates. With a few clicks of the mouse, you should be good to go.
3. Minimize File Uploads
Allowing users to upload files to your website might seem like a good idea, but it’s a great way to open yourself up to hackers. In order to prevent hacking, you should keep the number of uploads you allow to a minimum.
There are steps you can take to protect yourself and still accept file uploads; however, the best route to take is to avoid offering this option in the first place. If you have to accept file uploads, be sure to scan the files for malware, set a maximum file size, and use file type verification.
Protect Yourself and Your Business With Hack Prevention
Whether you run a personal blog or a bustling e-commerce business, hack prevention should be a top priority. Your sensitive information falling into the wrong hands could be catastrophic, let alone the sensitive information of your subscribers or customers.
As you can see, preventing website hacking isn’t as tough as you might have thought. All you have to do is take a few extra security steps and stay vigilant. You can’t protect yourself from every threat, but you can dramatically lower your risk.
Interested in learning more about protecting yourself and your business from online threats? Take a look at our blog!
