Top 5 Cybersecurity Practices Every Business Website Needs
With cyber threats on the rise, securing your business website is more critical than ever. A compromised website can damage your reputation, disrupt operations, and expose sensitive data. Here are the top five cybersecurity practices every business website should implement to protect against potential threats.
1. Implement HTTPS with SSL/TLS Encryption
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and its successor, Transport Layer Security (TLS), encrypt data exchanged between your website and its users. HTTPS ensures data privacy and builds trust with your audience.
What to do:
Purchase and install an SSL certificate for your domain.
Use tools like SSL Labs to test your SSL configuration.
Ensure all pages, including subdomains, are secured with HTTPS.
Why it matters:
Prevents data interception during transmission.
Boosts search engine rankings, as HTTPS is a Google ranking factor.
2. Keep Software and Plugins Up to Date
Outdated software is one of the most common vulnerabilities exploited by hackers. Ensure all components of your website are regularly updated.
What to do:
Update your CMS (e.g., WordPress, Drupal), themes, and plugins as soon as new versions are released.
Use automated update tools or schedule manual updates regularly.
Remove unused or outdated plugins and themes to reduce your attack surface.
Why it matters:
Prevents exploits targeting known vulnerabilities.
Enhances website stability and performance.
3. Use Strong Authentication and Access Controls
Weak or stolen credentials are a leading cause of website breaches. Protecting your login systems with robust authentication methods is essential.
What to do:
Require strong passwords with a mix of characters and length.
Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) for all user accounts.
Limit user permissions based on roles and responsibilities (e.g., admin, editor).
Why it matters:
Reduces the risk of unauthorised access.
Ensures that even if passwords are compromised, additional layers of security are in place.
4. Regularly Backup Your Website
Backups are your safety net in the event of a cyberattack or accidental data loss. A well-implemented backup strategy ensures you can recover quickly.
What to do:
Schedule automated backups for your website and database.
Store backups in multiple locations, such as cloud storage and offline drives.
Test your backup restoration process periodically.
Why it matters:
Minimises downtime in the event of an attack.
Ensures business continuity by protecting critical data.
5. Monitor and Protect Against Threats
Proactive monitoring and threat detection can prevent attacks before they happen or mitigate their impact.
What to do:
Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to block malicious traffic.
Implement tools like Sucuri or Cloudflare for real-time monitoring and threat protection.
Regularly scan for vulnerabilities using tools like Qualys or OpenVAS.
Monitor server logs for unusual activity, such as repeated failed login attempts.
Why it matters:
Identifies potential threats early.
Prevents common attacks like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS).
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is not a “set it and forget it” task—it requires ongoing effort to stay ahead of evolving threats. By implementing these five practices, you can build a robust defence for your business website and maintain the trust of your users.
At James Anthony Consulting, we specialise in website security and performance. Contact us today to secure your site and protect your business from cyber threats.
