Web security is a critical issue for web owners. Cyber security such as hacking, malware, DDos attacks and data breach can dent your brand name, user trust and finances. It is important to protect your site from all the cyber threats. Here are some of the best web hosting practices to ensure a site’s maximum security:
1. Always Select a Reliable Web Hosting Provider
This is crucial to the success of every online business. Always sign up with a reliable web hosting provider. Make sure they include firewalls, malware removal and detection, DDos attack protection and SSL certification. Read on testimonials and reviews to cross check their brand reputation in the market.
2. Always Update Your Software and Plugins
Outdated software and plugins are a hacker’s haven. Make sure your Content Management System and plugins are up to date. This will ensure protection and smooth running of a website.
3. Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
Don’t opt for common words as passwords. Use strong passwords made of characters, numbers and letters that are difficult to guess for hackers. You can also enhance your security further by adding a two-factor authentication which requires insertion of a code or token after the password.
4. Regular Backups
Regular backups are important for every web hosting. They help to restore a site in case of data breach or loss. The hosting provider must regularly backup your web files, databases and settings to a cloud storage or external server. This would help to restore a website to its previous state in case of any security or data issue.
5. Restrict Website’s Files and Directories Access
Restrict your website’s files and directories to avoid unauthorized access to your website’s data. Add file permissions to limit access to certain directories and files instead of default permissions which enables anyone to access files. You can use an access control list to restrict access to certain groups or users.
6. Use SSL Encryption for Secure Data Transmission
SSL encryption is a security protocol for encrypting data transmission between a user’s web server and browser. This helps in protecting sensitive information such as personal data, credit cards, passwords etc from getting into the hands of hackers. Make sure all the pages containing sensitive information (contact forms, login and checkout pages) have SSL encryption.
7. Monitor Website for Strange Activity
Monitor websites for suspicious activity to prevent security breaches before time. Use tools such as Google Analytics, to track website traffic, user behavior and other details. Set up notifications of any unusual activity such as a sudden increase in traffic or failed login attempts.
8. Trained Staff on Web Hosting Security Best Practices
Well trained staff is also another important component of a web hosting security. Make sure that the employees are well trained on all the important web hosting security practices such as strong passwords, monitoring and reporting suspicious activity and phishing scams. Also, there should be well defined policies and strategies to handle security issues such as malware attacks and data breaches.
9. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
Web Application Firewall is a security tool for filtering web traffic. It filters malicious traffic such as cross-site scripting and SQL injections from visiting a website. This helps to protect it from DDoS attacks. Add WAF to enhance your web hosting security against cyber threats and attacks.
Conclusion
Web hosting security is important for website protection against cyber attacks. Follow the tips shared above in addition to selecting a reliable hosting provider. Make sure the hosting provider you choose has a well trained staff with latest tools such as web application firewall to ensure maximum security for your website.
