How to protect your website against hacks

Why you need to proactively ensure website security

Many businesses treat website security as an afterthought. You’ve invested so much time and energy into building your brand and your customer base. But what would happen if this hard-earned reputation was suddenly taken from you because of a website hack?

The truth is it’s not enough just to hope that you’re not one of the unlucky ones. Here’s what’s at stake:  

1. Loss of customer trust:

A hacked website can expose sensitive customer data, damaging trust in your business.

2. Reputational damage:

A security breach can leave a lasting negative impression on your brand.

3. Financial loss:

From lost sales to potential legal fees, hacking can come with a big cost.

4. Search engine penalties:

Google may punish a hacked website by lowering its ranking or removing it altogether.

When you think about it, failing to protect your website is no different than failing to lock your front door and that’s something none of us would ever dream of doing.  

The growing risk of website hacks

The threats to websites are constantly evolving. Cybercriminals are using more advanced tools and techniques, making it even easier to exploit small vulnerabilities.

But here’s the good news – there are straightforward steps you can take to secure your website and reduce the risk of an attack.

How to protect your website against hacks

Want to protect your website? Here are 5 key tips to get you started:  

1. Change your login page location

Most hacking attempts target the login page which by default is /admin or /wp-admin. By moving it from its default location, you make it harder for attackers to access it. This can usually be done through your website settings, but you may need help from your website hosts to configure it correctly.

2. Use strong passwords

Avoid easy-to-guess passwords. Create unique ones with at least 16 characters, mixing letters, numbers and symbols.

3. Install security software

Do you have a security plugin installed on your website? I recommend using Wordfence. It’s a great tool for blocking threats and scanning for malware.

4. Keep everything updated

Outdated software, themes and plugins are a hacker’s dream. Keep your website updated to close security gaps.

5. Restrict access to your server

Limit server access by creating a whitelist of trusted IP addresses which are unique numbers assigned to internet-connected device. Think of them as “digital addresses”. A whitelist allows only specified IPs to connect, blocking others. This ensures that only approved users can access the server, reducing the risk of unauthorised access. I always use this for my clients to enhance server security and protect sensitive data.

Extra tip:

Consider managed hosting. It ensures server security is monitored and updated for you, giving you peace of mind.

How I approach website security

Many WordPress website hosting providers don’t prioritise security and outdated software or poor practices can leave websites open to attack.

Here’s how I do things differently:

• I keep your software, themes and plugins updated.
• I set up regular backups and recovery processes to minimise downtime, just in case.

While no system can guarantee that your website won’t be hacked, I take several simple yet crucial steps that are often overlooked, significantly reducing the chances of your website becoming a target.

If you’re unsure about the support you’re getting from your current provider, here are a few questions you can ask them:  

• How often do you update website software and plugins?
• What security measures do you have in place to prevent hacks?
• If a hack happens, what steps will you take to fix it?

If their answers leave you feeling uncertain, it might be time to look for better support.  

Don’t wait until it’s too late

Website security isn’t just for big companies – it’s for anyone who values their online presence and that means it’s for all of us.

If you’re concerned about your website’s security, let’s chat. I can help with everything from updates to strengthening your defences, so you can rest easy knowing your website is in good hands.

Protect your website, protect your business

Request a free website review or schedule a chat with me so we can take the first steps to ensure your website is safe and secure as it evolves with your business.