Online security has been an issue since the internet was invented. And while we might think that the progression of technology and the dependency upon various online applications would minimize the various risks, it appears that the opposite is true. With over a million sites uploaded daily, online security algorithms can't keep up with all the developing hazards introduced to the net. So, how are we supposed to ensure that our websites are safe for our viewers? The answer is to balance our security expectations with reality equally. Here are a few ways in which we can do that.
Understand that privacy mode is not website secure
One of the expectations that website users have is that their content is fully secured by clicking on the privacy mode button. This is not necessarily the case. WordPress domain and hosting offer a better data and content management solution than other sites. This includes the SSL certificate as well as Jetpack.
Sites linked together, specifically social media sites that offer a button for security are not very secure. Think about it. The only thing separating a security breach and your site is clicking on one tab. Red flags should go off in your head when thinking about this. If someone were to access the site and click public, or if you accidentally forgot to set the profile to private, then all of your information is vulnerable.
When using a domain and hosting service, be sure that you understand how the data collected from your site will be used. Will the data be stored safely? Additionally, it would be wise to determine if the data collected through your site will be sold to third parties as this is a significant concern for your visitors.
Having an app for security is a security risk.
WordPress hosting services allow the customer to purchase and then integrate various plugins into the WordPress application. Be careful. Just because a plugin or an application is available for WordPress does not mean that the plugin is safe. Check the accreditation of the plugin that you wish to install. Avoid installing any plugins from unknown third-party sites as these may consist of malware, spyware, or other malicious code.
Before installing any plugins, read the terms and conditions for use thoroughly. This is especially true for any less known applications. The terms and conditions often set the security agreement of information on your site and which is provided to the site through the application. Some plugins state that you are releasing the information to the plugin provider and using the information for marketing and commercial purposes.
Blog Posting and shared executive privileges
In the early days of social media and online communications, we were cautious about who and how we shared information with others. Over the years, it appears that we have grown a bit slack in our caution. Information is given and shared openly with anyone who wants to listen online. We assume that because we are on something popular, the information shared is secured. Yet, this is not the case. We presume it to be so.
Bloggers have fallen into a hazardous habit when it comes to this presumption. Specifically, sites that host CMS content updated daily or weekly are vulnerable. Because multiple parties generally maintain the content of these sites, the security risk is exceptionally high. With WordPress, for blogs and other content to be uploaded to the site, people need to have access to the administrative platform. Multiple administrators mean multiple leaks in your security. For example, if you have a blog and three people besides yourself are given the administrative password on WordPress, you have three breaches. But if one of those three companies subs out the work to 10 people and then the others do the same, you have the potential to have 30 breeches to your security.
Keeping your domain and web hosting services secure
WordPress hosting services cannot protect your site when the administration password allows for clearance. Keep your content secure by keeping your administrative privileges to yourself. Should you require an overseer of your content, do not allow anyone outside of your in-house operations to have administrative privileges.
When using a website hosting service, use the SSL, data safe, and other security options offered on the site and hosting platform. It is usually better to have your security options all in one place than to spread them onto multiple platforms with multiple providers. Do your research and ensure that all plugins for your site are safe. Check your analytics to see who is viewing your site and from where. If due diligence is taken with your security, you can minimize the risks of breaches.
