Humans are always learning. We have adapted to changes in society, built amazing inventions that have changed the course of history, and now, we even build our websites. Businesses of all sizes have utilized online WordPress website-building tools to make unique and intuitive sites that work for their needs. There remains a strong need for comprehensive website design professionals. A 2019 poll indicated that up to 55% of all SMB owners had built their website in some form or another. That is a staggering notion, but what might be even more surprising is the number of people that 70% of those polled could not correctly identify a safe URL for a website.
What Does That Mean
These statistics indicate that even though many SMB owners can build their websites, they do not understand the ins and outs of website security and how to implement proper security measures into the website. Easy WordPress hosting sites and companies that offer low price web hosting offer security measures within their USA domain name services and share WordPress hosting, but you can do more to improve the security of your website. While improving security measures, you will ultimately improve the site's performance and bolster trust among customers in your SMB services. Here are some tips on improving website security and, ultimately, performance.
Maintain Up to Date Plugins
Software plugins are available for virtually anything your website needs, but their use is not merely as cut and dry as installation. They require regular updates, just like anything else related to the internet. Updates to plugins help improve overall security, and outdated software or plugins can be a lightning rod for a hacker. Hackers do not search individually for websites to invade but primarily rely on bot programs to find and attack websites based on out-of-date technology. Keep up with all updates and never allow your system or website to be outdated.
HTTPS
Sharing data is something that we do over the internet. Online shopping is among the most prevalent avenues for SMBs, and it would be great if all online stores were legitimate and provided products and services they advertise. However, we live in an age where hackers are everywhere and work with every possible tactic to invade your space and steal vital information from your valuable customers. Data breaches happen all the time, and scam stores are a growing problem, so to help improve your website security and ensure your customer's information is safe, consider getting HTTPS.
HTTPS is more involved than the standard HTTP. HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. That means that that site has been certified secure against the potential for hacker threats and interruptions, so it is more of a trusted site. You have to provide increased security measures to receive HTTPS, but all the added hoops are worth it.
SSL Certificates
SSL refers to Secure Sockets Layer. Receiving this certification shows your visitors that your site can be trusted. Information on an SSL site is encrypted and prevents the potential for hackers to access customer and website information. Those without proper authority for accessing the site are restricted. Again this is a measure that might seem unimportant but is a way to prove the legitimacy of your site to your customers and improve trust from customers in knowing their information is secure and not up for sale to third parties.
Improve Passwords Across the Board
Passwords are supposed to secure websites, but unfortunately, many remain unsecured simply due to improper passwords. Using the correct password format across the board on your website will vastly improve security and trust within site. Combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols should be used within the password, and each one should be no less than 12 characters long. Never use identifying information in passwords and for added security on your site, require customers, employees, and administrators to update their passwords every three months.
Choose the Best WordPress Hosting Services
Even if you build your website, you cannot publish it without the help of top-rated web hosting. You may be only seeking the most affordable WordPress Hosting. Price should not be your only motivation for using a specific WordPress hosting services site. Ensure the company you choose offers Secure File Transfer Protocol or SFTP, file backup services, and up-to-date on the latest security measures and upgrades. You were choosing the right WordPress hosting services for your SMB, not just the one with the best price tag.
Your SMB is essential to you, and your website is how you reach new customers and get your name out in the vast void known as the internet. Security for your site should be at the top of your list and always remain up to date on any upgrades to the site and systems you use.