As a small business owner, one of the best ways to promote your business is by having a place where your customers can go to learn more about your products and services. In order to do so, you must have a website, it is non-negotiable. Not having a website in 2024 is like not having a phone. We are beyond living in the digital age, we are digital. We engage and connect daily due to some digital device or connection.
Most importantly, you want to ensure that when customers find your website, their user experience is not cumbersome and difficult for them to navigate your pages. Thankfully, there are measures and parameters you can take to ensure just that.
Cyber threats have become more of a safety concern in the last year, as more customers have become more concerned about protecting their data and how their data is tracked and stored while browsing the net. As a result, business owners, like yourselves, are forced to work harder to combat those threats, heightening the demand for cyber-security.
On average, small businesses spend between $826 and $653,587 on cybersecurity incidents. Many of which can be avoided if proper measures are put into place to minimize those risks from happening in the first place.
Understanding Website Security and Unsecure Site Signs
So, how can you make sure that you have a secure website? Start by taking a keen interest in understanding what website security is and isn’t. Becoming educated is a start to adhering to best practices so you can ensure your website is secure.
Since COVID-19, there has been a surge in discussions around websites and cyber security. Why? Online scammers have become more creative in hacking personal data and stealing people’s personal information and money.
With an uptick in remote work, there has been an increase in data breaches through technological vulnerabilities and human error.
If you’ve ever encountered a data breach or flag from a search engine (such as Google) that your website has been deemed a threat, you could be at risk for more significant threats.
Here’s what it could mean:
You have an outdated SSL certificate
This occurs, usually, when a browser warns users about potential risks before they can choose to proceed to your website.
Your site has a malware infection
often identified by website scanners or search engine warnings
You have unsecured content
Media or scripts loaded over an unsecured HTTP connection can flag your site as not secure
Your site has outdated plugins and themes
Not frequently updating your plug-ins and websites themes and templates can introduce vulnerabilities, spotted by regular maintenance checks
You have weak passwords
Having weak passwords makes it easy for attackers to gain unauthorized access
The Benefits of Safeguarding Your Website
When you put in the effort to safeguard your website, you’re doing more than just adding protective measures. You’re also helping to indentify potential risks before they occur.
Trust is invaluable. When your site is secure, you keep the confidence of your loyal customers.
Your business reputation stays rock solid. People trust brands that prioritize safety.
There’s peace in knowing your website is secure. It takes away the constant stress of potential threats.
Considering these main benefits, it becomes clear that the cost of having an insecure website are too high to ignore.
Website Security Essentials and Best Practices
There are several things you can do to make sure your website stays safety-compliant. By working with a website developer, especially one with cyber-security experience, you can work together on:
Safeguarding the personal and financial data of customers
Ensuring safe and secure online transactions
Protecting the website from malware and cyber-attacks
Implementing user authentication and authorization processes
Activating SSL certificates for encrypted data transfer
Regularly updating and upkeep maintenance to patch vulnerabilities
Let’s dive a bit deeper into some of what we’ve just discussed.
SSL Certification: an SSL Certificate is a digital certificate that provides a secure channel between a user’s device and the website server, denoted by “https://” in the website URL. It encrypts sensitive information such as credit card numbers, and login credentials, fostering trust with your visitors and improving your site’s SEO.
Privacy Measures: Protective services like Website Management and Hosting that keep the personal details of website owners secure, shielding them from spam, fraud, and unsolicited communications. It maintains confidentiality and safeguards the business owner from potential cyber-attacks and harassment, promoting a safe online business environment.
Website Insurance: A service that works to restore your website swiftly if it’s compromised, with a guarantee of rebuilding it from scratch if restoration isn’t possible, at no extra cost. Having insurance ensures business continuity by minimizing downtime and protecting against potential financial losses in case of cyber incidents.
Branded Emails: Are email addresses that are linked to your business domain, enhancing the professional appearance of your communications. It helps in promoting brand consistency and trust, distinguishing your business from generic email services and potentially increasing customer engagement and loyalty.
Regular Updates and Maintenance: Keeps your website updated to patch vulnerabilities and enhance performance. It aids in preventing security breaches by fixing known issues quickly, and ensures the website runs smoothly, offering a better user experience.
Secure User Authentication: A security process that validates user identities while denying access to unauthorized users, utilizing strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. It protects sensitive data from being accessed by unauthorized users, maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of business and customer information.
How to Make Your Website Secure
Ninety-three percent of data and website breaches could be avoided with simple cyber hygiene practices, such as regularly updating software or using strong passwords.
Consider, what are some preliminary steps you can take to have a secure website?
You should be able to identify current vulnerabilities and understand what they mean.
Have a strong hosting service provider that can offer website security
Set up firewall to protect against external threats
Also, think about practices you can implement now. Ones that are easy and, perhaps, you can do them yourself.
Regularly update plugins and themes to patch known vulnerabilities
Utilize CAPTCHA tests to prevent bots from spamming your site’s forms
Implement strong password policies for all users
If cyber security is not within your wheelhouse, then it’s time to invest in professional services. Allowing professionals to handle those within their expertise safeguards your business from making mistakes that can be avoided. It also saves you time and money by not getting the proper measures in place to regularly monitor security threats and combat them if they should occur.
Key Takeaways
As expert small business advisors, Zoek takes pride in providing business owners like you the tools to be successful. Your website is your digital banner. It is often the first place a potential customer will visit to patronize your services. You want to make a great first impression. Having a visually appealing and safe website is a step in the right direction.
Not investing in proper protocol for combating cyber threats and website vulnerabilities can cost you more than just money. Not only is your business’ credibility on the line but your reputation as a business owner.
When your website prompts users about your safety measures and how you intend to use their data, if at all, you alleviate any worries they may have about sharing personal data. This not only builds trust but enhances your user experience on-site.
We offer services to mitigate risk and ensure that your website and small business remain secure. Get in touch with one of our experts now.