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Cybersecurity 101: 5 Simple Tips to Protect Your Small Business Website
You don't need to be a security expert to protect your business. These five practical, non-technical tips can significantly improve the security of your website and your customers' data.
For small business owners, cybersecurity can sound intimidating. But the reality is, small businesses are often the biggest targets for cyberattacks precisely because they are perceived as being less secure. The good news is that you don't need a huge budget or a team of experts to make a big difference. Here are five simple steps you can take today.
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords for Everything
This is the single most important thing you can do. Don't use the same password for your website admin, your email, and your social media. Use a password manager to generate and store long, complex, and unique passwords for every account.
2. Keep Your Software and Plugins Updated
If you're using a platform like WordPress, it's crucial to keep the core software and all your plugins updated. Many updates contain important security patches that fix vulnerabilities discovered by researchers. Outdated software is one of the most common ways hackers gain access to a site. My maintenance packages include proactive security updates for this very reason.
3. Back Up Your Website Regularly
If the worst happens and your site is compromised, a recent backup is your lifeline. It allows you to restore your site to a clean state quickly. Ensure you have an automated, regular backup system in place that stores your backups in a separate, secure location.
4. Be Smart About Phishing and Scams
Be skeptical of any unsolicited email that asks for your login credentials or personal information. Always double-check the sender's email address and never click on suspicious links. This is the most common way passwords are stolen.
5. Invest in an SSL Certificate
An SSL certificate encrypts the data transmitted between your website and your visitors, like information submitted through a contact form. It's what puts the "s" in "https://" and the padlock in the address bar. It's essential for user trust and a basic requirement for any modern website.
By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce your risk and protect your business. For a more in-depth analysis, consider a professional security audit.
About the Author
Oliver Revelo is a freelance web developer and designer based in Rizal, Philippines. He specializes in building high-performance websites and applications for businesses. You can learn more about him on his about page.
