When businesses buy domains and hosting services, their basic requirement is reliability. That includes an active website that supports traffic volume while ensuring security.
Web server security is a comprehensive approach that requires multi-layer defence from both ends to mitigate potential risks and vulnerabilities effectively. In this article, let’s discuss some of the best security tips to adopt with the support of an Australian web host to ensure absolute website security.
Tips to Ensure Web Hosting Security
1. Usage of SFTP Over FTP
A secure transfer protocol (SFTP) is like an upgraded version of FTP, which offers data encryption when a website file is transferred over the network. Encryption ensures the protection of data against prying eyes.
All the data, whether login credentials or files, stays safe. Furthermore, SFTP has a different port than FTP, which makes it safer and harder for hackers to hack into an SFTP connection.
2. Deactivation of Unused Apps
The most critical window through which most cybersecurity issues happen is un-updated or unused apps. Every time an app upgrades, it releases a better version, killing down all the vulnerabilities of the last version.
That may include any coding issues, design flaws, etc. So, using an un-updated version of the app is like opening up a window of vulnerability for hackers to enter. Therefore, always delete or deactivate all unused apps on your web hosting in Australia.
3. Keeping Strong Password Management Measures
Another important tip is to adopt strong password management measures for your web hosting in Australia. Again, weak passwords make it easy for hackers to get in. So, ensure you maintain standard password creation criteria by changing the password every 3-6 months.
4. Make use of Add-on Security Extensions.
When you use an add-on security extension, you automatically gain additional layers of protection that fight against various threats. These extensions also offer features like cookie management, script blocking, ad blocking, etc., which help with performance and improve privacy.
5. Limiting Direct Website Security Access for Unauthorised Users
There are various ways to limit unauthorised users’ direct website access. These include using two-factor authentication at every level, customising settings according to user roles, creating a URL blocklist, etc.
6. Make Changes in Default Security Settings
Making changes in your default website hosting security is another great way to avoid break-ins. Most users often overlook this practice, which opens up another easy window. Hackers create specially designed bots that perform automated scans on vulnerable websites.
These bots identify websites with default settings and exploit them through viruses and malware. Therefore, always ensure to change this setting, as it doesn’t provide sufficient protection against cyber threats.
7. Validate Every User Input
Always validate user input. This practice helps to fight SQL injection threats where hackers input malicious code to access your website database. Through this, they exploit sensitive information like email and passwords. Therefore, make sure to validate every user on your website, whether it’s server-side or client-side.
Conclusion
Hackers are finding increasingly sophisticated ways to break into your web hosting, so ensure you practise these security tips to safeguard your web hosting in Australia. Remember, good security practices are like an investment that pays off by protecting against costly breaches and ensuring the long-term integrity of your online presence.