1. Use HTTPS and SSL Certificates
SSL (Secure Socket Layer): SSL encrypts the data transferred between the user’s browser and the server, preventing interception by attackers.
Implementation: Obtain an SSL certificate from a trusted provider (many hosting companies offer free SSL). Force HTTPS in site settings and .htaccess file to ensure secure connections.
2. Keep Software Updated
Core Software and Plugins: Outdated software, plugins, and themes often contain vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.
Implementation: Regularly update your CMS, plugins, themes, and any third-party tools to the latest versions. Enable automatic updates when possible.
3. Enforce Strong Authentication
Password Security: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts (admin, FTP, database, etc.).
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Implement 2FA for admin and other critical accounts to add an extra layer of protection.
Limit Login Attempts: Install a tool or use your CMS’s security features to block repeated failed login attempts and protect against brute-force attacks.
4. Secure Website Files and Directory Permissions
File Permissions: Limit permissions to critical files. For example, set file permissions to 644 for files and 755 for directories.
Restrict Access to Sensitive Files: Files like wp-config.php in WordPress or .env files in other systems should be protected from public access. Use .htaccess rules to block access.
5. Use Web Application Firewalls (WAF)
Protection from Attacks: A WAF monitors and filters malicious traffic, protecting against SQL injections, cross-site scripting (XSS), and DDoS attacks.
Implementation: Services like Cloudflare, Sucuri, or Imperva offer WAF solutions. Many of these also include DDoS protection.
6. Limit Admin Area Access
Restrict Access by IP: Limit access to the admin area by allowing only specific IP addresses.
Hide Admin URL: Change the default admin URL (e.g., /wp-admin or /login) to a custom one to make it harder for attackers to find.
7. Use Secure Coding Practices
Input Validation: Sanitize and validate all user inputs to prevent injection attacks (e.g., SQL injection, XSS).
Avoid Direct Database Access: Use prepared statements and parameterized queries to interact with the database.
Security Audits and Code Reviews: Regularly audit your codebase for potential security flaws and vulnerabilities.
8. Database Security
Unique Database Prefix: In WordPress, for example, use a unique table prefix rather than the default wp_.
Database User Permissions: Restrict permissions for the database user to the minimum necessary. For instance, avoid giving write permissions if they’re not needed.
9. Backup Your Website Regularly
Automated Backups: Set up regular automated backups that are stored in an offsite location.
Restore Points: Test your backups and create restore points so that if your site is compromised, you can quickly recover.
10. Implement Security Headers
Content Security Policy (CSP): CSP restricts which resources (scripts, images, styles) the browser is allowed to load, helping to prevent XSS attacks.
HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS): Enforce HTTPS across the entire site, reducing the chance of man-in-the-middle attacks.X-Frame-Options, X-Content-Type-Options: These headers prevent clickjacking and MIME-type sniffing, respectively.
11. Monitor for Security Threats
Security Plugins and Tools: Use plugins (e.g., Wordfence, Sucuri for WordPress) or tools that scan for vulnerabilities and provide real-time monitoring.Set Up Alerts: Configure alerts to notify you of suspicious activity, failed login attempts, or file changes.
12. Regular Security Audits and Penetration Testing
Audit Tools: Run security audits using tools like Acunetix, Burp Suite, or OWASP ZAP to find potential vulnerabilities.Professional Penetration Testing: For business-critical sites, consider professional penetration testing services to identify vulnerabilities that could otherwise be missed.
13. Educate Your Team on Security Best Practices
Access Control: Ensure team members have only the permissions necessary for their roles.
Security Awareness Training: Educate your team about phishing, secure password management, and safe online practices.
Vinod Ram has been in Software Industry since 2006 and has experience of over 16 years in Software Development & Project Management domain specialised majorly in LAMP stack & Open Source Technology, building enterprise level Web based Application, Large Database driven and huge traffic Websites and Project Management.
He loves to write information articles and blog to share his knowledge and experience with the outside world and help people to find solution for their problems.