Alert!!! SECURE Your Data From HACKERS

Most of us are in the illusion that because we paid a premium for our dedicated servers our sites are safe. It is not the case. Even the powerful dedicated servers are vulnerable to cyber-breach and cyber-crime. 

As a business owner, our first priority should be to set up high safety measures to preserve our brand name, brand value, and website data for theft by cybercriminals and hackers. It is advised that we be in touch with our server hosting providers and set the necessary security measures.

Below are the steps you should take to secure your websites:

• You should install all updates regularly

Installing updates may seem a no-brainer. But we can assure you that this is the most skipped or postponed step. Because this is easy to execute we usually don’t give much attention. It is important that we remember to install the updates when they arrive. If we don’t, we are actually leaving a window of opportunity open for hackers and cybercriminals to take advantage. These hackers scan and track hundreds of websites every single day to find a lucky chance. If that’s yours, then probably good luck.

To avoid such mishappenings, we advise you to keep an eye on the updates and get your software up-to-date as soon as you can. Never postpone this. Also, check if there are new security patches available or not. If they are, get them to increase safety. One of the most exploited areas are websites with outdated software. 

You should better go for a managed server if you are unable to keep up with all of these tasks.

• Install Softwares that you need and not that you want

What will happen if we install software that we don’t need? Well, the problems that will arise are relatable to the first point. If we use some software that we don’t use, it is highly likely that we will forget to check for their updates and install them. That will again make your website vulnerable to attacks from cybercriminals as discussed in the first point.

That’s the reason we mentioned that you should install only those software programs that you need and not that you want. A need is a necessity while a want is a luxury. You should be cautious especially if you are a Wordpress user. All the free themes that you install, most of them are of no use. This creates the same issues. We forget to check on those themes and plugin regularly. Another thing you should keep in mind is to install software programs only from trusted sources. 

• Always remember to backup your data on a regular basis

Having a back-up of all the necessary documents and contents that have been created is very much important despite your security measures. It is always possible that you may have been outsmarted by malicious attackers. If that happens, all of your data will be lost. Now, if you haven’t created a back-up, well your business will be hit hard. You have to recreate all the blog posts, videos, and find the other confidential documents that are lost. This will have a negative impact on your business. Moreover, the reputation of your business will be compromised. 

To avoid all such situations and mishappenings, get a cloud server to back up all your data regularly. This will allow you to swiftly restore all the data if it is lost. Thus, your business website doesn’t have to be offline for long. Backups can be both on and off-site. You should create multiple backups to have better peace of mind.

• You should always use trusted networks

This is yet another important checkpoint. Be aware of what’s trusted and what’s not. Your website is susceptible to breaches if you or someone else logs in with a public network. Lay down the necessary security measures to protect something like that from happening. What we would like to suggest is to never sign in to your server using a public or a non-trusted network. It is always better to change the login credentials regularly to increase the level of security even more.

• You should maintain and secure your databases

Cybercriminals love databases where possibly your customers’ valuable financial information is stored. For this reason, securing your databases should be your topmost priority. A breach in your customer’s information will lead to trust issues and your brand value might be negatively affected. Ensuring that your databases are SQL injection resistant is crucial to your database security. If you search online, you will find several database administrative tools that you can use. Again, getting a trustworthy and reputable tool is important to avoid any malicious attack. 

• Have secure SSH and remote access

It is an important step to alter the SSH port. Disabling the root login will make it less vulnerable to security breaches. Also, you need to restrict certain IP addresses that may be harmful. You can also use SSH keys as an alternative to passwords.

• Never forget to get the right protection

As a business owner, you should contact your hosting provider and choose a server type that comes with built-in protection and provides your website with optimal security. Hosting Ultraso provides DDoS protection. Only the best-dedicated hosting providers issue this type of protection. Find out what security comes with your hosting plan and discuss if there are some ad-on benefits. 

• You should have a strict password policy

Always remember to change the password once you get a dedicated server. It may be possible that the service provider has set a default password. That can be vulnerable to attacks. We would also advise you to change your passwords regularly.

• Don’t compromise on regular testing and scanning

Find a hosting provider who does regular scans to prevent malicious attacks. It is important that you choose a service provider who offers ongoing vulnerability scans. Also, keep an eye on your website. Note if your website shows unexpected behavior. 

• You should establish an emergency protocol

Developing an emergency protocol can help you in the long run. In case someone ever is able to breach your security measures and access your data, having an emergency protocol will create less panic and you can execute certain preset steps to minimize the loss. An emergency protocol will include setting up a point of contact at your company’s data center, creating a situation about how a security breach can impact your customers, and designating a system admin lead to help in case of emergencies. The above are just a few of the steps that are included in an emergency protocol. You should take your time and set these steps up with care.

Everyone wants security. Your customers trust you with their personal information. A security breach or data loss can create a distrust which can affect your business in the long run. So, as the famous line state “prevention is better than cure”, we as business owners should take the right steps and implement the right measures to avoid hazardous consequences.