Having security issues on your website can be detrimental in a number of ways. First, consider how you would feel if a site you frequently visit fell victim to security issues. Most likely, you would avoid it going forward, and its reputation would be tarnished in your mind. Security problems can also pose a threat to your site’s uptime, as certain types of cyber attacks can cause your server to go down completely.
No matter what type of website you run, keeping it as secure as possible will always be in your best interest. Fortunately, there are several steps you can follow to avoid security vulnerabilities on your site – even if you don’t have experience with IT maintenance.
1. Install Updates and Patches Regularly
When developing a cyber security plan, you should start by staying on top of all patches and updates. Typically, patches are released when a known security vulnerability has been addressed. Therefore, putting off these updates could leave your site at risk. In most cases, you will be notified and prompted to install security patches when they become available. However, this is not always the case, so it’s a good idea to get into the practice of checking for them manually as well.
2. Manage and Restrict User Access
One of the best aspects of dedicated server security is the ability to control access to the admin panel and other elements of your account. Make sure you’re taking advantage of these convenient features by setting up access roles and user access protocols. This is especially important if other users (such as employees) will be logging into the server.
3. Back-Up Your Data Regularly
No matter how careful you are with your information, there will always be someone out there who may try to access it illegally. Data breaches are a genuine threat these days, and your reputation could be at stake if one occurs on your site. That’s why it’s essential to take proactive security measures (such as encryption) and to back up your information regularly. That way, if your data is compromised, you’ll have a recent copy of it stored elsewhere for easy retrieval.
4. Watch for Signs of Security Issues
When it comes to cyber security, you must know how to spot common “red flags” that could indicate your site is facing a threat. For example, you should check your website regularly for unfamiliar text or other alterations that you didn’t make or authorize. You should also be on the lookout for signs of DDoS attacks, such as slow page-loading times, unexpected server downtime, or an inability to access your site.
By knowing what to look for when it comes to common types of web attacks, you can identify security issues and have them resolved as quickly as possible. This, in turn, can help to minimize damage.
How a Dedicated Server Can Help
These are just a few of the best data security tips to keep in mind as a site administrator. Of course, one of the best ways to protect your website and its data is to invest in dedicated web hosting. When you choose to host your site on a dedicated server from ReliableSite, you’ll have access to a variety of security services, as well as 24/7 customer support.
For more information about dedicated server security, or to set up your hosting plan, contact us today!