4 important website security measures to take

Website security is essential for building a successful online presence that users can trust. Here are four steps you should take to avoid falling foul of common vulnerabilities.

Image Credit

Enact Regular Software Updates

Cybercriminals seek to exploit known weaknesses in popular software packages and platforms, which is why developers are constantly having to release patches to address flaws as they are uncovered. Unless you apply these updates, you will be leaving your site exposed to exploitation.

This is true not only of the software running on individual computers and connected devices throughout your organisation, but also of any content management system or server-side platform you may be using on your site. Major hacking scandals occur regularly, so it is sensible to avoid joining the likes of TalkTalk and Equifax by taking precautions.

Avoid SQL Issues

Many sites are compromised using SQL injection tactics involving code designed to subvert some aspect of the URL or embedded form fields.

Image Credit

With the help of a London SEO agency like https://www.elevateuk.com/seo-services/, you will be able to ensure that your site is not susceptible to this type of attack.

Prevent JavaScript Subversion

Another way in which crooks can mess with your security is through cross-site scripting, generally in the form of JavaScript posted to pages that automatically add any third-party submissions. This could be via a forum or below the line comments section, for example.

Malicious code can make its way onto your site through this route, which is why it is important to ensure that any user-generated content is monitored and requires verification before it can appear on a page.

Manage Error Messages

While it is important to communicate with visitors when an issue arises and prove to them that your site is professionally designed and maintained, error messages can be a little too revealing from a security perspective.

With this in mind, it is worth ensuring that error messages are simple and straightforward rather than needlessly in-depth in terms of the information that they provide. That way, you can ensure that hackers are not given an easy ride.

That is not to say that the error logs that are generated by complications that occur are not useful. They are indeed worthwhile, but average visitors have no reason to see them in person.