While websites are becoming easier and easier to build, they are also becoming bigger and bigger targets for hackers. Here are some tips on how to make sure your site stays safe from SPAM, bots, and hackers.
Watch Out For File Uploads
Many websites now allow users to upload images and other files for different functions. While this is a great feature for your users, it can put your site at risk. Hackers can use these uploads to insert backdoors into your website, allowing them complete access to your code and your database. One thing you can do to make uploads safer is set strict rules for which file types are allowed. As you can tell by reading Sitelock Reviews many web developers find it easier and safer to use a 3rd party service to protect their site and scan for potential backdoors.
Use Safe Passwords
We all get sick of increasing password complexity when making a new Netflix or Amazon account but this is for good reason. Password bots are becoming increasingly sophisticated and the 3 digit name of your first dog is no longer going to cut it. Make sure you have long strings of varying characters with lower and uppercase letters, do not reuse passwords, and don’t have them use real world information. Having safe passwords is even more important when you are the administrator of a site, since your password unlocks all the data of your users and customers. So spend the extra effort to make sure you administration and user passwords are secure.
Keep Your Site Up to Date
This is especially true when using popular CMS platforms like Umbraco, WordPress, Drupal, or Magento; it is critical your site stays up to date to minimize the chances of malicious attacks. The problem with large CMS platforms is the more people who use it, the more of a target it becomes with hackers. The good news is that most developers provide regular updates and tend to stay one step ahead of the bad guys. The problems comes when users do not update the their software. Usually a painless process similar to updating your phone or laptop, keeping your web software up to date will help minimizing your site’s chance of getting hacked.
Use Captcha
While sometimes annoying, captcha codes (you know those little boxes where you rewrite the word or number) are crucial if you site has open sign-ups or comments. Spammers and hackers love sending countless account requests and comments in order to solicit or phish for user information. These simple captcha codes can greatly reduce the number of requests you will receive.
If you want to keep your site safe from spammers and other malicious attacks be sure and check your site for potential backdoors, consider using a 3rd party security service, use captcha codes, make sure your site is up to date, and use a long and complex password without real world connections. Good luck!
