When it comes to website security, there is a lot that goes into keeping it safe from hackers and cybercriminals. This includes regularly updating all the programs running on your website and using SSL certificates. A website without adequate security measures may get hacked and ruin your reputation among customers and search engines. In addition to risk management practices, you may want to consider cyber liability insurance to protect you in the event of an online loss.

Here are the top 8 security tips to keep your website safe:

#1: Be sure to always use a VPN.

A VPN is a Virtual Private Network, and it works by helping to ensure that your data remains private when you are using the Internet. A VPN guarantees that your data is encrypted and that it cannot be intercepted by anyone else, which means that the only person who will know what you did online is you. By using a VPN, the connection between your online activity and your website cannot be directly correlated by a third party.

#2: The most common cyberattacks are still those that target people, not machines.

Be aware of phishing emails, which can trick recipients into clicking on malicious links or downloading malware. Hackers may also misrepresent themselves as internal employees to obtain insider information. Make sure your employees know how to spot fraudulent emails and messages, and have them report any suspicious inquiries immediately.

#3: Get cyber liability insurance.

Cyber liability insurance, also called web liability insurance, helps protect businesses from the risks associated with doing business online. It’s a form of liability coverage that protects companies against claims related to data breaches, loss of confidential information, and security breaches. There are different types of cyber liability insurance policies, but many policies include first-party coverage and third-party coverage. First-party coverage protects you from expenses incurred as a result of a data breach or other event. Third-party coverage protects you in case a customer sues you over a security breach.

#4: Use a content delivery network (CDN) service.

CDNs help protect your site by storing and serving static content, such as images and JavaScript libraries, from servers located around the world. This prevents web-based hackers from targeting a specific server with your site on it and taking down your entire website.

Another benefit of using a CDN is that it helps prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. These attacks take place when someone secretly intercepts data sent between you and another party, such as a customer. By using a CDN, you’re ensuring that the data sent via your website is encrypted so that it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

In addition to using a CDN, it’s vital to protect all information you gather through your website, including contact forms. You can do this by encrypting the data before sending it to the server for storage. In many cases, you should also encrypt data before sending it to third parties or mailing lists such as newsletters and promotions.

#5: Make sure your website has proper security certificates.

Online shoppers are more likely to purchase from websites that have security measures in place, such as those with HTTPS instead of HTTP, or with a green lock symbol on their browsers. HTTP stands for hypertext transfer protocol, while HTTPS stands for hypertext transfer protocol secure. For example, when you see “https://www.” at the beginning of a website’s address, this means it has an SSL certificate. SSL stands for secure sockets layer, which means that all the data is encrypted so it cannot be hacked easily. This encryption protects data such as passwords and credit card information.

#6: Make multiple backups.

One of the most common methods cybercriminals use is simply deleting data, also known as ransomware. They then demand money in exchange for returning your files. By regularly backing up any information on your site, you will be able to restore it if this happens to you. In addition, if a hacker deletes your files, you’ll have a backup available so that restoring your website won’t disrupt the flow of business for long.

#7: Do not use plugins or extensions that collect sensitive data.

If you use a platform like WordPress for your business website, you may be tempted to install plug-ins and extensions for increased functionality. But before you do, evaluate whether each plug-in will enhance the user experience or potentially cause additional issues due to lack of security. Some plug-ins will disrupt the security standards you’ve already set in place.

#8: Make micro-updates frequently.

Regularly updating your software is an absolute must if you want to maintain security across all of your devices and applications. Always update your computer operating system and any applications you have installed such as web browsers, plugins, Adobe products, and so on. Most updates will include important security patches that help keep hackers at bay.

Your website is an incredibly important part of your business. Ensuring website security is key to protecting your business and customers. Through the combination of risk management and cyber liability insurance, you can rest easy knowing your business is covered.

Looking for more information?

A cyber liability policy can help cover your business and keep you updated with industry tips like this one. Get in touch with us today to learn more about cyber liability insurance coverage, or set up a no-obligation consultation with a commercial lines expert through TelaClient.com.