Nearly 30,000 websites are hacked every day, with most victims being small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Why? Hackers know that SMBs typically operate with limited resources and lack awareness about how to make a website secure. Far too many businesses suffer the consequences of compromised websites due to poor design and insufficient protection.
Hackers are constantly scanning the internet for vulnerabilities such as outdated plugins, weak passwords, or insecure code, which are all entry points they can exploit. Without proper safeguards, your website could be next.
You Just Found Out Your Website Is Compromised…Now What?
Your sales manager notices something strange when customers start reporting unusual pop-ups. Soon after, you see that your website’s homepage is suddenly redirecting to an unfamiliar site. After checking with your IT team, you confirm your fears: your website has been hacked.
As a business owner, you now face a serious list of potential consequences, including:
- A drop in search engine rankings
- Loss of customer trust and credibility
- Website blacklisting by browsers or Google
- Risk of further attacks if vulnerabilities aren’t fixed
- Compromised customer or financial data
- Financial loss due to downtime, legal issues, or ransom demands
7 Ways a Professional Website Developer Can Help
A web developer’s job has layers. It’s not just about creating something visually appealing; it’s also about building a site that’s functional, user-friendly, and protected. A skilled web professional knows how to make a website secure and incorporates the following methods:
1. Using HTTPS
Developers, configure your site to use HTTPS, which encrypts sensitive data like passwords and credit card details. This keeps that information safe while it travels between your website and your customer’s browser.
2. Keeping Software Up to Date
Websites rely on multiple components, such as plugins and themes, which must be regularly updated. A web professional should offer web health services, which include routinely monitoring and updating these tools to prevent security breaches.
3. Setting Strong Passwords
Weak passwords like “password” or “12345” are just as bad as having no password. Developers improve website security by enforcing strong password policies, hashing passwords, and providing tools like password strength meters or generators. They also implement two-factor authentication and secure reset methods to further protect your site.
4. Adding Firewalls and Security Plugins
Firewalls and security plugins act as shields for your site. These tools block suspicious traffic, scan for malware, and send alerts if something looks wrong.
5. Creating Backups
Automatic backups ensure your website is saved regularly. If anything crashes or gets hacked, your site can be restored without starting over or losing precious production time.
6. Limiting User Access
Not every team member needs full access to your website. Developers assign different permission levels so that only authorized users can make significant changes, reducing the risk of accidental alterations.
7. Monitoring for Threats
Continuous monitoring is essential. Professional developers use scanning services or plugins to detect unusual activity, attempted breaches, or malware installations. These tools provide instant alerts for a rapid response.
How to Make a Website Secure: Work with the Right Professionals
If you’re asking yourself how to make a website secure, start by working with web professionals who understand both design and cybersecurity. Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Proactively invest in your site’s health and safety from the start.
With Fat Guy Media, you’re not just getting a website, you’re getting a secure digital foundation that supports your business today and prepares it for the future.
