Website Security

Web security protects information assets that can be accessed from a Web server.  Web security is essential for any organization that has a physical or virtual Web server connected to the Internet. According to a report released by the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), “2014 saw 783 security breaches in the U.S. alone, which exposed over 85 million records,” and that’s just the breaches that were tracked!

Who knows how many other security problems went unreported or, more worryingly, undetected? That’s why online security should be in your mind as a website/business owner. So if you’ve just :

• bought a new website;
• are in the process of building one;
• You need to ensure it’s secure or have an existing site that is already profitable.

Website Security Check

It may seem obvious, but keeping all software up to date is vital to maintaining website security. This applies to the server operating system and any software you may be running on your websites—for example, a CMS or forum. When website security holes are found in software, hackers quickly attempt to abuse them.

If you use a managed hosting solution, you don’t need to worry as much, as the hosting company should handle this. If you use third-party software on your websites, you should ensure you can quickly apply any security patches. For example, WordPress, Joomla, and many other CMSs notify you of available system updates when you log in. Most vendors have a mailing list or RSS feed detailing website security issues.

Cost of Attacks on Websites

The costs associated with website attacks can run well into the thousands and even millions of dollars. Many small businesses have been attacked. 44%, according to a survey by the National Small Business Association, an advocacy group. Those companies had costs averaging $8700. You may not think your site has anything worth being hacked for, but websites are always compromised.

Most web security breaches are not to steal your data or deface your website but to attempt to use your server as an email relay for spam. Hence, a temporary web server should be set up that typically serves files of an illegal nature. Also, hacking is regularly performed by automated scripts written to scour the Internet to exploit known website security issues in software. Therefore, websites are unfortunately prone to security risks. Also, it can result in a denial of service.

Setting aside risks created by employee use or misuse of network resources, your web server presents as a most severe source of security risk. Remember, web servers, by design, open a window between your network and the world. Hence, the care taken with server maintenance, web application updates, and your website coding will strengthen it. Also, limit the kind of information that can pass through it, and thus establish the degree of web security you will have.

Security Issues

It’s well known that poorly written software creates security issues. Also, there are a number of bugs that cause web security issues. All complex programs either have bugs or, at the very least, weaknesses. On top of that, websites are complex and intentionally invite more significant interaction with the public.

Technically, the very same programming that increases a website’s value, namely interaction with visitors, also allows scripts to be executed. Any web-based form or script installed on your site may have weaknesses or outright bugs, and every such issue presents a web security risk.

Contrary to common knowledge, the balance between allowing website visitors some access to your corporate resources through a website and keeping unwanted visitors out is a delicate one. There is no one setting, no single switch to throw that sets the security hurdle at the proper level. 

Web Security Obstacles

Given the work being done by tens of thousands of programmers worldwide to improve security, it is not easy to discover a brand-new method of attack. A few hackers can find a new way to overcome web security obstacles. Hundreds, sometimes thousands of person-hours might be put into developing a new exploit. Individuals sometimes do this, but just as often, it is done by teams supported by organized crime.

In either case, they want to maximize their return on this investment in time and energy. So, they will quietly focus on relatively few valuable corporate or governmental assets. That is until their new technique is discovered, it is considered UNKNOWN.

How to Accomplish Excellent Security

There are two roads to accomplishing excellent web security. On one, you would assign all the resources needed to maintain constant alerts to new security issues. You would ensure that all patches and updates are done at once, have all your existing applications reviewed for correct security, ensure that only security-knowledgeable programmers work on your site, and have their work checked carefully by security professionals. You would also maintain a tight firewall and antivirus protection.

Your other option is to use a web scanning solution to test your existing equipment, applications, and website code to see if a known vulnerability exists. While firewalls, antivirus, and IPS/IDS are all worthwhile, it is simple logic to lock the front door. Also, it is far more effective to repair half a dozen actual risks than leaving them in place and trying to build higher and higher walls around them. Network and website vulnerability scanning is the most efficient security investment of all.

Regularly Scan Your Website

USA Today states, “Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to attacks because many owners believe they don’t have the time and money to invest in website security or consulting services to make systems more secure.” Therefore, your best defense against an attack on your website is to scan regularly. Regular scans are paramount. 

Website Security for local businesses

• If you’re looking for website developers to fix your website, you’ve come to the right place! We provide web services to the following areas: Auburn | Seattle,  Bellingham, WA, Des Moines, Bellevue, Issaquah, Burien, Federal Way, Fife, WA, Maple Valley, Mill Creek,  Covington, WA, Des Moines, and Seatac.

Local Professional Website Development & Website Security

• Seattle Web development includes numerous online services, including SEO and online marketing. As a result, some local areas we serve include Washington State | Auburn | Bellevue | Eastside – Bellevue |  Bellevue Website Design – Local Website Firm | Bothell |  Des Moines | Federal Way | Fife | Issaquah | Kent | Kirkland, WA | Lacey | Lakewood |  Lynwood | Maple Valley |  Mercer Island | Marysville | Mill Creek | Seatac WA | Tacoma | Tukwila | Vancouver | Everett | Spokane | Seatac.
• Seattle Website Design is available in Renton and around Seatac Airport and Seattle.
• Serving in and around Seattle: Belltown |  Fremont | Madison Park | Capitol Hill | West Seattle | Queen Anne | Magnolia | Downtown Seattle | Seattle Website Design Services | Seattle | Northgate.
• Whether you’re looking to secure your website or a simple Web Page Design for your Small Business, our web developers and online marketers are here to help.

Website Security is as essential as having a fully functional website. For example, WordPress website problems could result from an insecure website. Whether it’s a simple HTML website or one that has Python? They both need to be correctly secured. Our experience shows that all websites can get hacked if not correctly secured. Hence,  ring an internet company with experience and solid online reviews is why you should contact Visualwebz.