Web Security: Protecting Your Online Business

Website security isn't just for large corporations. Every website—regardless of size—is a potential target for cyberattacks. Protecting your website protects your business, your customers, and your reputation.

Why Security Matters

Business Impact

Data breaches cost an average of $4.35 million
60% of small businesses close within 6 months of a cyberattack
Customer trust is difficult to rebuild
Legal and compliance implications

Common Threats

Malware infections
DDoS attacks
SQL injection
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
Phishing attempts
Brute force attacks

Essential Security Measures

1. SSL Certificate (HTTPS)

**Why**: Encrypts data between users and your server **Impact**:

Protects sensitive information
Required for payment processing
Google ranking factor
Shows "secure" in browser

**Action**: Install SSL certificate (often free with hosting)

2. Strong Authentication

**Passwords**:

Minimum 12 characters
Mix of letters, numbers, symbols
Unique for each account
Never share or reuse

**Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)**:

Adds extra security layer
Requires phone or app verification
Prevents most unauthorized access

3. Regular Updates

**Keep Everything Current**:

CMS platforms (WordPress, etc.)
Plugins and extensions
Themes and templates
PHP and server software

**Why**: Updates patch security vulnerabilities

4. Secure Hosting

**Choose Quality Hosting**:

Regular backups
Firewall protection
DDoS protection
24/7 monitoring
Security updates

**Red Flags**:

Extremely cheap hosting
No security features
Poor support
Frequent downtime

5. Backups

**Regular Automated Backups**:

Daily or weekly
Multiple locations
Easy restoration
Test regularly

**What to Backup**:

Database
Files and media
Configuration files
Custom code

6. Firewall Protection

**Web Application Firewall (WAF)**:

Filters malicious traffic
Blocks common attacks
Monitors suspicious activity
Real-time protection

7. Security Monitoring

**Monitor for Threats**:

Failed login attempts
File changes
Malware scans
Uptime monitoring
Performance issues

**Tools**:

Security plugins
Monitoring services
Google Search Console
Analytics anomalies

Best Practices

For Development

**Secure Coding**:

Input validation
Sanitize outputs
Prepared statements
Secure file uploads
Error handling

**Access Control**:

Principle of least privilege
Role-based permissions
Limit admin access
Remove unused accounts

For Users

**User Data Protection**:

Encrypt sensitive data
Comply with GDPR/privacy laws
Secure payment processing
Clear privacy policy

**Form Security**:

CAPTCHA or reCAPTCHA
Rate limiting
Email verification
Spam protection

For Maintenance

**Regular Audits**:

Security scans
Penetration testing
Code reviews
Permission checks

**Incident Response Plan**:

Know what to do if hacked
Emergency contacts
Backup restoration process
Communication plan

E-Commerce Specific

Payment Security

**PCI DSS Compliance**:

Never store card details
Use payment gateways
SSL certificate required
Regular security audits

**Secure Checkout**:

Encrypted connections
Trusted payment processors
Clear security indicators
Customer data protection

Warning Signs of Compromise

Watch for:

Unexplained traffic spikes
Slow performance
Unknown users/files
Defaced pages
Google security warnings
Customer complaints
Spam emails from your domain

If You're Hacked

**Immediate Steps**: 1. Take site offline temporarily 2. Change all passwords 3. Scan for malware 4. Restore from clean backup 5. Update everything 6. Review access logs 7. Notify affected users 8. Report to authorities if needed

Cost of Security

**Investment vs. Risk**:

SSL certificate: BDT 0-10,000/year (often free)
Security plugin: BDT 5,000-20,000/year
WAF service: BDT 10,000-50,000/year
Professional security audit: BDT 50,000-200,000

Compare to:

Average breach cost: Millions
Business disruption
Reputation damage
Legal fees
Lost customers

Conclusion

Website security is not optional—it's essential. The cost of prevention is always less than the cost of recovery. Invest in security from day one and maintain it consistently.

Need help securing your website? [Contact our team](/contact) for a security consultation.