Five top website security tips

With cybercrime escalating at an alarming rate, maintaining a secure online presence is more important than ever. Whether you run a personal blog or manage a business website, taking proactive steps to protect your digital assets can help you avoid costly data breaches, reputational damage, and lost revenue. Let’s take a look at five practical website security tips every site owner should consider.

1. Update and backup regularly

Outdated software is a major vulnerability, so ensure your content management system, plugins, and themes are always running the latest versions. Automated updates and regular backups are essential for fast recovery if a breach occurs. Store backups securely, ideally off site or in the cloud, and test them periodically to confirm they can be restored.

2. Run frequent security scans

Routine website security checks from a specialist such as www.etempa.co.uk/website-security-checks can help detect threats before they escalate. These checks can identify malware, vulnerabilities, and unauthorised changes to your files. Regular monitoring significantly reduces the recovery time after an attack.

3. Strengthen email vigilance

Over 90% of cyberattacks begin with email, with fake invoices, phishing links, and spoofed senders all too common. It is important to educate staff on how to spot suspicious emails and to install email authentication tools such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. These help verify legitimate senders and reduce the risk of fraud. Always confirm unexpected requests with a quick phone call or a known contact method.

4. Secure all access points

Every device connected to your network is a potential entry point. Change default passwords on all hardware and restrict access to only essential users. Public wi-fi should be avoided for accessing admin panels; you should ideally opt for a secure connection or VPN. Disable Bluetooth and wi-fi on unused devices to reduce risk.

5. Limit exposure via social media

Cybercriminals often exploit social media for reconnaissance. By gathering public information from profiles, they launch more convincing phishing or ‘spear phishing’ attacks. Limit the personal or sensitive data you share online and educate employees on social media security.