Internet security basics: how to protect your website from hackers

Internet security may seem like an elusive concept. Many attackers use a variety of methods to get what they want from users, whether it’s data, money, or access to confidential information.

One of the biggest mistakes users make is assuming that small businesses or regular individuals won’t become targets of cybercriminals because “there’s nothing valuable to take.” However, anyone online is a potential target for attackers.

That’s why, in this article, Weblium, a Ukrainian website builder, will share tips on how to protect your website from hackers.

What are the most common hacking methods?

There are numerous ways attackers can hack users or obtain personal information. Some methods are quick—like when a user downloads malware or clicks on a suspicious link, leading to a complete loss of access to files and accounts. In other cases, attackers may spend weeks or even months slowly extracting sensitive information from their victims.

When it comes to websites, especially those used for business, the main objective of data theft is usually the personal enrichment of the attacker. Here are some of the most common hacking techniques:

• Phishing: Phishing is a hacking method that often relies on direct interaction between the attacker and the victim. The primary goal is to gain the trust of a company employee or even the owner, convincing them to click on a malicious link or register on a fraudulent site. Once the attacker obtains the victim’s login credentials, they will often attempt to access other personal or business accounts linked to the same login information.
• Distribution of malware. It’s common to find pirated software online that appears to offer a cost-effective way to get the tools you need for work. However, this is often a trap used by cybercriminals to distribute hacked or malicious programs.
• Exploitation of Website Mechanics: Sometimes, users discover and exploit bugs or vulnerabilities (mechanics that do not work as intended) to gain unfair advantages that harm a business. In some cases, these exploits are shared intentionally to damage the business.

Of course, these are not the only methods hackers use. Other techniques include brute force attacks (repeated attempts to guess passwords using various combinations), leveraging stolen data published on the dark web, and DDoS attacks (overloading a website with traffic to crash it). That’s why it’s crucial to have a well-thought-out security strategy to protect your website from attacks.

Identifying a Weak Link

Any weakness or vulnerability can be an entry point for an attacker. To prevent this, it’s crucial to clearly identify potential risks. Here’s how you can minimize vulnerabilities:

1. Prioritize Account Security:

Many businesses, especially those just starting out online, often use a single business account for multiple purposes, like purchasing one subscription that everyone can access. However, it’s best to create separate accounts for different tasks. For example, use one account to manage your website, and a different account for purchasing subscriptions or accessing specific resources.

2. Train Your Team:

Every team member should understand the nuances of cybersecurity. It’s essential to explain that one hacked account could disrupt the entire business and pose a threat to other employees. Regular training sessions can help reinforce this awareness.

3. Evaluate Security Practices Within the Team:

Ensure that every team member uses work accounts exclusively for business purposes. If someone uses a personal email for work, it could become a security risk. Personal emails are often linked to other platforms, which may compromise work data if they are breached.

Sometimes, there may be team members who are less experienced with computers. In such cases, it’s essential to provide them with additional guidance and spend more time on training. Make sure to explain the various nuances of cybersecurity in simple, understandable terms and offer hands-on support where needed.

Choosing the Right Software

It’s common for businesses, especially startups, to look for ways to save money on software—this is a perfectly reasonable approach. However, opting for cheaper or less convenient alternatives can sometimes lead to serious risks for the business.

While it’s important not to assume that “expensive = quality,” you also don’t want to cut corners in ways that jeopardize your operations. Here are some tips for selecting the right software without putting your business at risk:

1. Research Software Reviews:

Always read user reviews to gain insights into a program’s functionality and potential risks. Functional issues are important, but pay special attention to reviews mentioning lost account access, spam calls, or other security concerns.

2. Seek Advice from Experienced Team Members:

There may be someone on your team who has experience with specific software from previous jobs. It’s valuable to listen to their feedback and recommendations before making a decision.

3. Avoid Pirated Software:

Although pirated software may seem like a convenient solution—especially when certain programs are region-locked or expensive—using pirated versions is risky. Software unavailable in your region is unlikely to have secure pirated alternatives, and using them can lead to security vulnerabilities.

4. Choose Popular Alternatives:

When looking for software, focus on well-known alternatives that receive positive feedback, are recommended in forums, and have a visible media presence. Popular options often come with better support and regular security updates.

5. Use a Separate Account for Each Service:

It’s a common mistake to use the same account across multiple services. Even with regular password changes and two-factor authentication, no account is immune to potential breaches. Using separate accounts for different services reduces the risk of a single compromised account affecting multiple areas of your business.

For example, many website builders already include essential security measures, such as continuous activity monitoring and the use of secure cloud services. However, the tools a business owner uses to manage and enhance their website should also be licensed and verified, even if it means a slightly higher financial investment. This ensures both security and reliability in the long run.

Double-Checking Information

Phishing is a major issue, and it often succeeds due to user inattention. It’s not just about being gullible—phishing works in several ways:

Through Advertisements:

When searching for a specific service, you may encounter ads that seem legitimate, closely resembling the website you intended to visit. However, the domain may be slightly different, which is a key indicator of phishing.

Through Manipulative Tactics:

Attackers can gain a user’s trust and recommend apps or websites designed to steal data. These may be counterfeit versions of well-known platforms or presented as “alternatives.”

To avoid falling victim to phishing, always double-check the domain for subtle changes (e.g., “websit.ecom” instead of “website.com” or other minor alterations). It’s also important to review websites carefully, and whenever possible, use official links from trusted sources like Wikipedia.

Using cloud services

Various cloud services provide better ways to store information, create backups in case of a hack, and protect against DDoS attacks (particularly with cloud hosting). The development of cloud technology has made applications more user-friendly, accessible to the average user, and sometimes even more affordable. Small businesses should consider the following:

    1. Cloud Storage:

Cloud storage is an excellent solution for securely storing files and data. In the event of a hack, you’ll have backups readily available to restore your system.

    2. Cloud Servers/Hosting:

Cloud servers can handle heavy traffic, redirect malicious data away from your website, and ensure stable operation, even during potential attacks.

Cloud storage serves as a reliable backup plan where all critical information is safely kept. Typically, hosting and security features are provided by the platform on which the website is built. For example, most website builders offer built-in hosting and protection against attacks. The primary concern for the website owner will be ensuring security on their side, such as maintaining secure software, protecting accounts, and optimizing website usability.

Conclusion

Ensuring internet security is the responsibility of every user. In today’s digital world, hacking and data theft can target anyone, regardless of their online presence. Personal photos, sensitive information, access to financial accounts, and important work passwords are all valuable assets that cybercriminals seek.

However, by using licensed and reliable software, creating separate accounts for different purposes, and providing regular cybersecurity training for your team, you can establish a strong defense. This will not only help you respond swiftly to potential attacks but also allow your business to continue operating smoothly and securely.