Safeguarding your website: how to protect against cyber threats

In the wake of the recent CrowdStrike incident that caused a historical IT outage, we are revisiting the importance of safeguarding your website. While the CrowdStrike example was a global event that had more to do with the cybersecurity company’s rollout of new updates versus cyber threats, it is still imperative that companies of all sizes understand the overall importance of website protection and cybersecurity threats.

Common types of cyber threats

There are many different kinds of cybersecurity risks. Five of the most common threats include:

1. Malware: Malware is a type of malicious software designed specifically to gain access to your website. Malware can disrupt operations, steal data and damage website systems.

2. Phishing: Phishing is an attempt to steal information by acting as a trustworthy entity. Phishing is almost always done via email. Spear phishing is a specific type of threat that attacks individuals (employees) or businesses. It could be in the form of a personal email asking to verify payroll information, bank accounts or vendor invoices. And because these cybercriminals don’t typically pay for their own email servers, such emails may end up being sent using your website or email servers.

3. Ransomware: This is a form of malware that encrypts a website’s files and demands payment for the decryption key. It is almost like software holding your files for ransom.

4. DDoS attacking: DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) are attacks where a website becomes completely flooded with excessive links, pop ups and other forms of irritating traffic which then causes a website to crash.

5. SQL injection attacks: Structured Query Language (SQL)injection attacks dig into your website’s database to reach its vulnerabilities and then exploit them to gain unauthorized access to data.

Implement essential security tools

Protecting your website against cyber threats isn’t a one-time task – it’s an ongoing process that requires vigilance and a multi-layered approach. In order to mitigate or combat the risks above, it’s important to understand the tools and resources available to you.

Some best practices to maintain better website security include:

Keep plugins and software updated

One of the most common vulnerabilities in websites comes from outdated software and plugins.

Outdated plugins and software are common entry points for cybercriminals.

Regularly updating your website’s plugins, themes, and core software ensures that known vulnerabilities are patched, reducing the risk of exploitation. Automating updates where possible can further minimize the window of vulnerability. Stay ahead of potential threats by keeping your digital environment up-to-date and ensure that:

• All plugins are regularly updated to their latest versions
• Your content management system (CMS) is always up-to-date
• You promptly apply security patches when released

Limit user access

Limiting user access to only those who need it can significantly reduce the risk of accidental or malicious changes to your website. Implement role-based access controls (RBAC) to ensure that users only have access to the parts of the website relevant to their role. This is especially crucial for development and live production environments. Be sure to adapt a standard exit protocol when an employee leaves your organization to ensure they no longer have access to sensitive company information or login credentials.

• Implement strong password policies
• Use two-factor authentication (2FA)
• Assign user roles and permissions based on the principle of least privilege
• Regularly audit user accounts and remove unnecessary access

Perform regular security audits

Regular security audits are essential for identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Audits should include reviewing access logs, checking for unauthorized changes, and scanning for malware. Conducting penetration tests can also help you understand how a hacker might breach your defenses. Here’s what your process should include:

• Use automated scanning tools to detect potential security flaws
• Perform manual penetration testing
• Review server logs for suspicious activities
• Assess your website’s compliance with industry security standards

Backup your website regularly

Even with the best defenses, it’s crucial to prepare for worst-case scenarios.In the event of a cyber attack, having a recent backup of your website can be a lifesaver. Ensure that backups are performed regularly and stored securely offsite. This allows for quick restoration of your site with minimal data loss, minimizing downtime and disruption.

• Implement automated backup solutions
• Store backups in secure, off-site locations
• Regularly test your backup and restore process

Protecting your website from cyber threats requires a proactive, multi-faceted approach. The CrowdStrike outage serves as a wake-up call for businesses to review their cybersecurity strategies and ensure they are prepared for the unexpected. By implementing essential security tools, keeping software updated, limiting user access, and conducting regular security audits, you can significantly reduce the risk of a cyber attack and safeguard your online presence. Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. Stay informed, stay prepared, and prioritize the security of your digital assets.

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