Prioritizing Your Web Security
The massive importance of the web to business today, coupled with the growing sophistication and frequency of cyberattacks, have made web security critical to maintaining business operations. Whether it’s costly ransomware, sensitive data exposure or a ruined reputation, the consequences of an attack are real and far-reaching. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert to mitigate many attacks and keep your company up and running.
Web security is the set of practices and technologies that secure a website and its associated web applications. It is typically comprised of multiple solutions, tools and layers of defense that work together to stop malware, block phishing domains, prevent password breaches and other threats.
When a website is attacked, it’s typically due to a weakness in the site’s code or configuration that allows an attacker to gain access. A variety of techniques and vulnerabilities can be exploited in web application attacks, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), remote file inclusion and more.
Despite the increasing complexity of attacks, the basic principles of web security remain the same: identifying and protecting assets, implementing protective strategies and applying continuous controls to minimize vulnerabilities. It’s not uncommon for attackers to compromise a web application through poor code design and architecture, which is why it’s important to incorporate coding best practices into the development process and to have a team of skilled and knowledgeable developers working on your site.
One of the most common issues businesses face when it comes to a hacked website is the exposure of sensitive information such as passwords, user ID’s, payment information, medical records and more. This type of information can cause severe financial loss and even damage your reputation in the eyes of your customers.
It’s also not uncommon for hackers to use a hacked website as a springboard to other networks and systems where they can steal more valuable information. Prioritizing your web security will prevent hackers from using your business as a stepping stone to other opportunities.
For those e-commerce websites that handle customer purchases, it’s not uncommon to store and display personal information like name, email address, mailing addresses, dates of birth and social security numbers. Hackers can use this information to steal identities and make fraudulent purchases. Prioritizing your web security will protect the trust of your customers and ensure they are aware of any risk to their personal information.
Developing and maintaining a web-focused security strategy can be complex, but the payoff is well worth it. From preventing data breaches to reducing downtime, the benefits of a strong web security plan are clear.
If you’re interested in a complete web security strategy that will help your business protect its assets and keep your customers safe, please contact LRS Web Solutions. We are a Springfield, Illinois-based web development and marketing agency with a team of experts that will ensure your website is secure and continues to be effective. Our team of SEO, content marketers and digital strategists are dedicated to helping your company achieve its goals.