Smaller blogs and websites are frequent targets for hackers, and this is because they are less protected. Because they believe that no one will be interested in hacking their blogs, many owners do not worry about security and end up being preferred targets for hackers, who can use the domain to perform everything from minor actions to more serious actions, such as mining bitcoin.
Investing in security for blogs and websites means having the guarantee of protected data, a secure domain and peace of mind that the investments made will not be lost. Therefore, we have listed the 8 main security tips for blogs that you can apply right now.
But before checking out the tips, you need to understand a little more about the virtual crimes that blogs are subject to, thus understanding how the security guidelines can be better applied.
Most Common Attacks
In most cases, attacks are carried out with the intention of “kidnapping” data. Hackers break into files – payment data, personal information, among others – and leave them encrypted, releasing this data again in exchange for payment.
There are also other attacks that are common and have different objectives, such as: DDoS (excessive traffic that crashes blogs), Ransonware (those that hijack data), Eavesdropping (data interception), Pharming (redirecting pages to malicious sites), Brute Force Attack (attempting to discover passwords), among others.
To avoid falling victim to any of these attacks, check out the 8 main security tips for blogs and learn how to apply each one.
8 Tips for Blog Security
Check out 8 tips to keep your blog safe and prevent it from being hacked.
1. Host on a secure server
The server is where all blog and website files are stored, and it also ensures smooth data transfer. Therefore, choosing the right server is essential to protecting all these files.
When purchasing a server service, many people choose the cheapest option because they don't need some of the features offered and want to spend less. However, cheap servers don't have the desired security and can be targeted by hackers.
When choosing the server where the blog will be hosted, it is necessary to take into account: The history and feedback from those who have already used the service, whether the canada business fax list support provided is of high quality and whether the service is satisfactory. Choosing a server that has all of these items with excellent quality is safer and generates less concern for its users.
2. Have an SSL/TLS certificate
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a digital security protocol that protects the connection between a website and a browser in an encrypted manner. TLS (Transport Layer Security) is the evolution of SSL and is widely used today.
It is possible to identify the use of SSL/TLS on websites through the HTTPS protocols . When the website has HTTPS it means that it is secure, and when it only has HTTP it means that it is not.
The use of these security protocols ensures that data transfer between the website and browser is not intercepted by third parties, thus protecting personal data such as CPF, credit card, among others.
For a blog to obtain an SSL/TLS certificate , it is necessary to go to websites that offer this service, which is made available in an easy and practical way. This way, blog security becomes stronger and users will have more confidence when using it.
3. Keep passwords strong and always update them
One of the most common attacks on blogs is through Brute Force Attacks. These attacks consist of systematic attempts to discover passwords, and many are able to achieve this feat because of the default passwords that most people use.
On blogs, it is very common to use the password “admin” for administrators, which makes it easy for these hackers to work. To avoid attacks of this nature, you need to use strong passwords, with the following characteristics: using eight characters or more, upper and lower case characters, as well as numbers and symbols in between. It is important to avoid common words and passwords that have been used previously or in other accounts, such as email and social networks.
If you are a blog administrator and need to manage other blog editors, it is important to make sure that they are creating strong passwords, as breaking their password could lead to the infection of the entire blog.
Another important tip is to update passwords, as this way security becomes more secure and brute force attacks become much more difficult to carry out.
4. Perform two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication is a feature that provides extra security to the login process. When you enter your password (first factor), the platform requires a second authentication, either via SMS or email confirmation.
This way, even if the password is discovered by a third party, they will need a second confirmation to access the account, thus preventing hacking. In addition, two-factor authentication allows the user to realize when there has been a hacking attempt, allowing them to improve their password and make it even stronger.
To activate the function, you need to go to the settings of the platform where the blog or website is hosted, go to the “security” section and activate it. With these measures applied, the password and the login process are much more protected from hackers and the data remains secure.
5. Have a good antivirus
Having a good antivirus is essential to avoid any type of theft or virtual invasion, as it warns the computer about any incoming threat, whether through downloads or suspicious websites.
The most common viruses are: Spyware (steals passwords and logins), Malware (steals personal information and files, and can delete them) and Trojan horses (has remote access to the computer). Without a good antivirus, threats like those mentioned reach the computer and are not identified by the processor's security system, and can cause great damage to the files and data present.
When choosing an antivirus, choose one that offers great value for money and is well-regarded by its users. This way, your internet browsing will be safer and your computer data will be protected.
6. Make regular backups
Even with all the previous tips applied, accidental errors or process failures can still occur that lead to file loss. Therefore, it is necessary to perform regular backups, keeping data protected and ensuring that it will not be destroyed by any potential problems.
To choose the ideal backup, you need to understand what its functionality will be. If these files will be accessed more regularly, the best choice is cloud backup, as it will be more accessible. On the other hand, if the files only need to be stored safely without the need for frequent use, the most suitable option is backup via an external HD.
If you choose this last option, you need to pay attention to where the backup HDs will be stored, following some simple tips, such as: providing restricted access (to prevent theft or loss) and choosing a location protected from harmful agents (dust, heat, humidity).
The backup process can take a long time, which is why it is important to perform it frequently and in an optimized manner, thus reducing its time and impact on the work routine of system operators.
7. Always keep up to date
Constantly updating your blog/website is very important to further improve its security. With each update, the platforms bring with them improvements that make protection against Spyware and Malware stronger, making users' browsing safer and their data more protected.
It is important to note that older versions of a blog or website are more vulnerable to attacks, making updating an essential part of the security network. Updating browsers and antivirus programs are also necessary for the same reasons.
The update also includes the technical information that administrators need to have, as new forms of attack emerge every day and being up to date is essential to prevent invasions.
8. Only install themes and plugins from trusted sources
Don't install themes or plugins on your blog from unknown or unreliable sources. These sites that allow you to download premium themes for free can hide viruses and other malware that are very difficult to remove later.
WordPress.org has a directory of thousands of completely free themes and plugins for you to install on your blog. You don’t have to spend anything to get access to amazing designs and features that will take your blog to the next level compared to the competition.
Installing cracked themes and plugins is the #1 reason why people have their website or blog hacked.
Conclusion
In this article, you've seen the most common virus attacks, how to protect yourself from them, and other tips for increasing the security of your blogs and websites. You can start implementing these guidelines right now, making your website more secure and freeing yourself from worries.
Make a checklist, see which aspects of your blog are most vulnerable and correct these points, avoiding attacks and protecting your data, in addition to offering more security to your readers.