Website Safety Checklist for Business Owners

Are you a regular business owner with a pretty normal website, and no idea what steps you should take to protect it from hackers and cyberthieves?

We’ve got you covered – this basic checklist will help you make a start on your cybersafety journey – you really DO NOT want any data losses or hacks, ruining the trust that your customers and potential customers have in your business.

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Start with this website safety checklist, and if you need help, reach out to us:

1. Use Strong Passwords:

Avoid simple passwords: Steer clear of easily guessable passwords like “password123” or your birthday.
Create unique passwords: Don’t reuse the same password across different accounts.
Use a password manager: Tools like LastPass or 1Password can generate and securely store strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.

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2. Regularly Update Software:

Software updates often include critical security patches: These patches address vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to gain access to your website and its data.
Automate updates whenever possible: Many software platforms (like WordPress) allow you to automatically install updates.
Test updates thoroughly: After updating, carefully test your website to ensure it’s still functioning correctly.

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3. Back Up Your Website Regularly:

Create regular backups: Back up your website files and databases frequently, ideally daily or weekly.
Store backups securely: Store backups off-site, such as on a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Amazon S3. This protects your data even if your website or server is compromised.
Test your backups: Regularly test your backup and restore process to ensure you can quickly recover your website in case of a disaster.

By implementing these measures, you can reduce the risk of cyberattacks and protect your website and your business.

Here is another article we recommend you read, from the US Small Business Administration: https://www.sba.gov/blog/2023/2023-09/cyber-safety-tips-small-business-owners