Regular Admin's Guide to Protecting Your Website from Cyber Attacks

<p>It seems like every day or week there’s a new headline about another app or website being hacked. And these are typically the higher profile websites. In fact, a hacker attack occurs every 39 seconds in the US, affecting one in three Americans every year.</p> <p>A successful intrusion can result in a huge loss in traffic and revenue if your site has crashed or been suspended on your hosting provider. It could even result in identity theft of your admins and members if you run a membership site. Personal data like passwords could be at risk.</p> <p>No matter how big or small your website is, you can still become a target. So, it is very important to secure your website, which means putting protection in place to keep out hackers, bugs, and other nefarious entities.</p> <p><strong>So, how do cyber-attacks work?</strong></p> <p>Cyber-attacks work by infecting your computer with malware or spyware. These types of attacks are often delivered through email attachments, malicious downloads, or websites that you may visit.</p> <p>Cyber-attacks usually take the form of viruses, worms, Trojan horses, or the latest trend, ransomware. In these attacks, the hackers demand payment to remove the infection.</p> <p>While it’s impossible to create an absolute impenetrable fortress with your website, it is possible to put measures in place to make it very difficult. Many times, a little difficulty is all it takes to send hackers on to their next target.</p> <p><strong>Here are steps you should take today to protect your website against cyber-attacks.</strong></p> <p><strong>1. Have a Comprehensive Security Plan</strong></p> <p><strong>2. Use Secure/Strong Passwords Everywhere</strong></p> <p><strong>3. Check/Clean Spam Comments on your Website</strong></p> <p><strong>4. Scan Your Local Computer for Malware and Spyware</strong></p> <p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p> <p>Good website security starts with you. As a website admin, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have a safe and secure website.</p> <p>You wouldn’t leave y