Why web security is more than just SSL

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Whatever stage you’re at in your website journey, when it comes to security, you’ve probably been told to buy an SSL certificate more than once. And it’s understandable — SSL security is incredibly important. It plays a key role in encrypting the connection to your site and keeping your users’ private information private. However, it’s just one element of good website security. It takes a lot more to keep your site safe. So here are four more things you should do to secure your site.

1. Install a web application firewall

A firewall is a security device you can use to monitor all traffic traveling to and from your server. Based on the rules you supply, a firewall can filter out and block any suspicious traffic from would-be hackers and spammers. It’s a key way of preventing malicious actors from even reaching your website to do harm. 

1. Perform regular malware scans

Even with a firewall, suspicious actors can sometimes fall through the cracks, so regular malware scans are essential. You can do this via a plugin you install on your site or use one of the many free or premium tools available on the web. A good scanner will not just check for malware but also out-of-date software, errors, and the site’s blacklisting status. 

1. Always update your website software

As you might have gathered from the previous point, website software continually needs to be updated. This is everything from your CMS to any plugins and widgets you might have. This isn’t only so you get the newest features, but because updates often come with key fixes for known security vulnerabilities. If you don’t have the latest version of software, hackers can exploit any known vulnerability, using it as a backdoor to your site.

1. Regular backups

Backing up your site is essential if one day your site is successfully targeted by a hacker and taken offline. Most web hosts will do this for you a few times a week, but it’s recommended that you backup your site at least once a day if you continually update it with new content. There are plenty of plugins and affordable services available to do just that.

Conclusion

SSL certificates are incredibly important. Without one, everyone visiting your site will have insecure connections and run the risk of attacks like man-in-the-middle attacks. Plus, your website may not load properly in browsers. That being said, it’s not the only thing you must consider when it comes to implementing robust web security. By following the tips in this article, your security arsenal should be a little more well-rounded.