Secure Your Website Like a Pro: Essential Security Tips for WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, and GoDaddy Users
In an era where digital presence is not just an option but a necessity, the security of your company’s website has never been more crucial. Imagine your website as a fortress in the vast digital landscape; without the right defenses, it's vulnerable to the relentless siege of cyber threats and data breaches. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a creative soul showcasing your portfolio, or a seasoned business looking to expand your digital footprint, this guide is your ultimate blueprint. Check out ten security tips you need to fortify your website across the most popular platforms: WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, and GoDaddy.
1. WordPress
Keep Everything Updated: Regularly update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins to protect against vulnerabilities.
Use Security Plugins: Install security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri for firewall protection, malware scanning, and intrusion detection.
Strong Passphrases & User Permissions: Enforce strong passphrases using plugins and manage user roles carefully, limiting administrative access.
Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and change the default login page URL: Add an extra layer of security by using 2FA for the WordPress login. It is also best practice to change the login page from /wp-admin to something that bad actors would not think to use to access the backend of your website. You can learn more about that best practice here.
Secure Your wp-config.php File: Move your wp-config.php file to a non-public directory and set proper file permissions. You can learn how to do that here.
Disable File Editing: Prevent direct file editing via the WordPress dashboard by modifying the wp-config.php file. ServerGuy’s website has a great tutorial on how to do that here.
Use SSL Encryption: Install an SSL certificate to secure data transfer between your site and its visitors. SSLs are not expensive like it was back in the day and most services like JetPack (recommend this plugin by the way) come with one when get their services. You can also get free SSLs that are good for up to 90 days from companies like Let’s Encrypt. These do need to be updated/renewed for your website every 90 days so keep that in mind compared to a paid SSL.
Regular Backups: Schedule regular backups of your website and store them off-site so you can restore your site if needed.
Limit Login Attempts: Use plugins to limit failed login attempts, deterring brute force attacks.
Disable XML-RPC: If you're not using XML-RPC, disable it to prevent DDoS and brute force attacks. If you have no idea what XML-RPC even is, you can learn about it and how to disable it here.
2. Wix
Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Protect your Wix account with 2FA to add an additional security layer.
Regularly Update Your Contact Information: Ensure your account recovery information is always up to date.
Use Strong Passphrases: Create a strong, unique passphrase for your Wix account.
Secure Your Connected Email Account: Use a secure and private email for your Wix account, with its own 2FA.
Customize Privacy Settings: Adjust your site’s privacy settings to control who can see and interact with your content.
Enable SSL: Make sure your Wix site uses SSL encryption for secure data transmission.
Monitor Your Site with Wix’s Security Features: Utilize Wix's built-in security features to monitor and protect your site.
Be Cautious with Third-Party Apps: Only install trusted third-party apps from the Wix App Market.
Regular Site Backups: Although Wix automatically backs up your site, regularly check and manage your site backups.
Educate Yourself on Phishing: Be aware of phishing attempts and never share your Wix login details.
3. Squarespace
Use Two-Factor Authentication: Enable 2FA for your Squarespace account to enhance security.
SSL Certificate: Ensure your Squarespace site uses SSL encryption for all pages.
Strong Passphrase Policies: Implement strong, unique passphrases for your account and advise your site contributors to do the same.
Regular Content and Account Audits: Periodically review your site content and account access for any unauthorized changes.
Secure Connected Accounts: Securely manage any third-party services connected to your Squarespace site.
Use Trusted Third-Party Integrations: Only integrate services and add-ons from reputable sources.
Monitor Activity Logs: Keep an eye on login attempts and other activities on your site.
Be Aware of Phishing Scams: Educate yourself and your team about recognizing and avoiding phishing scams.
Limit Contributor Permissions: Only grant necessary permissions to your site contributors.
Regular Updates and Patches: Although Squarespace is a managed platform, stay informed about any security advisories or updates provided by Squarespace.
4. Shopify
Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Secure your Shopify admin by enabling 2FA.
Use Strong Passphrases and Regularly Update Them: Ensure all user accounts have strong passphrases that are changed regularly.
Manage Staff Accounts Carefully: Limit permissions to only what is necessary for each staff member.
Regularly Audit Third-Party Apps and Services: Review and update the third-party apps connected to your Shopify store.
SSL Certificate: Ensure all your pages are served over HTTPS, using Shopify’s built-in SSL.
Monitor Your Store for Unusual Activity: Regularly review order and visitor activity for signs of unauthorized access or fraud.
Educate Your Team on Security Best Practices: Train your staff on recognizing phishing attempts and secure password practices.
Backup Your Store Data: Use third-party apps to back up your store data, even though Shopify provides its own backups.
Use a Secure Payment Gateway: Choose payment gateways that comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
Keep Your Devices Secure: Ensure that any device used to access your Shopify admin is secure and malware-free.
5. GoDaddy
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Protect your GoDaddy account by enabling 2FA, adding an extra layer of security beyond just your passphrase.
Use a Strong, Unique Passphrase for Your Account: Create a strong and unique passphrase for your GoDaddy account to prevent unauthorized access. Consider using a passphrase manager to generate and store your passphrases securely.
Regularly Update Your Contact Information: Keep your contact information up to date in your GoDaddy account. This ensures you receive timely notifications about any suspicious activity or necessary account updates.
Secure Your Domain Names with Domain Lock: Use GoDaddy's domain lock feature to prevent unauthorized transfers of your domain names. This adds an additional level of protection against domain hijacking.
Monitor Your Account with GoDaddy’s Account Activity Logs: Regularly review your account activity logs provided by GoDaddy to detect any unusual or unauthorized activity early.
Use SSL Certificates: If you’re hosting a website with GoDaddy, ensure you have an SSL certificate installed. They also offer SSL services for a fee that can be added to your GoDaddy billing.
Implement Website Backups: Utilize GoDaddy’s website backup solutions to regularly back up your website data. In case of a cyberattack or data loss, you’ll be able to restore your site quickly.
Keep Your Website Platform and Plugins Updated: If you’re using GoDaddy’s managed WordPress hosting, for example, make sure WordPress and all plugins are up to date. GoDaddy often offers automatic updates, but it’s good practice to check regularly.
Utilize GoDaddy’s Security Products: Explore GoDaddy’s additional security products, such as Website Security, which offers malware scanning, removal, and firewall protections to safeguard your site from threats.
Be Vigilant Against Phishing Attempts: Phishing is a common tactic used to gain unauthorized access to accounts. Be cautious of emails or communications pretending to be from GoDaddy. Verify the authenticity of any messages asking for personal information or account details.
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