If you think your website is safe from hackers, think again. Once your site has been hacked, it can be extremely frustratingly to return your website to normal. Prevention via these security tips, in the case of a website hack, is better than the cure.

1. Keep your software up to date

Keeping your software up to date is important to safeguard your website from hackers. When hackers see that your software is out of date, then it is easier for them to locate security holes and worm their way in. Most software will advise you when updates need to be made so ensure you are on top of it when you receive the notifications.

2. Tighten those passwords

While we all want to use passwords that are easy to remember off the top of our head, the easier they are, the simpler to hack. Insist on good password practice right across the board to protect your website and individual email accounts. Enforce password requirements with uppercase letters and numbers for ease.

3. Switch HTTP for HTTPS

HTTPS over http offers more security over the internet especially when it comes to private information like credit card details and login pages. Browsers have been pushing for safer sites and this year have been placing warnings on sites that don’t feature HTTPS security. It is always better to pay a little bit more and be safer rather than sorry.

4. Be stricter with access

Aside from enforcing more stringent passwords, usernames should be harder to guess as well. Avoid the use of ‘admin’ as a username and limit the number of times you can log in. Change any default databases to something else other than the standard. Make it as difficult for someone to hack into your account as possible, from all angles.

5. Back up as often as possible

Hackers may be able to break into your system, and if this happens, you must be ready. Back up as regularly as possible and be prepared to act swiftly if they do manage to make an attack. Don’t let them win. Show them their efforts were wasted – and come back bigger, stronger and better than ever.