Is your website safe from cyber-attacks? Studies show that cyber-attacks on websites have increased by 210% since 2020. Owning a website requires putting as much thought into security as design and UI.
Your site is where your customers find your services. But, unfortunately, it's also where they entrust you with personal information, including addresses and passwords.
Securing your website isn't only something that benefits you; You have to do it for your customers. Website security is a matter of professional pride. Cyber-attacks have become more complex and challenging, so you shouldn't sleep on security.
You need a regular website security check to ensure everything is up-to-date. Read on to learn how a website security checker can help you stay ahead of cyber-criminals.
1. Find Vulnerabilities Before Hackers Do
Many businesses use plugins, widgets, and other tools to develop their sites. WordPress is a common platform that even top companies use, and it's clear why; Easy compatibility with those plugins and add-ons makes it very popular and simple to use.
The main issue is that even the best platform has security flaws. For WordPress, those plugins and widgets can have serious vulnerabilities. Hackers and cybercriminals exploit these to gain access and cause some real damage.
It's helpful to have a list of add-ons with known vulnerabilities that you may want to avoid.
Cybercriminals often use automated tools to find and take advantage of weaknesses. For example, they can scan your entire website or online system to find a blind spot or a way in.
If they manage to gain access, criminals can steal valuable information. They can also issue unauthorized commands that can hurt you or your clients.
The easiest method to secure your website is to install a program that checks for these problems. Scan your site and all the tools or systems you use for vulnerabilities. This is one of your most potent security measures.
As hackers become more proficient at exploiting weaknesses, finding them first is crucial. With a routine website security check, you can address and fix any issues before hackers exploit them.
2. Gives You a Security Risk Level Assessment
Regular vulnerability scans help check the efficacy of your security measures. They also allow you to measure your IT department's efficiency.
The resulting report of a website security check can be game-changing; The information will show you how healthy your network is and if there are any areas of concern. Anything considered high-risk should get flagged.
A thorough risk-level assessment report will also go beyond only finding vulnerabilities. It should allow you to evaluate your entire security plan and adjust as needed.
Based on your assessments, it might be time to overhaul your entire system. But, on the other hand, the number of vulnerabilities or the risks might not be worth patching or working around.
You don't have to fear those changes; you can build something better with a proper risk assessment.
3. Meet Data Protection Requirements
The GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) does not mandate vulnerability scanning. However, it does compel businesses to do their due diligence. You have to use every security safeguard possible to protect customer data privacy.
This becomes only possible if you determine where your weak points are. Then, routine website security checks will find those red flags before it's too late.
That said, there might be additional regulations for vulnerability screening. Some of this will depend on the jurisdiction and particular cases. ISO standards are an example that needs comparable procedures to GDPR.
Vulnerability scanning is highly recommended in many businesses, including those dealing with payments. However, it is worth mentioning that security scans are not a “one-and-done” affair. It's best to perform a website security check at least once each week.
4. Optimize Website Fixes
As mentioned, cybercriminals use automated tools to discover and exploit vulnerabilities. Once they find an opening, they use it to gain access and cause damage.
These same scanning technologies may also get used by you to find vulnerabilities. By doing this, you can be aware of your system's vulnerabilities and fix them before they get exploited.
When you find malware on your WordPress website, make a data backup. Then you should always remove any malicious files.
The issue is that waiting until an assault occurs can harm your business. This is why selecting a security scanner that can stop attacks is a good idea.
Remember that you can rely on firewalls and security measures like CAPTCHAs. A firewall can help you safeguard your website but also affect how users interact with it. Unfortunately, not all security features play nice with users, and an overly zealous system can turn people off.
For example, using CAPTCHAs might result in accessibility problems. A firewall may only help with some potential threats to your site. Implementing features that could be more efficient, even if they work on paper, is good.
It's essential to work with your team to take every step to protect your unique website and business. Doing routine checks allows you to optimize what you should do; The end goal should be to maximize efficiency and efficacy.
5. Protect the Integrity of Your Business
Did you know that malicious code could be buried within applications and services? Without a scan, you won't even know it's there. However, you might need help finding out how or where hackers gain access to or steal information.
By conducting routine scans, you can safeguard your company's assets. This shows clients that you're doing everything possible to protect their information. Make sure you do regular checks to fix issues before they hurt your customers and your company.
6. Increased Efficiency in Managing Resources
Given the complexity of today's corporate networks, security demands a lot of resources. Routine vulnerability scans help you identify the key areas that are most vulnerable. This enables you to make informed decisions to deploy your resources better.
Your organization will have better IT, enabling you to complete tasks faster. However, a weakness in your website security might also cause lag or productivity losses. If you do routine scans, you can stop reacting to issues as they come up and start pre-empting them.
7. Increases Your Operational Efficiency
A vulnerability screening can be quick, even with a complicated enterprise network. This allows your IT personnel to save time, money, and effort.
You should make routine security checks a part of your standard operating procedure. Doing this helps increase your company's efficiency by using resources effectively. Short-term fixes in response to a breach or issue are always only a band-aid solution.
To avoid hemorrhaging productivity and resources, do regular checks. Make sure to fix things the first time, using the right level of care, before something happens. Remember, the less time your IT staff spends reacting to issues, the more time they have for other tasks.
8. It Saves You Money
Any website should place the highest importance on cybersecurity. A successful assault is a disaster for the expansion and reputation of your company.
Data leaks don't inspire confidence in clients or stakeholders. They also often result in expensive repairs and lost revenue. For example, between 2016 and 2021, companies lost $43 billion due to security leaks.
In the long run, automated vulnerability scans will be less expensive. Additionally, a website security tool can help if your business has cyber insurance. This is because you'll need the vulnerability scan results as evidence.
This serves as proof that you took reasonable precautions to safeguard your systems.
9. Keeping Up With Changing Security Standards
Today's network environments have many different components. This can range from on-premise to public and private clouds and everything in between, making it difficult to track everything.
By completing it, your security approach might need to be updated. For effective configuration changes and network integrity maintenance, conduct regular vulnerability scans. This can keep you informed of emerging vulnerabilities and attack vectors.
10. Gain Credibility With Stakeholders, Partners, and Clients
People value firms that are open about security practices; Stakeholders, partners, and clients will respect you more if you conduct routine scans. Everyone likes knowing that their assets, information, and interests are safe.
Website security checks should be a part of an all-encompassing security strategy. This shows people that you care about their security.
Modern digital businesses must perform vulnerability scans. They maintain the security of your networks and pinpoint any problems. This helps strengthen the reputation and integrity of your company.
It can also satisfy investors and potential, as well as current, clients.
Learn More about the Benefits of Doing a Routine Website Security Check
We've mentioned ten benefits of implementing a routine website security check. Making regular scans and checks a force of habit can protect you, help you grow, and save you money. However, it always helps to have a team you can rely on. At Website HQ, we offer custom WordPress design and have the technical experience to help you take your security to the next level. Contact us today to find out more.
