Don't Forget...

Some basic tips to keep your website secure

Website security is a major part of protecting your business. As part of your livelihood, your website needs as much protection as you can give it. Here are some tips to avoid common issues.

1) Don't go Simple on your Passwords - Have you ever been trying to set up a username and password, and it keeps erroring out because your password doesn't have a number, or a capital letter, or a long enough length? Sure, we all have. Want to know why? These websites/businesses have had or are at risk of having accounts hacked due to simplistic passwords. It's amazing how many people try to use passwords that are easily guessible based on business details, or the same password that they use for everything (so if it's hacked once, it's hacked any number of places). Use unique, unguessable passwords and keep the list in a secured location or file. You think that's a lot of work? Try fixing the problems created after your domain name or bank account is hacked.

2) Domain Name Renewals - Unless you opt to pay extra for domain security, your mailing address is listed publicly within the records of your domain name. Because of this, there are companies who pull this information and send official-looking letters telling you to renew. But look closely...this is not the company that you have your domain name registered with. If you fill in that form, you will be agreeing to transfer your domain to them - often for more money than you're paying now. Always follow up when you receive notes like this. Also, don't forget to renew your domain. 3 months after expiry, they are available for anyone to grab. 99% of the time, a registry company will take it the moment it becomes available, and try to charge you an exorbitant rate for you to get it back. They prey on those who 'just forgot,' so don't be one of them. Renew your domain names early!

3) Mail Server Security- Web programming languages often include simple coding to create and send e-mails directly from a mail server, avoiding any kind of mail program or mail website. Because of this, they are in high demand for hackers, who can use this kind of coding to directly access a mail server and send out millions of spam messages. If coding your own website, be warned that setting up a contact emailing form may look easy, but unless you code it to be airtight, you run the risk of your mail server being hacked. If it is, then your mail server will likely be shut down and you'll end up on multiple mail provider blacklists. The key: leave the mail coding to professionals or use a secure processor script such as FormMail.

If your website is part of your livelihood, then you wouldn't want to leave it unsecured any more than you'd want to leave your front door open when you leave work for the night. Let us help you secure your website - call us at (559) 683-4030.