Secure Website Build

TL;DR

This guide shows you how to build a website with strong security from the start. We’ll cover choosing secure hosting, using HTTPS, keeping software updated, protecting against common attacks, and regular backups.

1. Choose Secure Hosting

Your web host is your foundation. A compromised host means your entire site is at risk. Consider these points:

• Reputation: Research the host’s security track record.
• Firewalls & Intrusion Detection: Does the host offer built-in protection?
• Regular Backups: Essential for recovery from attacks or failures.
• Server Location: Consider data privacy laws in their location.

Popular, reputable hosts often have better security measures.

2. Use HTTPS (SSL/TLS)

HTTPS encrypts communication between your website and visitors. It’s vital for protecting sensitive data like passwords and credit card details, but even without that, it’s a basic trust signal.

• Get an SSL Certificate: Many hosts offer free Let’s Encrypt certificates.
• Install the Certificate: Your host will provide instructions (usually through their control panel).
• Force HTTPS Redirection: Make sure all traffic is automatically directed to the secure version of your site. You can often do this in your .htaccess file (Apache) or server configuration. Example for Apache:

  RewriteEngine On
  RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
  RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

3. Keep Software Updated

Outdated software is a major security risk. Updates often include critical security patches.

• CMS (Content Management System): WordPress, Joomla, Drupal – update to the latest version regularly.
• Plugins & Themes: If using a CMS, keep all plugins and themes updated. Delete unused ones!
• Server Software: Your host should handle this, but check their documentation.

Enable automatic updates where possible (but test changes first!).

4. Strong Passwords & User Management

• Strong Passwords: Use long, complex passwords for all accounts (CMS admin, database, hosting control panel).
• Unique Passwords: Don’t reuse passwords across different sites.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA wherever possible – adds an extra layer of security.
• Limit User Access: Only give users the permissions they need.

5. Protect Against Common Attacks

• SQL Injection: Use prepared statements or parameterized queries in your code to prevent attackers from injecting malicious SQL code.
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Sanitize all user input before displaying it on your website.
• Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF): Implement CSRF tokens to protect against unauthorized actions.
• Brute Force Attacks: Limit login attempts and consider using a CAPTCHA. Plugins are available for many CMS platforms.

Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) can help block many common attacks.

6. Regular Backups

Backups are your safety net. If something goes wrong, you need to be able to restore your site quickly.

• Automated Backups: Schedule regular backups (daily or weekly).
• Offsite Storage: Store backups in a separate location from your web server. Cloud storage is a good option.
• Test Restores: Regularly test restoring your backups to ensure they work correctly.

7. Monitor Your Website

• Security Scans: Use tools to scan for vulnerabilities and malware.
• Log Files: Review server logs for suspicious activity.
• Uptime Monitoring: Ensure your website is online and accessible.