10 Ways To Protect Website From Malware and Cyber-hacking

• More than 360,000 new malicious files are discovered every day

• As of 2017, there were 1,188,728,338 known attacks on computers.

• Business losses due to cybercrimes are expected to reach $6 trillion by 2021

• Global cybersecurity spending is expected to exceed $1 trillion between 2017 and 2021.

These staggering numbers clearly show why companies should make website security their top priority. There are various types of cyber attacks and malware.

It is critical that every IT department understand the following risks: Viruses and Worms, Trojans, Suspicious Wrappers, Malicious Tools, Adware, Malware, Ransomware, Denial of Service, Phishing, Cross-Site Scripting (SQL Injection), Brute force password attacks. and session hijacking.

If this cyber intrusion attempt is successful (which it often is), the following can happen:

1. Website tampering – unwanted content placed on your website.
2. The website goes offline (Your website is unavailable).
3. Data is stolen from websites, databases, financial systems, and more.
4. Data encrypted and stored for ransom (ransomware attack).
5. Abusing server - spamming on webmail to transmit illegal files.
6. Server Abuse - Part of a distributed denial of service attack.
7. Servers for bitcoin mining etc. abused.

While some attacks pose only a minor threat, such as a slow website B., many attacks cause serious consequences, such as. B. grand theft of confidential data or destruction of unspecified websites by ransomware. With that in mind, here are 15 best practices your IT department should adopt to protect your business from malware and cyber-hacking.

1. Keep your software up to date.

It is important to keep your operating system, popular applications, anti-malware and website security programs up to date with the latest patches and definitions. If your website is hosted by a third party, make sure your host is reputable and keeps their software up to date.

2. Protection against Cross Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

Hackers can steal credentials and cookies from users when they log in or register by injecting malicious JavaScript into your code. Install a firewall and protect yourself from injecting active JavaScript into your pages.

3. Protection against SQL attacks.

To protect yourself from hackers injecting malicious code into your website, you should always use parameterized queries and avoid standard Transact-SQL.

4. Check the data again.

Protect your customers by requiring browser and server verification. The double verification process helps block injection of malicious scripts via form fields that accept data.

5. Do not allow file uploads on your website.

Some companies require users to upload files or photos to their servers. This poses a significant security risk as hackers can upload malicious content that compromises your website. Remove permissions on executable files and find other ways for users to share information and images.

6. Maintain a strong firewall.

Use a strong firewall and limit external access to ports 80 and 443 only.

7. Maintain separate database servers.

Use separate servers for your data and web servers to better protect your digital assets.

8. Implement Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol.

Always purchase an SSL certificate to maintain a trusted environment. SSL certificates build trust by providing a secure and encrypted connection to your website. It protects your website from malicious servers.

9. Create a password policy.

Implement strict password policies and make sure they are followed. Educate all users about the importance of strong passwords. In short, all passwords must meet the following standards:

• It must be at least 8 characters long

• At least one capital letter, one number and one special character

• Don't use dictionary words

• The longer the password, the higher the security of the website.

10. Use website security tools.

Website security tools are essential for internet security. There are many options, both free and paid. In addition to software, there is a software as a service (SaaS) model that offers comprehensive website security tools.