Around 30,000 websites are hacked every single day. Your business reputation is far more than just the work you do—it’s also how secure your website is.
Digital security is the kind of stuff that tends to drop to the bottom of your to-do list. You hope it never happens to you, and you focus on doing good project work and keeping files organized.
Unfortunately, as hackers get smarter, you’ll become more vulnerable—unless you take action.
It’s time to bump this item up on your list.
Here’s a quick guide to website security for building professionals and an 11-point checklist to help you create a secure digital footprint.
Why do design and builder websites need security?
You’re vulnerable to three main risks:
- Having your data stolen
- Having your domain name stolen
- Losing your credibility
While reputation is important for all businesses, it’s especially critical for design and building professionals. You cannot function without the trust of your clients.
Your website is vulnerable to damage in the same way as a real storefront—and the damage could be extremely harmful to your business.
What does website security really mean?
Website security has many aspects, from rigorous, preemptive safeguards that help stop bad actors to tweaking your domain renewal process so that your own forgetfulness doesn’t undermine your hard-won digital footprint.
To the non-expert, website security can sound complicated—and it is.
Behind the scenes, safeguarding a website requires a ton of coding and development work on the back end. But executing on a website security plan? It’s actually pretty straightforward.
The ultimate website security checklist for design and builder websites
Did you know that for every five plugins on a WordPress site, the risk of a security breach doubles? And that unauthorized access accounts for 40% of cybersecurity incidents?
Here are 11 absolute essentials for a secure website:
I have a secure website host.
- A secure host has built-in security measures like firewalls, DDoS, and IDPS systems.
I have a current SSL certificate.
- SSL certificates are issued by a third party and must be renewed.
I have limited plugins.
- Plugins can be helpful, but some have security issues or poor-quality code.
I have removed unused plugins and themes.
- If a plugin is not serving you actively, remove it to prevent unauthorized access.
I have updated my themes and plugins.
- Updates keep your code compatible and patch security vulnerabilities—but updates may not be automatic.
I have limited personnel access.
- Only trusted team members who work directly with your website should have access.
- Don’t forget to offboard people when they leave your team (and change the passwords).
I have set up two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Identity verification is a simple and effective way to protect your website and other business accounts.
I have set up auto-renew for my domain.
- Schedule an automatic renewal with a card on file so you don’t lose your site to an opportunistic bad actor.
I have set my registration details to “private.”
- Hide your personal information (name, address, contact info) from your registration.
I use form input validation.
- Form validation tools protect you from hackers and serve your prospects.
I use active site monitoring tools.
- You can’t be on the lookout 24/7, but a tool like Uptime Robot can alert you immediately.
Review and next steps
Vulnerability is a fact of doing business in the modern age. Showing up online means that you need to protect yourself from malicious hackers and unpredictable technology.
The truth? Website security is a moving target. There’s a new threat every day.
Another fact? It’s a job for a professional. Don’t try to DIY your website security.
We build and maintain beautiful and secure websites for professionals like you. Reach out for a free consultation if you’re curious what it would take to fully protect yourself online.