Just a simple question: Are you willing to put your personal computer outside your home for everyone to use? Well, you are blessed with a caring heart if your answer is yes. You see, people will use your computer for different reasons. Some will try to use it productively. They can use it as a source of entertainment (through games), a way to share information (Wikipedia / Social media), and a means of communication (email and chat).
However, there are also people who want to prove their computing expertise incorrectly. They like to show the world that they have the ability to bypass web security systems and access accounts they do not own. These people are known as hackers. Given the opportunity, they will create harmful web parts like viruses and worms and inject them into your computer system. Now, are you still inclined to the idea of sharing your unprotected computer with other people?
Well, even if you don’t want to, you have no choice but to risk exposing your computer to many anonymous web users. This is the initial requirement in networking. You can enter the cyber world only if you are willing to open the front door to your computer. Now, if you have a website running on your web host’s server, there is also a chance that hackers can access your files. If you have a database that contains sensitive customer information such as your contact details such as emails, these hackers can obtain it. They can sell it to spammers or use it to scam people on the registry. This is a nightmare for all online businesses because it can cause them to lose a considerable amount of valued customers. If you are one of these website owners who have great respect for security and customer satisfaction, protect your website from hackers by following the simple and effective ways outlined below:
1. Change passwords regularly
Changing passwords frequently will make your website less vulnerable to hackers. They won’t be able to make a clear pattern after your recent logins if you try to be random and selective when it comes to passwords. Just a reminder though, be sure to keep track of your passwords so you have something to refer to in case your memory fails you. Also, password protect each and every folder on your server.
2. make use of available resources
It’s not enough to change passwords frequently because hackers can still get into an account by creating specially crafted software. You see, most hackers are computer geniuses. Once you put a barrier in their way, they will find other passages to your account or system. Therefore, it will be best if you let other available resources such as the latest antivirus and firewall software help you in your fight against these ruthless hackers. Turn on the firewall. Look for the most reliable antivirus software on the market and once installed, don’t forget to update it.
Also, buy an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate. This certificate can be installed on a web server and will allow the secure channeling of sensitive information such as consumer credit card numbers. Without SSL, hackers can retrieve any information that passes through an insecure connection.