{"id":5218,"date":"2021-02-08T09:00:19","date_gmt":"2021-02-08T16:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/?p=5218"},"modified":"2022-07-28T22:41:06","modified_gmt":"2022-07-29T05:41:06","slug":"how-to-build-a-safer-website","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/how-to-build-a-safer-website\/","title":{"rendered":"How to build a safer website"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/how-to-secure-your-website.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-5219\" src=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/how-to-secure-your-website.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/how-to-secure-your-website.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/how-to-secure-your-website-300x200.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For those that didn\u2019t know, tomorrow is Safer Internet Day (SID), an international event that takes place every February to promote the safe and responsible use of online technologies by young people across the globe. Since the digital world knows no borders, it\u2019s important to be accountable as a business owner for creating the best digital environment for all types of users, including those that are most impressionable. While it\u2019s the hope that every e-commerce space does its part in creating a safer and inclusive internet, it\u2019s also essential to take some time to reflect on how you can build the foundations of a safer website for all. The internet has become an incredibly powerful tool over the years, and even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic, juggling the ability to acquire knowledge with the chance to reap the rewards of a thriving marketplace for consumers. Needless to say, with more and more people flocking to e-commerce websites through the use of a variety of mobile technologies, consider it a perfect opportunity to start looking at how you can make the right changes to your website\u2019s foundations so that you can promote safety and security at every angle.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continue reading to learn more about how <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/?utm_source=Blog_February2021_SaferInternetDay\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Numinix Web Development Inc.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is helping e-commerce businesses to build safer websites<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/how-to-build-a-safer-website\/#Start_your_security_updates_from_the_ground_up_with_these_simple_tips\" >Start your security updates from the ground up with these simple tips:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/how-to-build-a-safer-website\/#Why_should_you_consider_running_a_basic_security_audit_before_ramping_up_other_efforts\" >Why should you consider running a basic security audit before ramping up other efforts?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/how-to-build-a-safer-website\/#Are_you_ready_to_learn_more_about_the_specifics_of_keeping_your_software_up-to-date\" >Are you ready to learn more about the specifics of keeping your software up-to-date?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/how-to-build-a-safer-website\/#Have_you_already_checked_off_all_of_the_above_security_suggestions\" >Have you already checked off all of the above security suggestions?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Start_your_security_updates_from_the_ground_up_with_these_simple_tips\"><\/span><b>Start your security updates from the ground up with these simple tips:<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Install SSL:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/shop-by-ecommerce-platforms-woocommerce-development-c-179_255_287\/woocommerce-ssl-certificate-setup-sv-1082?utm_source=Blog_February2021_SaferInternetDay\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Purchasing a Secure Sockets Layer Certificate (SSL)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a crucial first step to securing your e-commerce website. It creates a connection between your web server and your visitor\u2019s web browser that is secured through encryption, protecting private information so that it can be transmitted safely and securely.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use anti-malware software:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This will allow you to scan for and prevent future malicious attacks to your website\u2019s security.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Create strong passwords: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It isn\u2019t unheard of for websites to require the use of both capital and lowercase letters along with numbers and symbols. It\u2019s because the use of a strong combination will make your website passwords uncrackable for cyberhackers.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Keep your website up-to-date: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Out of date software is often compared to leaving your home\u2019s back door open, which gives access to all sorts of theft. This is because your website\u2019s software includes the use, storage, and application of data, and when that data remains unlocked, it\u2019s far more vulnerable to ransomware attacks, malware, and data breaches.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Be aware of scams: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While those committing online fraud are getting more and more creative these days, most security breaches are still attached to phishing, a type of online scam where criminals will impersonate legitimate organizations via email, text message, or advertisement to steal sensitive information.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Manually accept all on-site comments: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This will continue to give you complete control over dodgy comments that may present distrust with your website\u2019s visitors.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Run regular backups: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s always best to prepare for the worst case scenario by ensuring that you backup your client and company data. If ever you experience data theft or corruption, you can contact clients before anything bad happens with their credit card.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_should_you_consider_running_a_basic_security_audit_before_ramping_up_other_efforts\"><\/span><b>Why should you consider running a basic security audit before ramping up other efforts?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security is one of the most important aspects of any website. That being said, there are still many vulnerabilities in the e-commerce environment. When a user offers up their personal information to make a purchase <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> including full name, billing address, and credit card information <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> there are several moving parts that, if left unsecured, pose a potential point of entry for cyberhackers.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is why Numinix Web Development Inc. encourages business owners to conduct a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&amp;search_in_description=1&amp;keyword=basic%20security%20audit&amp;utm_source=Blog_February2021_SaferInternetDay\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Basic Security Audit<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">which will provide a review of the following areas:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rootkit Detection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PHP and SSL Certifications for hacks and security breaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discover SQL Errors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ethical hack for security vulnerabilities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Version check security packaging<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your basic security audit will take approximately 4 to 5 hours and will end in having a professionally prepared report forwarded back to you, highlighting the problems and providing estimates on how long it would take to correct each area, along with how much it will cost. That\u2019s professional web development at its finest!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_you_ready_to_learn_more_about_the_specifics_of_keeping_your_software_up-to-date\"><\/span><b>Are you ready to learn more about the specifics of keeping your software up-to-date?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the security benefits of up-to-date software were briefly discussed above, here\u2019s a deeper look at some specific benefits that you should know as a new and long-term business owner.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For starters, while updates help to keep your website secure, there are two main advantages of keeping <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypertext Preprocessor software (PHP), a widely-used open-source scripting web development language, up-to-date including, an increase in your website\u2019s speed and efficiency and a higher delivery in its overall performance<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/plugins-admin-c-381_391?utm_source=Blog_February2021_SaferInternetDay\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Admin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/plugins-c-381?utm_source=Blog_February2021_SaferInternetDay\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plugins<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should also be kept in check, especially if you use an open-source platform such as WordPress. For example, the WordPress dashboard will allow anyone with admin access to edit films within its installation, including plugins and themes. So, it\u2019s important to disallow file editing, disabling hackers that obtain admin access from modifying your platform\u2019s files.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Have_you_already_checked_off_all_of_the_above_security_suggestions\"><\/span><b>Have you already checked off all of the above security suggestions?&nbsp;<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there is an endless list of ways that you can up your website\u2019s security, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to invest in the right options for your e-commerce business.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some ways that you can further your web security and increase your customer protection:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Put customer information on another server: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consumers feel safer when they know that their information is protected, and one of the best ways that you can keep personal info private is by putting it onto a separate server from the main website. Not only will this help to secure your customer\u2019s data, but it will also show a higher level of professionalism, trust, and commitment to continue to inspire shoppers to make online purchases.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Utilize customer ID verification: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This type of verification method helps to prevent identity fraud, as it requires knowledge factors that assist in identifying the person making the purchase. In addition, this method also allows companies to verify the information customers provide to prevent mistakes in the delivery of products and services.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use FraudLabs as an additional means of fraud protection: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FraudLabs helps merchants protect their e-commerce stores from malicious fraudsters by screening all sales orders that are made through the use of credit cards, PayPal, and so on to check for potential fraud payments.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use reliable payment processors: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/plugins-payment-c-381_390?utm_source=Blog_February2021_SaferInternetDay\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Payment plugins<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and payment service providers such as PayPal, Stripe, and Sona Pay allow merchants to receive payments directly to their email address or mobile number. Then a message is sent allowing them to see that the money is available and in their account before the item is shipped to the customer. Likewise, it also protects the customer, working as an open wallet until they receive their item(s) and allowing them to cancel their transaction if the item(s) aren\u2019t shipped.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Are you feeling confident in your website\u2019s safety and security or do you think it could use some work? Drop a comment below to start a conversation. <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For those that didn\u2019t know, tomorrow is Safer Internet Day (SID), an international event that takes place every February to promote the safe and responsible use of online technologies by young people across the globe. Since the digital world knows no borders, it\u2019s important to be accountable as a business owner for creating the best&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":269,"featured_media":5219,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[586,818,835,5],"tags":[1150,1105,1151,1149,1152,1153,910],"class_list":["post-5218","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-web-development","category-e-commerce-platforms","category-plugins","category-usability","tag-basic-security-audit","tag-cybersecurity","tag-fraud","tag-internet-security","tag-online-fraud","tag-safer-internet-day","tag-ssl-certificate"],"modified_by":"Numinix Developer","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/how-to-secure-your-website.jpeg","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5218","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/269"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5218"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5218\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5219"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5218"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5218"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5218"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}