A Small Business Checklist to Secure Your Website

For small businesses, your website is a critical asset that drives growth, builds trust, and connects you with customers. However, without proper security, it’s vulnerable to cyberattacks that can compromise data, disrupt operations, and erode credibility. This checklist provides actionable steps to secure your website, tailored specifically for small businesses. We’ll also highlight Solid Security, a tool to streamline and strengthen your defenses.

Why Website Security Matters for Small Businesses

A secure website is essential for:

• Protecting Customer Data: Keeps sensitive information safe from breaches.

• Building Trust: A secure site reassures customers and boosts engagement.

• Avoiding Disruptions: Prevents downtime that can hurt your business.

A breach can lead to financial loss, legal issues, and a damaged reputation. Use this checklist to safeguard your website and your business.

Website Security Checklist

Implement these key measures to lock down your website:

1. Install an SSL Certificate

   Why: An SSL certificate encrypts data transmitted between your website and its users, ensuring privacy and building trust. It’s critical for protecting sensitive information like login credentials and payment details.

   Action: Obtain an SSL certificate from a trusted provider such as:

   • GoDaddy: Offers SSL certificates starting at $69.99/year for a single domain. Purchase through their website, follow their setup guide, and install it via your hosting control panel.

   • Namecheap: Provides affordable options like PositiveSSL for $8.88/year. Select your plan, generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR), and install it using their SSL management tools.

   • Let’s Encrypt: A free, automated option. Use Certbot to install and auto-renew the certificate on your server. Most hosts, like Hostinger, support Let’s Encrypt integration.

   Confirm your URL displays “https://” with a padlock icon in the browser address bar after installation.

• Why: Fixes vulnerabilities that hackers target.

• Action: Regularly update your CMS, plugins, and themes. Enable automatic updates when available.

3. Enforce Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

• Why: Blocks unauthorized access to your site.

• Action: Use unique, complex passwords and enable 2FA (e.g., a code sent to your phone) for all accounts, especially admins.

4. Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

• Why: Stops malicious traffic and common attacks like SQL injections.

• Action: Set up a WAF via services like Cloudflare or Sucuri to filter threats.

5. Conduct Regular Backups

• Why: Allows quick recovery from breaches or data loss.

• Action: Schedule automatic backups of your site’s files and database, storing them securely offsite or in the cloud. Test them regularly.

Boost Protection with Solid Security

Solid Security is a powerful tool designed for small businesses, offering:

• Vulnerability Scanning: Detects weaknesses before they’re exploited.

• Traffic Blocking: Stops threats in real-time.

• Real-Time Alerts: Keeps you informed of risks instantly.

• Ease of Use: Simplifies security for non-technical users.

With Solid Security, you can enhance your website’s protection effortlessly, freeing you to focus on your business.

Take Action Now

Securing your website is a must for any small business. Follow this checklist—install an SSL certificate, update software, enforce strong passwords with 2FA, add a WAF, back up regularly, and consider Solid Security—to protect your digital presence and maintain customer trust.

Next Steps
Ready to secure your website with Solid Security? 

Contact us for a consultation on how we can help you secure your website!