Debunking Website Security Myths: What Every Business Owner Should Know

tl;dr

• Frequent targets: Small businesses and large corporations alike are frequent targets of cyberattacks.
• Essential defenses include: Strong passwords, user role management, and software updates.
• Critical website security includes: SSL certificates, firewalls, and CDNs.
• Have a recovery plan: Automated backups and clear post-incident steps are essential.
• Security is an ongoing process: Continuous monitoring and updates are essential to mitigate risks.

In today's digital era, website security is no longer an optional investment; it's a necessity. Unfortunately, many business owners believe only enterprise level corporations are at risk, leaving their companies vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Kevin Goldberg, CEO of iS2 Digital, emphasizes the inevitability of cyber attack, "Statistically speaking, your website will be attacked this year, and if the attack is successful, it will result in lost revenue, wasted time, and brand damage." 

This article dismantles some of the most common myths about website security, offering actionable steps and insights to safeguard your business.

Myth #1: Small Businesses Aren't Targets

One of the most dangerous misconceptions is that hackers only target large corporations. While it's true that major companies like Amazon and Chase experience staggering numbers of cyber threats daily [5], smaller businesses are far from immune. Hackers often exploit small websites for two primary reasons. Abusing server resources and exploiting site visitors.

As Goldberg explains, "Hackers will put their bots on your server and leverage your bandwidth," which can lead to penalties from hosting providers. Moreover, attackers might insert malicious ads or downloads on your site to exploit visitors. "Because it's coming from your site, it appears legitimate," Goldberg notes. These tactics illustrate why every business, regardless of size, must prioritize website security.

Myth #2: Strong Passwords Are Enough

While a robust password is essential, it's only one layer of defense. A comprehensive security strategy must include:

• Password Strength and Rotation: Use complex passwords with at least 12 characters, mixing upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Regularly update passwords every three to six months.
• User Role Management: Implement the principle of least privilege. Only grant users the access they absolutely need. [7]
• Software Updates: Apply security patches promptly to close vulnerabilities in content management systems like WordPress and Drupal [1].

Myth #3: SSL Certificates Alone Secure My Website

SSL certificates are non-negotiable for encrypting data between your site and its visitors. However, they're just the beginning. Goldberg highlights the importance of pairing SSL with a firewall. "A firewall prevents attacks from reaching your server," he explains.

Options include: 

• Server Firewalls: Protect your server against external threats.
• Web Application Firewalls (WAFs): Guard your website's application layer, intercepting malicious traffic.

Another critical tool is a Content Delivery Network (CDN). Beyond improving site speed, CDNs offer security benefits like rate-limiting to deter denial-of-service (DoS) attacks [3].

Myth #4: Hacking is Irreversible

Even with strong defenses, no website is 100% immune. However, having a recovery plan is crucial to returning back to the status-quo.

Goldberg outlines a three-phase approach:

• Lockdown: Take the site offline, notify your hosting provider, and change all passwords.
• Cleanup: Restore the site from recent backups or repair affected files. [3].
• Post-Incident Response: Address brand damage, social media issues, and compliance obligations.

Recovery can be costly and time-intensive, but preparation minimizes long-term damage.

Myth 5: Security Is Too Expensive

Small and medium-sized businesses often assume they can't afford robust website security. In reality, many effective measures are low-cost or even free.

For instance:

• Free Tools: Content management systems like Drupal offer security-focused modules such as Security Review and Paranoia [4].
• Affordable Services: Platforms like Wix, Shopify, and WP Engine include built-in security features like SSL, firewalls, and CDNs [2].

Businesses can significantly reduce their risk without breaking the bank by focusing on high-impact measures, strong passwords, regular updates, and basic firewalls.

Practical Steps for Enhanced Security

To protect your website effectively, consider these additional recommendations:

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Require users to verify their identity using a secondary method, such as a mobile app.
• Implement Automated Backups: Regular backups with retention policies ensure you can restore your site quickly after an attack. Goldberg advises, "Daily, weekly, and monthly backups with retention policies provide layers of redundancy."
• Monitor Your Site's Health: Tools like Google Search Console and Sucuri SiteCheck identify vulnerabilities and alert you to potential issues [6].

Final Thoughts

Website security is not a "set it and forget it" endeavor. Goldberg stresses, "It requires continuous attention to mitigate the risks of being hacked." By debunking myths and implementing practical measures, businesses can protect themselves and their users from cyber threats.

For further guidance, download iS2 Digital's comprehensive recovery playbook at is2digital.com/playbooks.

References

1. FCC: "Cybersecurity for Small Businesses."
2. Embroker: "Cyber Attack Statistics."
3. TuxCare: "8 Essential Steps to Recover a Hacked Site."
4. CISA: "Federal Government Cybersecurity Incident and Vulnerability Response Playbooks."
5. The Wall Street Journal: "The AI Effect: Amazon Sees Nearly 1 Billion Cyber Threats a Day."
6. Wordfence: "Site Security Tools."
7. Paloalto Networks, "What Is The Principle of Least Privilege?"