Your website is often the first point of contact for customers, but it can also be a target for cyberattacks. Even if your site looks fine, small gaps in security can leave it vulnerable. So how can you tell if your website is actually secure?

Here are practical ways to assess your website’s security.

1. Keep Your Software Up to Date
Outdated software is one of the most common ways hackers gain access. This includes your CMS, plugins, and themes.

Check:
- Is your CMS up to date?
- Are all plugins or extensions still supported?
- Are security patches applied regularly?

Keeping your software current helps prevent known vulnerabilities from being exploited.

2. Use HTTPS
HTTPS encrypts the information users send to your site, such as login credentials or form submissions. It also improves trust, as modern browsers flag sites without HTTPS as “Not Secure.”

Check:
- Do you have an active SSL/TLS certificate?
- Are all pages loading securely without warnings?

3. Strong Access Controls
Weak passwords and overly broad user permissions increase your risk.

Check:
- Are passwords strong and unique?
- Is administrative access limited to necessary users only?
- Is two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled for administrators?

4. Monitor for Suspicious Activity
- Security breaches can go unnoticed if you’re not monitoring your site.

Check:
- Are login attempts and file changes logged?
- Do you have alerts for unusual activity?
- Are you using basic monitoring tools to detect issues?

5. Ensure Your Hosting Environment Is Secure
Website security isn’t just about software—it’s also about your hosting environment.

Check:
- Is server software up to date?
- Are firewalls and malware scans active?
- Does your hosting provider follow security best practices?

6. Regular Backups Are Essential
Even a secure website can face issues, from accidental deletions to malware attacks. Regular backups allow you to recover quickly.

Check:
- Are backups automated and regular?
- Are backups stored securely?
- Have you tested restoring them?

Maintaining your website regularly is essential. Small steps like updating software, monitoring activity, and backing up data can prevent bigger problems down the line. Prevention is always easier and less costly than dealing with a security incident.

Website security doesn’t have to be complicated. By taking these basic steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of attacks and keep your site stable and trustworthy for your visitors.