Regular security audits are essential to protect your website from cyber threats and vulnerabilities. Use this checklist to perform a basic security assessment of your website:
1. Software and Plugin Updates
- Ensure your Content Management System (CMS) (e.g., WordPress, Shopify) is up to date.
- Update all themes, plugins, and extensions to their latest versions.
- Remove any unused or outdated plugins/themes.
2. Strong Passwords and User Management
- Use strong, unique passwords for all admin accounts.
- Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) for all logins.
- Limit user access based on the principle of least privilege.
- Regularly review user accounts and remove inactive ones.
3. SSL/TLS Certificate
- Ensure your website uses HTTPS with a valid SSL/TLS certificate.
- Verify that all content is served over HTTPS (no mixed content warnings).
4. Data Backup and Recovery
- Implement regular, automated backups of your website data and database.
- Store backups securely off-site.
- Test your backup restoration process periodically.
5. Web Application Firewall (WAF)
- Consider using a WAF to filter malicious traffic and protect against common web attacks (e.g., SQL injection, XSS).
6. Regular Security Scans
- Use security scanning tools to identify vulnerabilities and malware.
- Schedule regular scans and address any detected issues promptly.
7. Error Message Configuration
- Ensure error messages do not reveal sensitive information (e.g., database errors, server paths).
Performing a thorough security audit can be complex. If you need professional assistance, consider hiring a cybersecurity expert. Find website security audit services on Fiverr.