Website security for small businesses: common threats and how to protect yourself

Why security matters for small businesses

Small websites are common targets for attacks. Attackers look for easy targets, not just high-value ones.

A compromised website can damage your reputation, expose customer data, infect visitors, and cost time and money to fix.

For more on security basics, see security basics for small business websites.

Common threats

1) Outdated software

Outdated software is the most common security risk [1]Source 1 . Known vulnerabilities in old versions are easy for attackers to exploit.

• CMS and plugins: WordPress, plugins, themes with known vulnerabilities.
• Dependencies: JavaScript libraries, frameworks, server software.
• What to do: Keep everything updated, enable automatic updates where safe, test updates before production.

2) Weak passwords

Weak passwords are easy to guess or crack. They provide an easy way into your site.

• Default passwords: Never use default admin passwords.
• Common passwords: "password", "123456", "admin" are easily guessed.
• What to do: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts. Use a password manager.

3) Missing security updates

Security updates patch known vulnerabilities. Missing updates leave your site exposed.

• Regular updates: CMS, plugins, themes, server software.
• Emergency patches: Critical security updates that fix active threats.
• What to do: Set up a maintenance plan that includes security updates. See maintenance plans that pay for themselves.

4) Misconfigured hosting

Hosting misconfiguration can expose your site to attacks. Weak server settings, open ports, or insecure file permissions create risks.

• File permissions: Files and directories with overly permissive access.
• Server configuration: Missing security headers, weak encryption, exposed admin areas.
• What to do: Use secure hosting, review server settings, follow security best practices [2]Source 2 .

5) Unsecured forms and data

Forms that handle sensitive data need proper security. Unsecured forms can expose data or be exploited for spam.

• Form validation: Server-side validation, not just client-side.
• Data handling: Secure storage, encryption for sensitive data.
• What to do: Use HTTPS, validate all inputs, sanitise data, use secure form handlers.

6) No HTTPS or weak SSL

HTTPS encrypts data between visitors and your site. Without it, data can be intercepted.

• HTTPS required: Especially for forms, login pages, payment processing.
• Valid certificates: SSL certificates must be valid and not expired.
• What to do: Enable HTTPS, use valid SSL certificates, redirect HTTP to HTTPS.

How to protect your site

1) Keep software updated

• Enable automatic updates: Where safe, enable automatic updates for CMS and plugins.
• Review updates: Check what updates include, test in staging if possible.
• Remove unused software: Delete unused plugins, themes, or dependencies.

2) Use strong passwords

• Password manager: Use a password manager to generate and store strong passwords.
• Unique passwords: Different password for each account.
• Two-factor authentication: Enable 2FA where available for admin accounts.

3) Secure hosting

• Reputable hosting: Choose hosting with good security practices.
• Regular backups: Automated backups that you can restore from.
• Security monitoring: Hosting that monitors for threats and alerts you.

4) Use HTTPS

• SSL certificate: Valid SSL certificate from a trusted provider.
• Force HTTPS: Redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS.
• Secure headers: Security headers like HSTS, CSP where appropriate [3]Source 3 .

5) Secure forms

• HTTPS required: All forms must use HTTPS.
• Validation: Server-side validation for all inputs.
• Spam protection: Use CAPTCHA, honeypots, or other spam protection.
• Secure storage: Encrypt sensitive data, don't store passwords in plain text.

For more on forms, see form design that gets completed and email deliverability and form submissions.

6) Regular security checks

• Software audits: Regularly check for outdated software.
• Access reviews: Review who has access to your site, remove unused accounts.
• Security scans: Use security scanning tools to check for vulnerabilities.

What to do if your site is compromised

If you suspect your site has been compromised:

1. Take it offline: If possible, take the site offline to prevent further damage.
2. Change all passwords: Change passwords for all accounts immediately.
3. Restore from backup: If you have a clean backup, restore from it.
4. Get professional help: Security issues often need expert help to fix properly.
5. Notify users: If customer data may have been exposed, notify affected users.

Prevention is better than cure

Most security issues are preventable. Regular maintenance, updates, and good practices protect your site.

• Maintenance plan: Ongoing maintenance that includes security updates. See maintenance plans that pay for themselves.
• Security monitoring: Tools and processes that alert you to issues.
• Regular backups: Automated backups you can restore from.

Summary

Common security threats: outdated software, weak passwords, missing updates, misconfigured hosting, unsecured forms, no HTTPS.

How to protect: keep software updated, use strong passwords, secure hosting, use HTTPS, secure forms, regular security checks.

If compromised: take site offline, change passwords, restore from backup, get professional help, notify users if needed.

If you need help with website security, see website security issues or maintenance and support services. For more on security basics, see security basics for small business websites. You can also get in touch to discuss your security needs.