A website hosts a large ecosystem of data that covers who manages it, how it is managed, and the users that subscribe and register on it as well. All tools, applications, and information technology systems can become susceptible to hacking. Lack of control and management on your websites and the depletion of the privacy of critical information would ultimately lead to the detriment of your business, brand, or organization.
In 2019, Threat Horizon indicated that the main themes of cyberattacks for 2020 are: (1) disruption or outage among interconnected businesses through hacking the Internet of Things (IoT) with ransomware; (2) distortion or the decline of credibility in terms of information; and (3) deterioration or loss of control in information management and mismatch in technologies and national security.
Other cyber threats consist of:
AI-related Cyberthreats
Hackers and cybercriminals could use mechanisms such as machine learning and other AI functions in order to execute integrated and complex cyberattacks on IT systems. Machine Learning (ML) poisoning also leads to the corrupting of data and collapsing of the ML model.
Cloud Vulnerability
According to the Oracle and KPMG Cloud Threat Report 2019, businesses and organizations may be exposed to this because of the continuous storage of work information and other data on cloud applications. Cyberthreats include misconfiguration and hacking of accounts.
Smart Contract and Hacking
Smart contracts are still being developed in order to aid developers in establishing the code and runs a blockchain-based application. Hackers could make use of the feature that enables self-reliant execution of codes.
Phishing and other social engineering cyberthreats
These types of cyber threats falsely lead clients to provide private information, which commonly manifests through SMS phishing and is linked to applications such as Skype, Slack, and WhatsApp. Deepfake, a related cyberthreat, makes use of AI technology to alter records of a person’s image or speech. This scheme can rob businesses or defraud them of certain investments.
How to protect your website online
There are security issues that should not be overlooked in web development and code debugging. Generally, it is critical for software updates to be regularly set to date for the platform of the website to operate without problems. In case there are errors, the website should be monitored and reviewed so that error messages do not disclose any part of your information system. Other elements to check as well include files being uploaded to the website. Accepting compromised files would also cause malfunctions within the website. To keep files secure, apply end-to-end encryption to increase the chances that they are not accessed by anyone other than you.
Here are other ways to ensure that your website is safeguarded from cyberthreats:
1. Secure a Security Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate for your website. This ensures that transactions on your website are authenticated and exclusive, and information exchanged by the users and data managers is encrypted. By having your website authenticated, there is no threat that your website is a dubious site that aims to trick users into feeding their sensitive information to hackers or cyber attackers.
2. Make use of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), which prevents hackers from obtaining the login information of the visitors of your website. In doing so, your website also gains more credibility.
3. Ensure that your website is compliant with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Likewise, orient employees within the organization on security protocols and further improve cybersecurity knowledge.
4. Use strong and unique passwords, with alphanumeric characters and symbols, if possible. With this, set up two-factor authentication when entering the IT system.
5. It may sound basic, but by default, run backups consistently. There is no room for error, especially when critical information is at risk, and in preparation in the event of unpredictable cyberattacks.
6. Enhance security through the use of website security tools or software. Cybersecurity can be boosted through investing in tools which can range from antivirus software or firewall.
One good example is Acunetix, which scans potential vulnerabilities within a website and keeps your applications running and secure. This automated website tool likewise screens out cybersecurity issues such as:
SQL Injection (SQLi)
This enables the execution of SQL statements that would corrupt the application security of a website and overrun the database server. SQLi can also change and erase portions within the database, such as records of customer data, and other business files. Targets of this vulnerability include websites and applications that utilize SQL database.
Cross-site Scripting (XSS)
XSS marks clients that enter or log into a webpage or application and uses the website to transfer a corrupt script to the browser of its visitors. This type of injection attack usually occurs in message boards and other pages wherein many users input comments. Often, JavaScript, CSS, Flash, ActiveX and VBScript are vulnerable to this kind of cybersecurity issue.
In investing in anti-hacking software, you may save more time and effort in securing your websites and business information. Aside from the default detection of threats, the software:
1. Address the issues posed by malware, adware, and spyware and keep your information secure;
2. Improves response to threats, such as setting up post-breach protection and automated searching and resolution to detected risks;
3. Restore corrupted files and eliminate rootkits (malware granting hackers access to a device and its applications;
4. Sweeps your browser for potential malicious activity;
5. Collaborate with other antivirus software in order to carry out a systematic scan of suspicious registry entries and files, and remove them; and
6. Provide maintenance and repair to compromised registries, detect Trojans, HTTP cookies, hijackers, Layered Service Providers (LSPs), and others.
Cross-site Scripting (XSS)
A strategic security system is important when preventing the breach of the cybersecurity of your website. It is critical for businesses to invest in the right tools and software that could detect vulnerabilities and eliminate them from the IT system. There is no one way to fully ensure the security of your website, but website owners and developers can make use of emerging technologies that aim to maintain the safety of risky information.
