Taking additional steps to secure your website and user data can make a significant difference in preventing cyberattacks. Here are more advanced security practices you should consider:
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Use Secure FTP (SFTP)
- Always use Secure FTP (SFTP) when transferring files to your server. Unlike standard FTP, SFTP encrypts your file transfers, ensuring that sensitive data isn’t intercepted by attackers. cPanel provides SFTP access to safely manage your website files.
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Implement Content Security Policies (CSP)
- Content Security Policy (CSP) is a security feature that helps prevent cross-site scripting (XSS) and other code injection attacks. By setting up a CSP in your website’s headers, you define which resources (e.g., scripts, images) are allowed to load, effectively reducing the risk of malicious content being injected into your site.
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Use Web Application Firewalls (WAF)
- A Web Application Firewall (WAF) adds an extra layer of security by filtering and monitoring HTTP requests to your website. It protects against common attacks like SQL injections, cross-site scripting (XSS), and brute-force attacks. Implementing a WAF ensures that your website is shielded from many common threats.
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Disable Unused Services and Features
- Minimize your website’s exposure by disabling unused services and features that could become vulnerabilities. For example, if you’re not using FTP, disable it. Reducing the number of open ports and services lowers the chances of an attack.
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Secure Your Admin Area
- Restrict access to your website’s admin area by limiting login attempts and whitelisting trusted IP addresses. For platforms like WordPress, consider using plugins to hide or protect your login page. Enabling captcha systems also helps prevent brute-force login attempts.
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Encrypt Sensitive Data in Databases
- Ensure sensitive data such as passwords, user information, or payment details stored in your database are encrypted. Using strong encryption algorithms for data storage adds a critical layer of security in the event of a data breach.
By incorporating these advanced security features, you can significantly strengthen your website’s defense against potential cyber threats, ensuring better protection for both your website and your users.
