The Most Common Misconceptions About Website Security

Website security is essential for protecting your visitors and the smooth operation of your online business. Only a secure website or application can achieve the proposed targets in the long run by winning over users’ confidence. If the proper security measures are not applied, any website or application might be hacked, and thus, its purpose of reaching out to target users would be busted. Ignoring security measures and relying on instincts won’t pay for sure and will only add to website security myths. So, in this write-up, we would discuss the top 10 biggest misconceptions of website security.

#My website won’t be hacked

Many a time, being too confident about never being hacked becomes the cause of trouble. Any website designed and developed runs the danger of being hacked sooner or later, and hence, steps must be taken to avert the looming threat. Furthermore, a wide range of purposes is solved through hacking, like date theft, reputation tarnish, malware distribution, and envy. Consequently, many people can hack the website, and hence, the owners must take steps to avoid the danger.

#Backup is available, no tension

Assuming backup as a viable alternative for security is a misconception that must never be harbored. Having backups is a good protective mechanism, though you shouldn’t rely too much on them for sure-shot security. Backups can never lend completeness to the hacked website as many aspects are never recovered ever after the hacking. More so, each and everything won’t be available in the backup, and hence, few issues would remain unsolved.

#The developer is there, no problem

In most cases, website owners put complete faith in developers’ abilities to keep security issues at bay. Most of the owners assume that the developers-in-charge would solve every problem of website security. A developer can neither be relied entirely upon nor blamed if there are security lapses. After all, factors like codes, system configuration, hosting, missing files, etc., can cause a security breach.

#The firewall will take care of security

Assuming that a firewall is enough to secure a website is a misconception that must be got rid of at the earliest. Firewalls are indeed helpful to control unwanted traffic to the server, though they have their set of limitations. In addition, they are good at dealing with known issues, though you can’t rely too much on them for unknown factors and issues. However, a firewall fails to secure the website from business logic issues, new attacks, custom code issues, etc.

#The Operating System would do the job

A website that claims security based on operating systems and software must step up the tempo for more enhanced protection. It’s not true that operating systems like Unix-like, Mac, and Windows are safe and won’t allow hacking. Whether or not a website is secure can not be ascertained only through the Operating System; a range of issues can breach the security, like XSS, login systems, registration, phishing, etc.

#SSL is in place; rest assured

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate indicates that data transmission between the server and user is encrypted. It means the information is secure, and the data won’t be stolen mid-way during the transmission. However, it’s a misconception that the SSL or TLS certificate would add to the website security as many factors count to protect a website. So SSL is never sufficient for protection, and other steps have to be taken.

#Encrypted data means foolproof security

Encrypted data in transit and storage is indeed a good strategy to secure a website; they are not full proof, though. Hackers of today have access to innovative tools to decrypt any type of data anywhere, and hence, this strategy is not as reliable as assumed. By using a robust algorithm and securing the encryption keys, the security level would indeed be enhanced, though never totally relied upon for website security.

#Vulnerability scanner tool would be adequate

Believing that a vulnerability scanner tool is more than enough to secure a website is a misconception that must be removed sooner than later. This tool can detect vulnerabilities up to some extent, though it will fail to do the same for business logic issues. Additionally, when other variables change quickly, this tool would be suitable for dealing with minor problems, not major ones.

#Automatically patched workstations will save us

Hoping that the automatically patched workstations in place for users would be a sound website security strategy would be a misconception. Irrespective of the updated anti-spyware and anti-virus installation, security issues would always loom large on the horizon. A network can be sneaked into many ways, and patched computers are not that reliant for security purposes.

#SLA is a viable strategy

To believe that SLA (Service Level Agreement) with the hosting provider would be enough to secure a website is a misconception that must be avoided. The hosting provider indeed offers pre-defined uptime, though it can expire if not considered rightly. If a website stops working, the host is not responsible for that; the performance and hacking are also not the tension of the host. Relying too much on SLA and not making proper arrangements for the smooth functioning of the website is a bad ploy.

Final Words:-

Website security is a delicate issue that forces owners to contemplate a better future and hassle-free business operation. Unfortunately, every website is equally vulnerable to hacking, so you must take certain precautionary measures. One of the best ways to tighten the security of your website or application to the maximum extent is to hire web development experts. Putting all the security measures in place, seasoned web developers protect your vital data and ensure your website will not be vulnerable to hackers, malware, and other security threats. So hire web security experts, and you’ll never be disappointed!