Secure your website with strong passwords and privacy policies to protect user data.

Making your own website is a great way to express yourself and share your ideas with the world.

But it’s important to make sure your website is secure and private. In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of website security and privacy, including how to get started, best practices, and examples.

Getting Started

The first step to making a secure and private website is to choose a hosting provider.

Look for a provider that offers secure hosting, such as SSL encryption, and a privacy policy that outlines how they protect your data.

Checklist to Make Your Website Secure

1. Ensure your website is running on the latest version of the software.
2. Implement a strong password policy.
3. Ensure all user accounts have strong passwords.
4. Enable two-factor authentication.
5. Ensure all software is up to date.
6. Ensure all plugins and themes are up to date.
7. Implement a web application firewall.
8. Ensure all user input is validated.
9. Ensure all user input is sanitized.
10. Ensure all sensitive data is encrypted.
11. Ensure all sensitive data is stored securely.
12. Ensure all sensitive data is transmitted securely.
13. Ensure all sensitive data is backed up regularly.
14. Ensure all user accounts are monitored.
15. Ensure all user accounts are audited regularly.
16. Ensure all user accounts are disabled after a certain period of inactivity.
17. Ensure all user accounts are disabled after a certain number of failed login attempts.
18. Ensure all user accounts are disabled after a certain number of successful login attempts.
19. Ensure all user accounts are disabled after a certain number of password reset attempts.
20. Ensure all user accounts are disabled after a certain number of password change attempts.

Tools to help you protect your cloud and payments infrastructure

• Quickbase — Quickbase, Inc., is a software company providing a low-code application development platforms.
• WeTransfer — WeTransfer is the simplest way to send your files around the world. Share large files and photos. Transfer up to 2GB free.
• Passpack — Passpack delivers a compelling value proposition for businesses as a platform-agnostic professional solution offering highly secure, organization-wide online password management.
• Adeptia — Use Adeptia’s self-service integration solution to onboard faster, from months to minutes (80%), and provide delightful customer experiences.
• Kount — Kount is a fraud prevention platform that helps businesses protect their customers and their bottom line. It uses advanced machine learning and AI to detect and prevent fraud in real-time, helping businesses reduce chargebacks and increase revenue.
• M-Files — M-Files offers an innovative metadata-driven document management platform. M-Files gives midsize and enterprise businesses a leading edge.
• RoboForm — Multi-platform secure password manager. One click logins on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, IE, Opera, Edge, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android.
• HipChat — HipChat is a team communication tool that helps teams stay connected and productive. It offers real-time messaging, file sharing, video chat, and more, all in one place. It’s perfect for remote teams, distributed teams, and anyone who wants to stay connected.
• ClickUp™ — ClickUp’s mission is to make the world more productive – Tasks, Docs, Goals, and Chat.
• Telesign — APIs Delivering Global Verification and Programmable Communications as a service. SMS, Voice, and phone number intelligence solutions. Get started now.
• JotForm — We believe the right form makes all the difference. Go from busywork to less work with powerful forms that use conditional logic, accept payments, generate reports, and automate workflows.
• Bravura Security — Bravura Security delivers the industry’s only Identity, Privileged Access, Governance & Password Management solution & support services. Request a demo.
• Tresorit — Share files securely with anyone using encrypted cloud storage. Get the highest standard of data security in the cloud.
• Kaspersky Total Security — Kaspersky Total Security provides comprehensive protection for your devices, identity, and data. It includes antivirus, anti-ransomware, webcam protection, password manager, VPN, and more. Get the ultimate protection for your digital life.
• Flock — Flock, the best team communication app and online collaboration platform, comes with team messaging, project management and other great features that improve productivity and boost speed of execution.
• Okta — Okta’s identity platform is easy-to-use, neutral, and works with your existing solutions, so you’re free to choose the best technology for now and the future.
• RightSignature — Rightsignature is an online platform that helps businesses and individuals securely sign documents online. It offers a secure, fast, and legally binding way to sign documents from any device.
• Signable — Documents signed now, not next week.
• Adyen — End-to-end payments, data, and financial management in one solution. Meet the financial technology platform that helps you realize your ambitions faster.
• NoFraud — NoFraud is the leader in eCommerce Fraud Prevention and Revenue Protection. We eliminate chargebacks while approving more orders. Speak with our fraud expert today.
• Alfresco — Alfresco Platform is an open, modern and secure system that intelligently activates process and content to accelerate the flow of business.
• ContractSafe — Safe & secure cloud-based contract management software for the 21st century.
• SpringCM — A top rated Contract and Document Management company. Our cloud based product integrates with CRM systems like Salesforce or can be used standalone.
• Mblox — Mblox is a global leader in mobile messaging and payments, providing businesses with the tools to reach customers, drive engagement, and increase revenue. They offer a range of services, from SMS and MMS to mobile wallet and payment solutions.
• FormAssembly — Build secure online forms with our online form builder. Send data to Salesforce and tools with our web to anything solution. No code needed.
• Orderbot — Order management & orchestration made easy
• Sync — Secure file storage and collaboration that helps you stay safe, secure and connected in the cloud.
• Webroot SecureAnywhere — Webroot SecureAnywhere provides complete protection from viruses, malware, and other online threats. It’s fast, easy to use, and offers real-time protection for all your devices. Get the best security for your PC, Mac, and mobile devices.
• Google Cloud Platform — Meet your business challenges head on with cloud computing services from Google, including data management, hybrid & multi-cloud, and AI & ML.
• Ping Identity — Ping Identity is a cloud-based identity and access management platform that helps organizations securely manage user access to applications and data. It provides secure single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, and identity governance.