Website Security Checklist: 8 Must-Have Protection Features

Website security is critical for protecting your business, customers, and reputation. With cybercrime costing Australian businesses $29 billion annually, securing your website is no longer optional. Here’s a quick overview of the 8 essential website security features every site needs:

SSL/TLS Certificates: Encrypts data and protects sensitive information.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer of login protection.
Automated Backups: Safeguards data with daily backups and easy recovery.
Firewall and DDoS Defense: Blocks malicious traffic and prevents downtime.
Software Updates: Keeps your site secure with automatic patching.
User Access Controls: Limits permissions to reduce internal risks.
File Permission Settings: Restricts file access to prevent vulnerabilities.
Security Monitoring Tools: Detects and responds to threats in real-time.

Quick Tip: Start with SSL/TLS and MFA to build a strong security foundation, then layer on firewalls, backups, and monitoring for comprehensive protection. These measures not only protect your site but also help maintain customer trust.

Read on for a detailed breakdown of each feature and how they work together to secure your website.

Best practices for maintaining website security

1. SSL/TLS Certificate Setup

SSL/TLS certificates are the foundation of website security, ensuring an encrypted connection between a visitor’s browser and your web server. Without this encryption, sensitive information – like login credentials, personal details, and payment data – can be intercepted by malicious actors, as highlighted in our earlier cybersecurity statistics.

How SSL/TLS Works

Here’s the process behind SSL/TLS encryption:

The browser requests verification from the server.
The server shares its certificate to confirm authenticity.
Encryption is activated to secure the connection.

Simplifying SSL Certificates with Prompt Web Hosting

Managing SSL certificates can be a hassle, but Prompt Web Hosting makes it simple with automated solutions:

Automatic installation and renewal: No manual setup required.
24/7 Monitoring: Certificates are continuously checked for validity.
Dedicated Support: Assistance whenever you need it.

For different security requirements, Prompt Web Hosting provides three types of certificates:

Certificate Type	Validation Level	Best For
Domain Validated (DV)	Verifies domain ownership	Small websites, personal blogs
Organization Validated (OV)	Confirms business identity	E-commerce, business sites
Extended Validation (EV)	Detailed business audit	Financial services, healthcare

Once encryption is in place, the next step in securing your site is implementing multi-factor authentication to verify user identities.

2. Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security beyond just passwords. Microsoft reports that MFA can prevent over 99.9% of account compromise attacks^[6], making it a must-have for securing any website.

Common MFA Methods

Websites today use different MFA methods, each offering varied levels of protection and convenience:

Method Type	Security Level	Best Use Case	Key Benefit
Authenticator Apps	Very High	Business accounts	Works offline, time-based codes
Security Keys	Highest	Financial services	Immune to phishing
SMS/Email Codes	Moderate	Personal accounts	Easy for users to adopt
Biometric Scans	High	Mobile applications	Quick and convenient

While SMS verification is popular, tools like Google Authenticator offer better protection by generating time-sensitive codes that work without an internet connection. Physical security keys, though requiring extra hardware, provide the strongest defense against phishing attempts.

MFA Setup in Prompt Web Hosting

Prompt Web Hosting makes it easy to implement MFA through its control panel, offering features tailored for both administrators and users.

For Website Administrators:

Integration with authenticator apps
Support for hardware security keys
Step-by-step setup wizard
Emergency backup codes

For Website Users:

Customizable MFA enforcement policies
Self-service MFA activation
Straightforward recovery options

MFA can be applied to critical access points, including:

Admin dashboard logins
Database management interfaces
FTP/SFTP connections
Email accounts
API access points

Start by enabling MFA for admin accounts, then expand it to other user roles. Prompt Web Hosting also uses risk-based authentication, which adjusts security based on login behavior, ensuring both safety and ease of use.

Once MFA is in place, the next step is securing your data with reliable backup systems.

3. Website Backup Systems

Website backups act as your safety net against threats like hardware failures and cyberattacks. For Australian businesses already grappling with high cybercrime rates (as highlighted earlier), having a reliable backup system is essential to keep operations running smoothly and maintain customer confidence.

How Backups Protect Against Data Loss

Losing data can disrupt operations in a big way. Research shows that hardware failures are behind 44% of all data loss cases^[9]. Here’s a breakdown of the most common causes:

Cause	Percentage
Hardware/System Malfunctions	44%
Human Errors	32%
Software Corruption	14%
Computer Viruses	7%
Natural Disasters	3%

With downtime costing businesses an average of $5,600 per minute^[9], having a well-structured backup system is not just smart – it’s necessary for staying operational.

Backup Options with Prompt Web Hosting

Prompt Web Hosting offers a well-rounded backup system designed for efficiency and reliability. Using a mix of full, incremental, and differential backups, their approach balances storage use with fast recovery times.

Key Features of Their Backup System:

Daily automated backups with a 30-day retention period.
Weekly archives stored for up to 3 months.
Monthly backups retained for 1 year.
Geo-redundant AES-256 encryption for secure storage.

Recovery Highlights:

One-click restoration with point-in-time recovery options.
Malware scanning included in the recovery process.
Typical recovery time for sites under 10GB is under 2 hours.

Once your data is backed up and secure, the next step is implementing firewalls to actively block potential threats.

4. Firewall and DDoS Defense

Once your backups are secure, the next step is actively blocking threats. DDoS attacks have become more advanced, targeting websites of every size and type.

What Is a Website Firewall?

A Web Application Firewall (WAF) offers protection specifically designed for web applications, unlike standard network firewalls. WAFs shield websites from targeted online threats, including:

SQL injection attacks
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
Application-layer attacks
Malicious HTTP traffic

This focused protection helps safeguard your site from vulnerabilities that traditional firewalls might miss.

How Prompt Web Hosting Handles DDoS Attacks

Prompt Web Hosting provides a powerful DDoS protection system designed to counter complex, multi-layered attacks. Its features include:

Machine learning-powered threat detection
Global threat intelligence to stay ahead of emerging risks
Comprehensive network layer protection
Customizable rules tailored to your website’s needs

For Australian businesses, where the average cost of a DDoS attack is $120,000 per incident ^[4], this protection is a game-changer. Prompt’s solution, included with all hosting plans, helps avoid downtime that can cost e-commerce sites up to $500,000 per hour ^[3]^[4]. By analyzing traffic patterns and using rate limiting to adapt to attacks, it even tackles prolonged assaults lasting up to 390 hours ^[5].

With these measures in place, you can turn your attention to addressing vulnerabilities through regular software updates.

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5. Software Update Management

Firewalls can block external attacks, but outdated software creates internal weak points. Research shows that 42% of websites run on outdated software, leaving them vulnerable to attacks ^[9]. Prompt Web Hosting tackles this issue head-on with automated patching, addressing the $3.35 million average cost of a data breach.

Why Outdated Software Is a Problem

Running old software opens the door to:

Data breaches: In 2019, 60% of security breaches stemmed from vulnerabilities that had patches available ^[2].
Compliance issues: Risk of fines for failing to meet industry standards.
Performance problems: Outdated software can cause slowdowns and compatibility errors.

A clear example? The WannaCry attack, which caused $4 billion in damages, exploited unpatched systems.

How Prompt Web Hosting Handles Updates

Prompt Web Hosting provides an update management system designed to keep your site secure and running smoothly. Here’s what it offers:

Feature	What It Does
Automated Core Updates	Instantly applies critical security patches.
Staging Environment	Allows you to test updates before rolling them out live.
Smart Scheduling	Updates are applied during low-traffic times to avoid disruption.
Rollback Capability	Quickly restore your site if an update causes issues.
Real-time Monitoring	Alerts you immediately about new security updates.

WordPress, for instance, releases security updates roughly every 42 days ^[10]. Prompt’s system ensures these updates are handled effectively with:

Pre-update Testing: Updates are tested in a staging environment to avoid compatibility problems.
Incremental Updates: Changes are applied gradually to maintain site stability.
24/7 Emergency Patching: Critical vulnerabilities are patched immediately.

With 29% of breaches linked to unpatched software ^[2], automated solutions like those offered by Prompt Web Hosting are essential for reducing risk and maintaining security.

6. User Access Control Setup

Updating software tackles external threats, but managing internal access is just as important. Poor access control is a major issue, with 74% of data breaches involving misuse of privileged credentials ^[7]. Implementing strong access control measures can cut security incidents by 70% ^[2].

Creating User Roles

A key strategy here is the principle of least privilege (PoLP). This means users only get the permissions necessary for their tasks – nothing more. According to the Ponemon Institute, 62% of employees have access to data they shouldn’t ^[1]. Clearly, tightening access is crucial.

Role Level	Access Scope	Website Access	Best Practice
Super Admin	Complete	All system functions	Assign to 1-2 highly trusted people
Administrator	High	User/content management	Restrict to department heads
Editor	Moderate	Content publishing	Limit to content team leaders
Author	Limited	Content creation	Assign to regular content creators
Contributor	Basic	Draft creation	Use for temporary contributors
Subscriber	Minimal	Content viewing	Standard users only

Prompt Web Hosting Access Controls

Prompt Web Hosting provides robust tools to manage access, including:

Custom user roles: Tailor permissions to specific needs.
IP-Based Restrictions: Restrict admin access to certain IP addresses.
Session Management: Automatically log out inactive users.
Access Logs: Keep a detailed record of user activities.

An Australian financial institution implemented similar role-based access control (RBAC) systems, cutting unauthorized access attempts by 68% in just six months.

To strengthen access control for Australian businesses using Prompt Web Hosting:

Regular Access Reviews: Perform quarterly audits to remove unused permissions and inactive accounts. This simple step can reduce your attack surface by up to 80% ^[12].
Monitor User Activities: Use Prompt’s logging tools to track suspicious behavior and maintain compliance. Well-managed access programs save companies an average of $5.4 million annually ^[6].

With user roles established, the next step is to secure files with precise permission settings.

7. File Permission Settings

Setting the right file permissions is a key step in protecting your website. Research shows that 63% of WordPress vulnerabilities are linked to improper access controls ^[11]. Correct permissions not only prevent unauthorized access but also ensure your site runs smoothly.

File Permission Guidelines

File permissions are managed using a three-digit code that defines access for the owner, group, and public. Here are the recommended settings to keep your site secure:

File Type	Permission	Purpose
Regular Files	644	Owner can edit, others can only view
Directories	755	Owner can manage, others can browse
Configuration Files	600	Only the owner has access for maximum security
CGI Scripts	700	Only the owner can execute, blocking others

Tools for Managing Permissions with Prompt Web Hosting

Prompt Web Hosting makes it easy to manage file permissions through the cPanel File Manager. This user-friendly tool is designed to help you maintain secure settings without needing deep technical expertise.

Key features include:

Automated Permission Fixing
Automatically scans and corrects risky settings, like 777 permissions, to enhance security.
Visual Permission Editor
Adjust permissions using a simple checkbox interface in cPanel, minimizing errors compared to manual numeric entries.
Batch Updates
Fix multiple permission issues across your site at once, saving time and effort.

To keep your site secure, it’s a good idea to schedule monthly security audits using Prompt Web Hosting’s scanning tools. This regular checkup helps you catch and fix potential vulnerabilities before they become serious problems.

8. Security Monitoring Tools

Once file permissions are secure, the next step is setting up continuous monitoring to spot threats as they arise. With an estimated 30,000 websites hacked every day ^[9], security monitoring works alongside Prompt Web Hosting’s firewall and backup systems to deliver a solid defense.

Website Security Scans

Security scans simulate potential attacks to uncover vulnerabilities in your system. Here’s a breakdown of key scan types and their purposes:

Scan Type	Purpose
Vulnerability Assessment	Finds weak points and misconfigurations
Malware Detection	Identifies malicious code or unauthorized changes
File Integrity Monitoring	Tracks changes to important system files
SSL/TLS Certificate Validation	Verifies proper encryption setup

Prompt Web Hosting Security Tools

Prompt Web Hosting offers a range of tools designed to keep your website safe:

Real-time Malware Detection: Monitors your site continuously to identify and isolate suspicious activity immediately.
Intrusion Detection System: Alerts you to possible breaches, giving you time to act before damage is done.

A unified security dashboard simplifies tracking by centralizing all monitoring data, allowing you to quickly assess and respond to threats. These tools are fine-tuned to ensure your website remains secure without sacrificing performance.

To maximize protection, schedule automated scans during low-traffic periods and regularly review vulnerability reports. When paired with Prompt Web Hosting’s firewall and access controls, these monitoring tools form a complete security system.

Conclusion: Complete Website Security with Prompt Web Hosting

Combining these eight layers of protection creates a robust defense system designed to shield Australian businesses from cyber threats. Prompt Web Hosting’s Australian-hosted solutions directly tackle the $29B cybercrime problem ^[2] by offering a well-rounded security approach.

With hosting plans based in Australia, Prompt Web Hosting ensures compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 ^[1]^[10], helping mitigate the $3.35M average cost of data breaches. Their Australian data centers follow strict data handling practices, while their locally based 24/7 support team is trained to manage security incidents efficiently ^[5]^[8].

Key Features:

Centralized monitoring for easy oversight
Automatic updates and patch management
Support for local compliance standards
Australian-based support available 24/7
Weekly updates to address emerging threats

Prompt Web Hosting’s solutions simplify security management while adhering to Australian regulations. With all features included across hosting plans and frequent updates to counter new threats, they ensure websites stay secure in an ever-changing digital landscape ^[5]^[7].

FAQs

How can I keep my website secure?

Use the eight security measures offered by Prompt Web Hosting’s integrated suite: SSL encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), automated backups, DDoS-resistant firewalls, auto-patched software, granular access controls, file permission tools, and 24/7 threat monitoring.

What’s the safest way to host a website?

Prompt Web Hosting provides a secure hosting solution by combining top-tier Australian infrastructure with automated tools like real-time DDoS protection, malware scanning, and compliance-ready access controls. Everything is managed through an easy-to-use dashboard.

Here’s what you get:

24/7 Australian-based support
99.95% uptime guarantee
Automated backup systems
Free SSL certificates
CloudLinux stability