As technology advances, so do the threats that can compromise your website's security, that’s why it’s vital that you stay on top of your cyber resilience measures. Understanding these risks is the first step towards protecting your online presence. Remember, even if you’re a small or micro business, it’s still essential that you have proper cybersecurity measures in place to protect your sensitive data as well as your customer’s information.

In this blog post, we'll delve into the top 10 cybersecurity risks your website might face and how to make sure that you’re defending against them.

What are the top 10 risks to my website?

1. Malware attacks

Malicious software, or malware, can infiltrate your website, infecting it with viruses, ransomware, or spyware. Regularly scan your website for malware, invest in reputable antivirus software, and keep all your website software up to date to minimise this risk.

2. Phishing scams

Phishing attacks trick users into revealing sensitive information by posing as trusted companies or individuals. Educate your users about identifying phishing attempts and employ email authentication methods like DMARC and SPF to protect your domain from being spoofed in phishing campaigns.

3. Insecure third-party integrations

Integrating third-party services like plugins and widgets can enhance your website’s functionality, but it can also introduce vulnerabilities. Only use reputable and secure integrations and make sure to regularly update them and monitor for any security patches or issues.

4. SQL injection attacks

SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It allows users to define the structure of databases, as well as perform various operations such as sorting, filtering, and aggregating data. SQL injection attacks occur when malicious users exploit vulnerabilities in web applications by injecting malicious SQL code into input fields. This code manipulates the database queries, allowing attackers to access, modify, or delete sensitive data, bypass authentication mechanisms, or even take control of the entire database server.

Parameterised statements and prepared statements can safeguard your database from SQL injection attacks. Regular security audits can also help identify vulnerabilities, so make sure you get your website looked at frequently and don’t treat cybersecurity measures like a one-time fix.

5. Brute force attacks

Brute force attacks involve hackers inputting various username and password combinations until they gain access. Protect against these attacks by enforcing strong password policies, implementing multi-factor authentication, and using CAPTCHA challenges to deter automated login attempts.

6. Insecure APIs

Insecure Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) can expose your website to attacks. Regularly audit and secure your APIs, use proper authentication mechanisms, and encrypt data transmitted via APIs to prevent unauthorised access.

7. Inadequate backup and recovery plans

Unexpected events like server crashes or cyber-attacks can lead to data loss. Implement regular backups of your website and have a thorough recovery plan in place. This ensures you can restore your site quickly in case of any unforeseen incidents.

8. Security misconfigurations

Misconfigured security settings, server setups, or software installations can provide easy entry points for hackers. Regularly review and update your security configurations, follow best practices, and conduct security audits to identify and rectify misconfigurations promptly.

9. Insufficient encryption

Lack of encryption exposes data transmitted between your website and users to interception. Implement SSL/TLS encryption protocols to secure data in transit. Regularly update your encryption certificates to ensure maximum website security.

10. Outdated software

Using outdated software, plugins, or frameworks can leave your website vulnerable to known exploits. Stay vigilant about software updates, apply patches promptly, and retire any outdated software to ensure your website's security is always up to date.

Strengthen your websites security measures: Web application vulnerability assessment

It can be difficult to identify weak points on your website; you may well-meaningly overestimate the strength of your cybersecurity measures or not be sure you have enough measures in place. That’s where our web application vulnerability assessment can help.

Guided by industry best practices, our experts evaluate the security risks that websites face, helping you to identify potential weaknesses. This service also benefits from regional Police and National Cyber Security Centre intelligence, ensuring we stay ahead of the curve by capturing the latest threats and techniques employed by cyber criminals.

Our detailed service reports are written in plain language, offering a clear understanding of each identified weakness and its implications for your business. We not only outline the vulnerabilities but also provide actionable plans and guidance on how to rectify them effectively. Your website's security is our priority, and our aim is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to make it impenetrable.

Whilst we understand that you may be worried about system downtime, to mitigate these risks, all web application vulnerability assessments are complemented by pre-agreed back-out and recovery plans, ensuring a seamless experience for your business.

If you require additional services or help actioning our insights, we are also able to recommend our partners from the IASME trusted network. These partners have undergone rigorous due diligence checks by the accreditation body appointed by the National Cyber Security Centre, GCHQ's technical authority. They are also certification bodies for the Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus schemes, ensuring that you receive the most thorough assessment of your cyber technical controls.

Need help boosting your website’s cyber security? Request a quote for a Web Application Vulnerability Assessment today.