With the growing presence of businesses on the internet, it has become essential to ensure the security of your websites and applications to protect both the company and its users. Insecure websites not only put data at risk but also directly affect the credibility and results of your business.
In this article, we'll explain why your website needs to be secure and how it can positively (or negatively) impact your brand in the digital marketplace.
Why Is Website Security Important?
Website security is important because it ensures the protection of data belonging to users and the company itself. This includes information such as personal data, passwords, financial information, and other confidential information exchanged daily.
Additionally, a secure website helps protect against cyber attacks, such as data theft, viruses, ransomware, and other threats that can cause financial and reputational damage to the company.
Malware
Malicious software that infects websites
Phishing
Stealing user credentials
SQL Injection
Database attack
Brute Force
Password cracking attempts
DDoS
Overload to take down the site
XSS
Malicious script injection
How Security Affects Your Brand
Website security can impact your company's brand in several ways. Here are the main points you need to consider:
User Trust
A secure website builds more trust with users. When users notice that the site is secure and their personal information is protected, they feel more confident using the services offered by the company. On the other hand, if the site is not secure, users may feel distrustful and hesitant to provide personal or financial information.
Company Reputation
A company's reputation can be severely affected by website security. If a security breach occurs, such as a user data leak, it can cause irreparable damage to the company's image and negatively affect customer trust. On the other hand, if the company invests in security, it can earn points with users and improve its market reputation.
Google Penalties
Google considers website security an important factor for SEO. Sites that are not secure may be penalized and have a lower position in search results, which can affect site traffic and, consequently, the company's business. Since 2018, Chrome marks HTTP sites as "Not Secure."
"Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, and forever to repair."
— Digital security proverb
How to Make Your Website Secure
To ensure website security, there are several measures that can be taken. Here are the main ones:
SSL Certificate (HTTPS)
An SSL certificate is a technology that ensures the encryption of information exchanged between the user and the website. When using SSL, the site address starts with "https://" instead of "http://". This indicates that the site is secure and information is protected during transmission.
Software Updates
Keeping your website software always updated is essential to ensure security. This includes updates to the operating system, web server, CMS (WordPress, etc.), and applications used on the site. Updates usually contain important security fixes to protect against new threats.
Strong and Secure Passwords
Using secure passwords is essential to protect the website and user information. Passwords should be complex (a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters) and should not be shared with others. Additionally, it's important that passwords are changed regularly and that two-factor authentication (2FA) is implemented whenever possible.
Regular Backup
It's important to back up regularly your website so that you can recover your data in case of an attack or technical failure. Backups should be stored in a secure location separate from the main server, ensuring you can restore the site quickly in case of an emergency.
Firewall and Monitoring
Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious traffic and constantly monitor the site for suspicious activity. Monitoring tools can alert you to intrusion attempts, allowing quick action before damage occurs.
Is your website secure?
WD Seven develops websites with security best practices from the start.
Request a Security AnalysisSecurity and Data Privacy Regulations
With data privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA in effect, website security has become even more important. These laws require companies to adequately protect users' personal data and impose significant fines for data breaches — up to 4% of annual revenue under GDPR or $7,500 per violation under CCPA.
Compliance with Privacy Regulations
To comply with GDPR and CCPA, your website needs to: collect only necessary data, obtain explicit consent, allow users to access and delete their data, and implement adequate technical security measures to protect information.
Security Checklist
Use this checklist to verify if your website is adequately protected:
- SSL certificate installed: Site accessible via HTTPS
- Software updated: CMS, plugins, and themes on the latest version
- Strong passwords: Password policies and 2FA implemented
- Automatic backups: Daily backups stored externally
- Active firewall: WAF configured and working
- Monitoring: Security alerts configured
- Privacy policy: Updated and accessible document
- Protected forms: Captcha and validation implemented
Conclusion
Your website security is not just a technical issue — it's a matter of business and reputation. Insecure websites can drive away potential customers, hurt Google rankings, and put the entire company at legal and financial risk.
On the other hand, a secure website conveys trust and professionalism, strengthening your brand image and creating a solid foundation for the growth of your online business. Investing in security is investing in your company's future.
Remember
To ensure your website's security, it's important to work with trusted developers experienced in cybersecurity. Educate yourself about best practices and always be on the lookout for potential vulnerabilities.
