Keeping your website safe is a big deal amidst various cyber threats. Hackers are always looking for ways to break in, steal data, or crash your site. The good news? You can stop most attacks with the right knowledge.
In this post, we’ll cover the most common website security risks and how to avoid them. Let’s dive in!
Common Website Security Threats You Need to Know
Websites face all kinds of attacks. Some are simple, like guessing weak passwords. Others are more complex, like sneaky malware infections. Here are the biggest risks to watch out for:
1. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a common web security vulnerability where attackers inject malicious scripts, typically JavaScript, into otherwise legitimate and trusted websites.
These harmful scripts don’t directly target the website’s server or database; instead, they are executed in the web browsers of unsuspecting users who visit the compromised page.
This often occurs when a website fails to properly sanitize user input, allowing attackers to embed their scripts within fields like comment sections, search bars, or contact forms.
These malicious scripts can steal sensitive information once executed in a user’s browser. Examples of the information include login credentials, session cookies, or personal data, effectively hijacking the user’s interaction with the website and potentially leading to identity theft or unauthorized access.
How to avoid it:
- Use input sanitization (clean up user-submitted data).
- Keep software (like WordPress plugins) updated.
2. SQL Injection Attacks
SQL Injection is a dangerous attack where hackers exploit vulnerabilities in a website’s input fields to insert malicious SQL code directly into the site’s database queries.
This occurs when web applications construct SQL statements by directly concatenating user-supplied data without proper validation or sanitization. By manipulating these input fields, attackers can trick the database into executing unintended commands.
A successful SQL Injection attack can grant unauthorized access to important information stored in the database, leading to data theft such as user emails, hashed passwords, credit card details, or other confidential business data, potentially leading to widespread data breaches, identity theft, or even complete control over the database server.
How to avoid it:
- Use parameterized queries (a safer way to handle database requests).
- Regularly test your site for vulnerabilities.
3. Broken Authentication
Broken Authentication refers to a website’s login and session management systems vulnerabilities that allow attackers to bypass security controls and impersonate legitimate users.
This often stems from weak password policies that permit easily guessable credentials or the absence of multi-factor authentication (MFA), adding an essential second layer of verification beyond just a password.
Without robust authentication mechanisms, hackers can employ various tactics, such as brute-force attacks, credential stuffing (using stolen username/password pairs from other breaches), or session hijacking, to gain unauthorized access to user accounts.
Once an account is compromised, attackers can access and use sensitive data to perform actions on behalf of the user and potentially escalate their privileges to take control of broader parts of the website or its underlying systems.
How to avoid it:
- Require strong passwords (mix of letters, numbers, symbols).
- Always use MFA for admin accounts.
4. Malware & Ransomware Attacks
Malware and Ransomware attacks represent a significant threat to website security, involving malicious software designed to compromise and harm your online presence.
Malware, a broad term for any intrusive software, can be used to inject into a website to steal data, redirect users to malicious sites, deface pages, or even leverage the site’s resources for illicit activities like cryptocurrency mining.
An insidious form of malware is ransomware, which encrypts or locks access to your website’s data and systems, rendering them unusable. Attackers then demand a ransom, like cryptocurrency, to restore access.
Both types of attacks can cause severe disruption, reputational damage, and significant financial loss, making robust security measures like regular scanning, protective plugins, and strong firewalls essential for defence.
How to avoid it:
- Install a security plugin (like Wordfence for WordPress).
- Run regular security audits.
5. DDoS Attacks (Distributed Denial of Service)
A Distributed Denial of Service attack is a very malicious cyberattack designed to overwhelm a website or online service, making it unavailable to legitimate users.
Hackers achieve this by flooding the target with a torrent of fake traffic, often leveraging a “botnet” – a network of compromised computers or other internet-connected devices under their remote control.
Each compromised device in the botnet sends numerous requests to the targeted website simultaneously, mimicking regular user activity but in an extremely high volume.
This immense surge of traffic exhausts the website’s server resources, consumes its bandwidth, and ultimately causes it to slow down dramatically, become unresponsive, or even crash entirely, effectively denying service to its intended visitors.
How to avoid it:
- Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to block bad traffic.
- Choose a hosting provider with DDoS protection.
How to Protect Your Website from Security Threats
Now that you know the risks, here’s how to stay safe by implementing strong cybersecurity practices :
1. Keep Everything Updated
- Outdated software = easy target for hackers.
- Always install security patches for:
- CMS (WordPress, Joomla, etc.)
- Plugins & themes
- Server software
2. Use Strong Passwords & Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Weak passwords are a hacker’s best friend.
- MFA adds an extra layer (like a text message code).
3. Install a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
- A WAF blocks malicious traffic before it hits your site.
- Popular options:
- Cloudflare
- Sucuri
4. Backup Your Site Regularly
- If hackers strike, backups let you restore your site fast.
- Store backups offsite (like Google Drive or AWS).
5. Train Your Team (Or Yourself) on Cybersecurity Best Practices
- Many hacks happen due to human error (clicking phishing emails).
- Teach your team to:
- Spot phishing scams
- Avoid downloading malware from shady sites
Final Thoughts: Stay One Step Ahead of Hackers
Website security isn’t a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing process. By understanding common website security risks and how to avoid them, you can keep your site (and your visitors) safe.
Quick Recap:
✅ Update software regularly
✅ Use strong passwords & MFA
✅ Install a WAF
✅ Backup your site
✅ Educate your team
Need help securing your website from potential attacks? Yegdigital offers expert web security solutions. Contact us today to learn more!