How to Keep Your Website Safe from Hackers

Why sites get attacked

Hackers rarely pick your site by name. They use programs called bots that scan the internet for weak sites. A weak site might use an old plugin, a simple password or a missing update. Good habits close those doors. Think of it as locking your house every time you leave.

Steps you can follow

1. Use strong passwords. Make them long, with letters, numbers and symbols. Use a different one for every account. A password manager can remember them for you.
2. Keep software updated. Update your CMS (the software that runs your site, like WordPress), plus themes and plugins. Updates fix known holes.
3. Delete what you do not use. Remove old plugins, themes and test files. Each one is another possible weak point.
4. Use HTTPS. An SSL certificate encrypts the data between your visitor and your site. You will see a padlock in the browser. Ask Hostvento support how to add one to your plan.
5. Turn on two-step login where you can. It asks for a code from your phone as well as your password.
6. Limit who has access. Give people only the rights they need. Remove users who have left.
7. Take regular backups. Keep a copy on your own computer too. If the worst happens, you can restore.
8. Use a security plugin or firewall. A firewall is a guard that blocks bad traffic. Ask support whether one is available on your plan.
9. Protect login pages. Limit the number of failed login tries. Consider changing the default login address.
10. Use secure file transfer. Use SFTP, not plain FTP, so your password is not sent in the open.
11. Scan for malware every so often. Malware means harmful code.

Signs your site was hacked

• Strange pages or ads appear.
• Visitors get sent to other sites.
• Your browser or Google shows a warning.
• You cannot log in, or new unknown users appear.

If you see any of these, change your passwords and contact Hostvento support through a support ticket.

Quick recap

• Strong passwords and two-step login.
• Update everything and remove unused items.
• Use HTTPS, backups and a firewall.
• Act fast if you see odd behaviour.