Launching a website is exciting — but before focusing on design, content, or marketing, there’s one area that absolutely cannot be ignored: security.
Cyber-attacks happen every day, and even small websites are targeted for data theft, spam injections, phishing, and malware.
Whether you’re using shared hosting, VPS, or cloud services, here are the essential website security basics every hosting user should configure first.
1. Enable SSL/HTTPS Immediately
The first and simplest protection is an SSL certificate.
It encrypts data between your website and your visitors.
Why it matters:
- Protects login credentials
- Prevents data interception
- Boosts SEO (Google ranks HTTPS higher)
- Builds visitor trust
Most hosting providers offer free Let’s Encrypt SSL — activate it right away.
2. Change Default Admin URLs and Credentials
Default login URLs like:
/wp-admin/admin/login
are the first places bots attack.
What you should do:
- Change the admin login URL
- Create a strong username (not “admin”)
- Use a long, complex password
- Enable two-factor authentication if available
This single step blocks thousands of brute-force attempts.
3. Activate the Hosting Firewall (WAF)
A Web Application Firewall (WAF) filters out malicious traffic before it reaches your website.
Good WAFs protect against:
- SQL injection
- Cross-site scripting (XSS)
- Bot attacks
- Spam
- Malware uploads
Most hosting panels like cPanel, CloudPanel, or CyberPanel offer built-in firewalls — turn them on early.
4. Set Up Automatic Backups
Nothing is more painful than losing your site due to a hack or a mistake.
Make sure your backups include:
- Website files
- Databases
- Configurations
- Email accounts (if used)
Configure daily or weekly automated backups stored offsite.
5. Update Everything: CMS, Plugins, Themes
Outdated software is the #1 reason websites get hacked.
Always keep updated:
- WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, etc.
- Plugins
- Themes
- PHP version (if supported by your site)
Enable auto-updates wherever possible.
6. Restrict File Permissions
Improper file permissions allow attackers to modify or inject malicious files.
Recommended settings:
755for folders644for files600for configuration files
Your hosting panel usually lets you adjust permissions safely.
7. Enable Malware Scanning
Many hosting providers include malware scanners (Imunify360, ClamAV, etc.).
Use them to:
- Detect infected files
- Quarantine suspicious scripts
- Clean up malware automatically
Run scans weekly or after installing new plugins/themes.
8. Secure Your Database
Your database holds all your content, settings, and user data.
Security essentials:
- Unique database name
- Strong database password
- Disable remote database access (unless needed)
- Use a custom table prefix (not “wp_”)
These small changes make database attacks far harder.
9. Limit Login Attempts
Brute-force bots try thousands of passwords per minute.
Install a login protection tool that:
- Limits login attempts
- Temporarily blocks failed attempts
- Logs unusual login behavior
This instantly reduces bot attacks.
10. Turn Off Unused Services & Ports
If you’re using VPS or cloud hosting:
- Disable unused ports
- Turn off FTP (use SFTP instead)
- Remove unused software packages
The fewer entry points, the safer your server.
⭐ Final Thoughts
Securing a website doesn’t have to be complicated.
By setting up these core website security basics, you greatly reduce your risk of being hacked.
To recap, configure these first:
- SSL/HTTPS
- Strong logins + 2FA
- Firewalls
- Backups
- Updates
- File permissions
- Malware scans
- Database security
- Login rate limits
- Disable unused services
Once these fundamentals are in place, you’re ready to build, grow, and confidently run your website.
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