Website Security: Is your website a sitting duck?

Your website could be hacked at any moment, and here is why: at least 86% of all websites are sitting ducks, vulnerable to hacks and malware. The truth is, if your website is built with WordPress, that percentage is even higher. More than 80% of all new websites today are created with the WordPress CMS, making it the biggest potential target for illegal hacks. Consider the time and money invested in your site. Can you afford to have your website offline for days or worse yet, can you afford to have your website rebuilt?

Why would my website be a target?

Simply put, you are just one in a million. Hackers deploy “bots” which are automated programs that scan the internet much like search engines do. Instead of reading your content, these bots are looking for vulnerabilities in your website: old software; weak passwords; operating system issues, and much more.

Once they get in, these bots install install ads, viruses, malware, and other malicious programs. Ads installed by these bots often contain inappropriate content that may shock your visitors. Whether it’s getting more clicks on their ads or capturing your users banking information, the goal of the hackers is simple: make more money.

Typical Hosting Companies

Typical hosting companies that offer “budget” monthly hosting packages offer zero protection, zero recourse, and zero assistance when your website becomes infected. Often the only way that you know that you site has been attacked is when you receive the alarming message from your hosting company that your website has been taken down and will be removed if the problems is not taken care of quickly, putting your investments of both time and money working on your site in jeopardy.

Who is making these bots and how do they get in?

Many bots and viruses are created by experts in low income regions of the world. Many of these attacks are originated in Russia, Western Europe, and Asia. This means that victims often have no recourse victim has no way to file a complaint or grievance against the hacker. When hacked, the removal of a virus or malware may be possible but, in some cases, the file structure is far too damaged for scanning and removal.

The most common ways for bots gain access to your website is to take advantage of vulnerabilities in website software that is not up to date or to attempting to gain access by cracking your username and password.

How do you protect your website?

Many design and marketing companies simply build your website and leave the rest to you. Talk to company that created your website right away and bring up these concerns. Ask them who is responsible for keeping your website’s software up-to-date? Are they or your hosting company performing regular backups? Is anyone monitoring your website for malware and other malicious code? What are the procedures to fix and restore your website if it get’s hacked?

If you would like to discuss the security of your website, reach out to AbleSpark for a free review. AbleSpark offers Managed Hosting Solutions and we would be happy to work with you and your current agency to protect your investment.

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