How To Improve Website Security For Better Trust

I think many developers don't really understand what a content security policy is. It took me a while to realize myself. In layman's terms: it's a chance for the SERVER to verify what is happening on the CLIENT. That's it! The reason we need content security policies (aka CSP's) is because of injection attacks. You may even be wondering what those really are. Well, if a hacker gains access to an admin form of your website, or finds a loophole to do something like save unvalidated text into your database... it can compromise your website's frontend-rendered code by having it execute some sort of JavaScript code which was saved to your database.. Remember that without CSP's, the SERVER cannot confirm what happens on the CLIENT. This means that any JavaScript which has been added to the page with an injection attacks will execute. If you are running a regular static-content type site, it means a hacker can deface your website with anything they want. But if you run an eCommerce site, it means that JavaScript can be inserted into your site, ...which skims customer credit card data 😲 There are a few ways a CSP can work: - Domain allowlisting -- but this only works if you 100% trust the JavaScript you are injecting into your site. If you are using a third-party or global CDN, I don't think this counts as a trusted source, because that third-party can be hacked. - CSP nonce -- the definition of nonce means "used once". This method works by having a random code being created and generated on the server, which the client must then ALSO use. This verifies that the code on the client matches what is defined on the server. And this method only works because it is "used once", meaning that a new code must be generated for _every_ single server request/response. - CSP hash -- this is the most secure method and confirms the SHA checksum matches the file/script response. To implement this, you must download the targeted file's checksum and save it in the CSP header. This allows you to use third-party scripts and servers, because if the JavaScript file fails to match the checksum defined on the server, the JavaScript won't load. Once you implement one of the CSP methods above (preferring hashes over nonces/allowlisting), you're effectively confirming that the SERVER knows exactly what's happening on the CLIENT, locking down your site's security and COMPLETELY protecting you from injection attacks (provided your SERVER access is also secure 🤪). Learn more about how CSP works with Magento at https://lnkd.in/gFq33kQk

"It's gonna mess up my site!" Is this why you haven't updated your WordPress version, small business? (Or why your website person's been hesitant?) There are ways around this. They start with design - custom CSS adjacent to the theme itself is one way to ensure the look and feel of your site remains consistent across updates. But why update? Well, updates give you access to new features, sure, but they also fix problems with the previous version. Those problems are often security holes that could really mess up your site. If you opt to use WordPress - for sites both business and fun - you need to make a few commitments to the care and feeding of said beast. 🐘Set up automatic updates for your theme, plugins, and WordPress itself 🐘As for any site, ensure you've got SSL (really TLS) enabled on the site. 🐘BACK UP YOUR SITE 🐘Consider a WAF - a Web Application Firewall. There are free and paid versions 🐘Another general one - make sure your domain doesn't expire. No, that's not security, but someone could snap up your domain if it expires and make a site a whole lot like yours and put it on the domain...and that IS security related. 🐘Minimize the number of plugins you use. If you're not using the functionality the plugin provides, disable that plugin. Or, better, yet, remove that puppy, er, elephant. This one has an elephant theme. (Not to be confused with the WordPress theme) Do you do this work yourself? I hope all this makes sense to you. If you've got someone maintaining all of this for you, pass along these suggestions. A few more from a previous post. Mentally incorporate these cheese emojis with the elephants...somehow. 🧀Choose a username that isn't the default name WordPress offers of administrator. 🧀Use a strong password with that cryptic username 🧀Add multifactor authentication to WordPress. Yes, you can do that. 🧀Remove unused themes. (Echoed above) 🧀Remove unused plugins. (Echoed above) 🧀Ensure all plugins and WordPress itself are current versions. (Echoed above) 🧀Understand third-party risk. A whole other "someday" post, but you can search it. 🧀Intentionally consider your risk if you're using plugins that take information from consumers or businesses and storing that information in your website's database. 🧀Regularly evaluate if your website may be outgrowing this WordPress model - if you're taking credit cards, for example. There are plugins that accept credit cards, for example. 🧀Know what plugins your site uses and monitor for vulnerabilities. Yes, this is difficult. Someone needs to do it, though. Add more in the comments below. What do you love about WordPress? What did you use to replace WordPress? #cybersecurity #wordpress #cyberhygiene #plugins

Wordpress gets hacked all the time, not because its insecure but because its plugins can be. Many of the plugins on wordpress are open source this allows users and sometimes attackers to modify code and infect plugins that are not well maintained. Another way this can happen is if the maintainers become someone new with not as noble goals as the previous plugin maker. Wordpress is used by millions and its a big target cause if you find a zero day you can essentially compromise thousand's of websites very quickly. Keeping your WordPress site secure is not too hard. Here are some tips you can use. 1. Keep Everything Updated - Regularly update WordPress core, themes, and plugins to patch security vulnerabilities. If you backup regular just turn on auto updates and save yourself some hassle. - Delete unused themes and plugins to reduce risks the second you don't need them. 2. Use Strong Authentication - Set strong, unique passwords for WordPress admin, database, and hosting. - Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security. 3. Use a Security Plugin - Install a reputable security plugin like Wordfence, Sucuri. 4. Secure Login & Admin Area - Change the default login URL (e.g., from `/wp-admin` to a custom URL). First place I check it I'm ethical hacking did they leabe wp-admin exposed. - Limit login attempts to prevent brute-force attacks. - Restrict admin access by IP address if possible. 5. Backup Regularly - Use backup plugins like UpdraftPlus or VaultPress to schedule automatic backups. - Store backups offsite (e.g., cloud storage) for disaster recovery. 6. Use SSL Encryption - Install an SSL certificate to enable HTTPS and encrypt data transfer. - Many hosting providers offer free SSL via Let’s Encrypt. Stay Safe out there! #BowTieSecurityGuy #wordpress

FTC Takes Down GoDaddy 😟 The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently ordered GoDaddy to tighten its information security practices after a data breach exposed the personal information of millions of customers. 😱 This serves as a stark reminder for all businesses – regardless of size – that website security is paramount. Here's why GoDaddy's lapse is a wake-up call for everyone: * Data breaches can have devastating consequences: Stolen information can be used for identity theft, financial fraud, and other malicious activities, causing immense damage to individuals and businesses alike. * Cybersecurity threats are evolving rapidly: Hackers are constantly developing new tactics, making it crucial for businesses to stay vigilant and update their security measures regularly. * Negligence can be costly: The FTC's action against GoDaddy highlights the legal and financial repercussions of failing to adequately protect customer data. So, how can you ensure your website is secure? * Conduct regular security audits: Identify vulnerabilities and implement necessary security patches promptly. * Implement strong passwords and two-factor authentication: Make it harder for hackers to access your systems. * Keep software and plugins updated: Ensure you're using the latest versions with the latest security fixes. * Train employees on cybersecurity best practices: Educate your team on how to identify and avoid phishing attacks and other security threats. * Consider investing in a website security solution: There are numerous tools available to help you monitor and protect your website from malicious activity. Take proactive steps to secure your website and protect your valuable data. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Shweta Sharma #GoDaddy #WebsiteSecurity #FTC #DataBreach #Cybersecurity #ProtectYourData