When assessing a website's security, the most important factor is to check if it uses "HTTPS" in the URL, which indicates a secure connection with SSL encryption, protecting user data transmitted between the browser and the website server; look for a padlock icon in the address bar to verify security, and ensure all sensitive information is encrypted when submitted on the site.
Key aspects of website security:
SSL Certificate:
A digital certificate that enables HTTPS encryption, crucial for protecting sensitive information like login credentials and credit card details.
Strong Passwords:
Enforcing strong password policies for user accounts, including a mix of uppercase, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Regular Updates:
Keeping all website software, including the content management system (CMS) and plugins, updated to patch known vulnerabilities.
Data Validation:
Implementing input validation to prevent malicious code injection attacks like SQL injection, where attackers try to manipulate database queries through user input.
Web Application Firewall (WAF):
A security layer that filters incoming traffic to detect and block malicious requests before they reach the website server.
User Access Control:
Limiting user access to only the necessary functions based on their role and
permissions.
Vulnerability Scanning:
Regularly scanning the website for potential security weaknesses using automated tools to identify and fix vulnerabilities promptly.
Backups:
Maintaining regular backups of website data to enable recovery in case of a security breach.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
Adding an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide a code from their phone or email in addition to their password when logging in.
How to identify a secure website:
"HTTPS" in the URL: The "s" stands for "secure".
Padlock icon in the address bar: Most browsers display a padlock icon when a website is secure.
Valid SSL certificate: Clicking on the padlock icon should display information about the website's SSL certificate.
Important security threats to be aware of:
SQL Injection (SQLi): Manipulating database queries through user input
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Injecting malicious JavaScript code into a website to steal user data
Phishing Attacks: Tricking users into providing sensitive information through fake websites or emails
Malware: Malicious software designed to harm a system or steal data