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Introduction

Website hacking can lead to significant disruptions, data breaches, and loss of trust. This guide is for website owners and administrators looking to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of hacking and safeguard their websites. By following the outlined practices, you can minimize vulnerabilities and enhance security.

Prerequisites

• Administrator access to the hosting control panel or server access.
• Basic knowledge of website security tools.
• Familiarity with password management and content management systems (CMS).

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Update Website Software Regularly

• Ensure your CMS, themes, and plugins are updated to the latest stable version.
  • Outdated software is one of the primary causes of website infections.
  • Update any unsupported software or components, including plugins and themes, to close security gaps.

Step 2: Strengthen Passwords

• Change your passwords regularly for FTP, SFTP, SSH, cPanel, and CMS administrator accounts.
• Use a strong password or a password generator such as Norton Password Generator to create complex and unique passwords.

Step 3: Review User Access

• Audit your CMS user accounts and remove any unnecessary admin access.
• Force password resets for users as an extra security precaution.

Step 4: Update Database Passwords

1. Change the database password, especially if you’re using a CMS like WordPress or Joomla.
2. After changing the password, update the configuration file (e.g., wp-config.php for WordPress or configuration.php for Joomla) manually.

Step 5: Scan Your Local Environment

• Run antivirus scans on your local computer or device using tools such as Kaspersky, Sophos, or Avast to ensure no malware is present that could reinfect your website.

Step 6: Backup Your Website Regularly

• After securing your site, implement daily backups. WordPress users can use tools like BackupBuddy, while others may opt for remote FTP backup services like CodeGuard.
• Control panel such as DirectAdmin or cPanel have built in backup features.
• Alternatively, consider purchase IPServerOne Remote Backup https://www.ipserverone.com/cloud-backup/

Step 7: Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

• Implement a WAF to protect your site from ongoing vulnerabilities. Services like CloudFlare proxy.

Conclusion

Proactively following these steps will significantly reduce the risk of website hacking and malware reinfection. Regular updates, password management, and backups are essential for maintaining a secure website. If you need additional assistance, please contact our support team at support@ipserverone.com.