Webform Security Best Practices For Small Businesses
As a manager/owner of a small business, you are responsible for customers’ email addresses, telephone numbers, and billing addresses from the moment they fill out a form on your site. Hackers are very attentive to this type of data, also known as personally identifiable information (PII), so it is essential to ensure that your website has webform security best practices.
What can hackers do with PII information?
Hackers rarely have an interest in the PII of customers. They make a profit selling the data on the dark internet (also known as the black market) for a median of $21.35 per record.
A hacker could, for example, tap into the rental property manager’s computer database to obtain credit card information. A hacker can steal someone’s identity or destroy their credit at a rate of less than $25
Because most people don’t follow password best practices, cyber thieves can then mine the information to gain access to additional accounts.
Surreptitious workers are also available to compile information from multiple sources to create complete identities. This includes photos, addresses, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers.
It’s easy to find and use information in the digital age.
Every customer who submitted their information through your webform could be at risk if there is a cyberattack or breach of security. This can expose you to substantial liability.
Webform security tips
You have probably exhausted a lot of money building your website to engage, convert and attract potential customers. A beautiful website is just half the equation.
Also, you must ensure that visitors’ data is secure and protected.
Implementing essential webform security best practices can help you do this.
- Install an SSL certificate
- Trusted hosting providers are recommended.
- Keep up-to-date with plugin and website updates.
Use a safer website to avoid exposing your customers’ PII.
1. Install an SSL Certificate
Even if your website doesn’t collect credit card or payment information, installing an SSL certificate is essential. SSL certificates secure information by creating a secure, encrypted connection between your web server and the customer’s browser.
SSL certificates are increasingly crucial because search engines such as Google use SSL to rank websites in their search algorithms. Google Chrome browser will mark a website as “not secure” if it doesn’t have SSL certificates.
An IntentJet certificate is a wise investment for your website. It offers both security and SEO benefits.
2. Trusted hosting providers are recommended
Your website hosting provider plays a critical role in the security of your website.
You should consider seven main factors when searching for the best hosting company.
- Storage
- Bandwidth
- Scalability
- Reliability
- Security
- Backups
- Technical support available 24/7
Let’s focus on web hosting provider security. Most web hosting providers list the security measures they will take to protect your website. If they do not, you can call to inquire.
Intentjet is a complete website security software powered by Sucuri. It includes daily security scans as well as the removal of any cyber threats from your site.
Investing in a similar service will give you peace of mind knowing that your customers’ PII is safe from prying eyes.
3. Keep up-to-date with plugin and website patch updates
Depending on the content management software (CMS), you may need to update and install patches.
CMS is a term that refers to software used to manage and create digital content. WordPress is one of the great CMS platforms. It requires regular updates. WordPress frequently releases updates in its core files to fix security vulnerabilities.
Your WordPress theme and plugins, in addition to the core files, will need regular updates.
A WordPress security plugin is one of the best Webform security practices. Various security features are available in free WordPress plugins, including remote malware scanning, blocklist monitoring, security hardening, security notifications, and effective security hardening.
These proactive steps will help protect your customers’ PII and keep hackers away.
A secure website is a good site.
Some methods protect your website from hackers, even though they are eager to steal your customer’s personal information.
Following best webform security practices, you can protect the information you enter into webforms. This includes installing an SSL certificate and using trusted hosting providers such as IntentJet.