One of the common vulnerabilities we address when building websites is security weaknesses. Just like you wouldn't leave your shop unlocked overnight, your website needs proper protection.
Small businesses across South Wales often think they're too small to be targeted. "Why would hackers bother with my little website?" It's a question that comes up regularly, but the reality is sobering.
Cyber attacks on small businesses have risen dramatically, with automated bots scanning the internet for vulnerable websites regardless of size. These attacks aren't personal—they're opportunistic. If your website has a weakness, eventually someone (or something) will find it.
The consequences? They range from mild inconvenience to business-ending disasters:
A small Swansea retailer once faced their site being defaced with inappropriate content. They lost a week of business and untold customer trust before they could recover.
When building websites for businesses in Swansea and across South Wales, security isn't an add-on—it's baked into everything. Here are some of the fundamental protections that should be in place:
It sounds simple, but weak passwords remain one of the most common entry points for hackers. Your website would benefit from:
What makes a strong password? Rather than short, easily-guessed words, use a passphrase—a string of random words like "correct-horse-battery-staple" or "dolphin-market-purple-tractor." These are much harder to crack than complex but shorter passwords like "P@55w0rd!" yet easier for you to remember. Consider using a password manager to generate and store truly random, unique passwords for each website.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an additional security layer beyond your password. When logging in, you'll need both your password (something you know) and a temporary code from your mobile phone (something you have). This means that even if someone steals your password, they still can't access your account without your phone. For Swansea business owners, this simple step dramatically reduces the risk of unauthorised access to your website's backend.
Outdated software is like having locks with known flaws. When security vulnerabilities are discovered in WordPress, plugins, or any platform we use, patches are released quickly. Our maintenance packages include:
A client who manages several holiday cottages near the Gower came to us after their outdated booking plugin was exploited, leading to fake bookings that cost them real money. Regular updates would have prevented this entirely.
The foundation of your website security starts with where your site lives. Quality hosting providers offer varying levels of security features:
For enhanced security, websites can benefit from additional tools that provide malware scanning and more advanced threat detection, as these aren't typically included in standard hosting packages.
A solicitor in Swansea moved from a bargain-basement hosting provider where their site was repeatedly compromised. Since moving to a secure hosting environment, they haven't had a single security incident.
Even with preventive measures in place, monitoring is essential. Services like Cloudflare provide valuable security monitoring features:
When a local restaurant's website started behaving strangely, monitoring systems picked up unusual database queries. They were able to block the attack before any damage was done.
A website's security is only as good as its code. Proper web development follows strict secure coding practices:
What does this mean in plain English? When someone fills out a form on your website, proper security ensures any malicious code they might try to insert gets neutralised before it can do harm. It's like having a bouncer who checks everyone's ID before they enter your premises.
A financial advisor in South Wales once had their contact form used to send spam. After implementing proper input sanitisation, the problem disappeared overnight.
Many business owners in South Wales worry that proper security will make their websites harder to use or manage. The good news is that with the right approach, security can be both robust and user-friendly.
Good security implementations are designed to protect your business without getting in your way. Most security measures work silently in the background, only becoming visible when they need to alert you to something important.
A manufacturer in Llanelli had avoided security upgrades because they feared it would complicate their content management. After implementing a comprehensive security framework, they found their site actually ran more smoothly than before, with the bonus of being protected.
Beyond the obvious benefit of preventing attacks, good security practices offer additional value:
A craft brewery in Wales saw their conversion rates improve after implementing security badges and secure checkout processes. Customers simply felt more confident making purchases.
Good website security doesn't rely on security through obscurity or one-size-fits-all solutions. Each website should have security appropriate to its needs and risks.
For e-commerce sites handling payment data, additional layers of protection are essential. For brochure sites, focus on preventing defacement and ensuring availability. For membership sites, prioritise access control and data protection.
A dance studio in South Wales had a problem where their class schedule was repeatedly deleted from their website. After implementing role-based access controls and activity logging, the mysterious disappearances stopped.
Website security isn't a product—it's a process. That's why the best approach includes ongoing monitoring, updates, and adjustments as new threats emerge.
The digital landscape changes constantly, but one thing remains the same: websites that neglect security eventually pay the price. Let's make sure yours isn't one of them.
Even with professional security measures in place, there are simple steps you can take to help keep your website secure:
1. Use unique admin usernames
Avoid obvious choices like "admin" or your business name
2. Check your site regularly
Unfamiliar content or functionality changes can be early warning signs
3. Keep your own devices secure
Malware on your computer can capture login credentials
4. Be wary of public WiFi
Never log into your website's admin area from unsecured networks
5. Educate your staff
Make sure everyone with website access understands security basics
One small business in Neath implemented a simple monthly security check routine. This practice alone helped them spot and address several potential issues before they became problems.
The digital landscape changes constantly, but one thing remains the same: websites that neglect security eventually pay the price. Make sure yours isn't one of them.
