As a web engineer, I often find myself exploring various websites, sometimes out of professional curiosity and other times for more mundane reasons like ordering dinner. Recently, I stumbled upon a local restaurant’s website that had garnered excellent reviews. Excited to place an order, I clicked through their website only to be met with an unsettling discovery—malware.
Discovering the Malware
The moment I realized the website was compromised, I closed the browser to prevent any potential damage to my system. However, my curiosity and professional instinct drove me to investigate further. Using free online tools, I quickly diagnosed the presence of malware. Delving deeper, I discovered that the website was built using WordPress.
The Underlying Issues
Upon further inspection with a WordPress online tool, it became clear that the website was running an outdated version of WordPress along with several outdated plugins. This immediately raised red flags. In my experience, WordPress, when not kept up to date, can become a breeding ground for security vulnerabilities and errors.
The Root of the Problem
The website’s creator turned out to be an overseas IT consultancy. This raised an important question: why use WordPress for a fully static website that is rarely updated? The answer seemed to be that the consultancy likely repurposed an existing template without re-evaluating its suitability in terms of security and functionality for the restaurant’s needs.
Lessons for Small Businesses
This experience underscores the importance of maintaining the health and security of your digital products. Here are some practical steps small business owners can take to keep their websites secure and functional:
1. Regular Updates
- WordPress Core: Always keep your WordPress core updated to the latest version.
- Plugins and Themes: Regularly update all plugins and themes to their latest versions to patch any security vulnerabilities.
2. Security Plugins
- Install reputable security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri to add an extra layer of protection against malware and other threats.
3. Use Strong Passwords
- Ensure that all user accounts, especially those with administrative privileges, use strong, unique passwords.
4. Regular Backups
- Schedule regular backups of your website’s data. Use plugins like UpdraftPlus to automate this process.
5. Monitor Website Health
- Utilize free online tools such as Google Safe Browsing, Sucuri SiteCheck, or VirusTotal to regularly scan your website for malware and vulnerabilities.
6. Limit Plugin Usage
- Only install plugins that are absolutely necessary and regularly review and remove any that are no longer in use.
7. HTTPS Encryption
- Ensure your website uses HTTPS encryption to protect data transmitted between the user and the server. Most hosting providers offer free SSL certificates through services like Let’s Encrypt.
Practical Health Check Schedule
To maintain the health and security of your website, follow this regular maintenance schedule:
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Weekly:
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Check for and install updates for WordPress core, plugins, and themes.
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Scan your website for malware using a security plugin.
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Monthly:
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Review installed plugins and themes, removing any that are unnecessary or inactive.
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Change passwords for all admin accounts.
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Quarterly:
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Perform a full website backup and store it securely.
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Test your website’s functionality to ensure everything is working as expected.
Working with Vendors: Quick Tips for Non-Tech Business Owners
As a non-tech business owner, it can be tricky to ensure your website and IT systems are secure and running smoothly. Here are a few easy tips to help you work effectively with your vendors:
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Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular meetings with your vendor to discuss system health, updates, and any concerns. This keeps everyone on the same page.
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Set Update Schedules: Agree on a schedule for regular updates and patches. This helps keep your website and systems secure without needing constant oversight.
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Periodic Assessments: Arrange for periodic security assessments to catch and fix vulnerabilities before they become problems.
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Backup Plans: Make sure your vendor has a clear plan for regular backups and knows what to do if something goes wrong.
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Clear Communication: Keep communication open and straightforward. Make sure your vendor understands your needs and expectations.
By keeping these touchpoints and schedules in place, you can ensure your digital systems stay healthy and secure without getting bogged down in technical details.
Conclusion
While WordPress is a powerful and flexible platform, it requires diligent maintenance to ensure security and optimal performance. Small businesses must recognize the importance of regular updates and security checks to protect their digital presence. By following the steps outlined above, you can help safeguard your website against potential threats and keep your digital storefront running smoothly.
By sharing this story and these tips, I hope to raise awareness about the importance of website maintenance and provide actionable advice for small business owners to protect their online assets. Stay vigilant and proactive to ensure your digital products remain healthy and secure.