Website security best practices to shield your site from attacks. Learn expert tips and tools for complete protection.
Table of Contents
1. Strong Passwords & Two-Step Login
Use strong passwords:
Mix letters, numbers, and symbols
Make each password unique
Never reuse passwords
Use a password manager to store them
Add two-step login:
Use an app like Google Auth
Or use a physical security key
This stops hackers even if they get your password
How Cloudways helps: They give you a two-step login for free. Your admin area stays safe.
2. Keep Everything Updated
Update these often:
Your website software
All plugins and themes
Your server system
Set up auto-updates when you can.
How Cloudways helps: They update your server for you. This includes PHP, MySQL, and the central system—no work is needed from you.
3. Use SSL and Security Headers
Get an SSL certificate:
This locks data as it moves
Use HTTPS everywhere
Set up HSTS to force secure connections
Add security headers:
These block common attacks
They stop hackers from hiding destructive code
They prevent clickjacking tricks
How Cloudways helps: Free SSL with one click. They also help set up security headers.
4. Use Firewalls and Bot Protection
Set up a firewall:
Blocks bad IP addresses
Stops brute force attacks
Limits on who can access your site
Use a Web App Firewall (WAF):
Stops SQL injection attacks
Blocks cross-site scripting
Filters out bad requests
Add bot protection:
Use reCAPTCHA on forms
Stop spam and fake users
How Cloudways helps: They include Imunify360. This provides you with a firewall, WAF, and bot-blocking capabilities. Additionally, DDoS protection and spam filters are included.
How Cloudways helps: Built-in malware scanning with Imunify360. Plus, Patchstack finds weak spots. CloudwaysBot sends you alerts.
6. Test for Weak Spots
Run security tests:
Use automated scans
Do manual penetration tests
Check plugins for problems
Fix issues fast:
Remove bad plugins
Patch coding flaws
Test your defenses often
How Cloudways helps: Free vulnerability scanner. Powered by Patchstack. Checks WordPress, themes, and plugins.
7. Back Up Your Site
Make regular backups:
Back up daily or weekly
Store copies in different places
Test that you can restore them
Plan for disasters:
Know how to get back online fast
Have a recovery checklist ready
How Cloudways helps: Easy backup system. Schedule automatic backups. Restore with just a few clicks.
8. Control Who Has Access
Use the least privilege:
Give users only the access they need
Remove unused accounts
Check permissions often
Limit IP access:
Whitelist trusted IP addresses
Block SSH from unknown locations
Turn off services you don’t use
How Cloudways helps: IP allowlisting for SSH and database access. Only trusted networks can connect.
9. Monitor and Respond to Threats
Watch your site 24/7:
Monitor traffic patterns
Check logs for problems
Set up real-time alerts
Have a response plan:
Know what to do if attacked
Have emergency contacts ready
Practice your response steps
Check your reputation:
Make sure you’re not blocked
Monitor your domain status
Fix reputation issues fast
How Cloudways helps: Domain reputation monitoring. Global incident tracking. They block bad IPs across their network.
10. Train Your Team
Teach security basics:
How to spot phishing emails
Safe password practices
Secure browsing habits
Enforce security rules:
Require password managers
Make two-step login mandatory
Regular security training
Why Cloudways Makes Security Simple
Cloudways handles most security tasks for you:
Security NeedWhat Cloudways Does
Firewall & WAF Imunify360 with bot blocking and threat intelligence
Updates Auto-updates for server, PHP, and databases
SSL Free SSL certificates with easy setup
Scanning Malware and vulnerability scans included
Backups Built-in backup system with easy restore
Access Control IP allowlisting and two-step login
Monitoring CloudwaysBot alerts and reputation tracking
Support 24/7 chat support for security help
Your Security Checklist
Follow these steps to secure your site:
Turn on the two-step login
Get SSL and force HTTPS
Enable firewall and bot protection
Set up auto-updates and scans
Allow your IP addresses
Schedule regular backups
Train your team on security
With Cloudways handling the technical stuff, you can focus on growing your business. Your site stays protected while you build.
Final Thoughts
Adequate website security involves implementing multiple layers of protection. Strong passwords, regular updates, firewalls, and monitoring all work together to provide comprehensive security.
Cloudways makes this easy. They handle the complex parts for you. Firewall, updates, scanning, and backups become automatic. You get enterprise-level security without the headache.
Ready to make your site more secure? Let Cloudways handle the backend while you focus on what matters most.
