Website Security Best Practices: Essential Protections for Your Site

A secure website is the foundation of a strong online presence. Without proper security, hackers can exploit vulnerabilities, steal data, and damage your brand’s reputation. Implementing website security best practices protects sensitive information, improves performance, and ensures peace of mind.

At On Track Marketing, we take security seriously. Every website we host includes a suite of protective measures designed to prevent attacks, reduce risks, and maintain uptime. Let’s explore these essential security strategies and why they are critical for your website’s safety.

General Website Security Best Practices

1. Restrict Access to Files and Directories

Unauthorized access to system files can lead to data breaches or website defacement. Restricting access ensures that only trusted users can modify essential settings, reducing the risk of malware injections.

📌 Example: If an attacker gains access to your core files, they can alter your site’s content, steal user data, or install malicious scripts. Setting correct file permissions eliminates these threats.

2. Block Access to xmlrpc.php

The xmlrpc.php file is a frequent target for brute-force attacks. Disabling access prevents attackers from using automated login attempts to hijack your WordPress site.

🔗 Further Reading: Why xmlrpc.php is a Security Risk

3. Prevent Execution of PHP Scripts in Critical Folders

Hackers often upload malicious scripts into directories like wp-includes and wp-content/uploads. Blocking PHP execution in these folders stops malware before it runs.

4. Turn Off Pingbacks

WordPress pingbacks can be exploited for DDoS attacks, overwhelming your server with excessive traffic. Disabling them strengthens website security.

5. Remove Unused Scripting Languages

Web servers support multiple scripting languages, but not all are necessary. Deactivating unused ones minimizes potential entry points for cyber threats.

6. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Requiring an additional authentication step, such as a verification code, greatly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Most platforms, including WordPress, Wix, and Shopify, support MFA.

7. Enable Bot Protection

Malicious bots attempt brute-force logins, scrape data, and overload websites. Activating bot protection filters out harmful traffic while allowing real visitors to browse freely.

💡 Did you know? Over 50% of all web traffic comes from bots, both good and bad. Filtering out harmful ones improves security and performance.

8. Install an SSL Certificate

An SSL certificate encrypts data exchanged between your site and visitors, protecting sensitive information such as login credentials and payment details.

🔗 Check If Your Website Has SSL: SSL Checker Tool

9. Schedule Regular Backups

Even the most secure websites can experience issues. Having frequent backups ensures that your data can be restored quickly if needed.

10. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

A Web Application Firewall (WAF) blocks malicious traffic before it reaches your website, preventing attacks like SQL injections and cross-site scripting (XSS).

🔗 Further Reading: How a WAF Protects Websites

Platform-Specific Security Best Practices

🔹 WordPress Security

• Use a Security Plugin – Install WordFence, Sucuri, or iThemes Security.
• Limit Login Attempts – Restrict failed login attempts to prevent brute-force attacks.
• Change Default Login URL – Hide your wp-admin page to deter attackers.
• Keep Plugins & Themes Updated – Outdated software is a major security risk.
• Disable XML-RPC – This feature is rarely needed and is often exploited.

🔹 Wix Security

• Enable Two-Step Verification – Add an extra security layer for logins.
• Use Wix Site Permissions – Restrict contributor access to necessary users.
• Activate HTTPS – Ensure your site uses SSL encryption.
• Avoid Unverified Third-Party Code – Custom JavaScript can introduce vulnerabilities.

🔹 Squarespace Security

• Enable SSL/TLS Encryption – Ensures secure data transmission.
• Restrict Contributor Access – Limit editing rights to necessary team members.
• Use Strong API Keys – Secure integrations with third-party services.
• Turn On Automatic Backups – Squarespace manages backups, but always verify.

🔹 Shopify Security

• Enable Fraud Analysis – Shopify automatically detects high-risk transactions.
• Use a Secure Payment Gateway – Avoid fraud and chargebacks.
• Monitor Third-Party Apps – Only install verified Shopify apps.
• Enforce Two-Factor Authentication – Protects admin logins from hackers.

Why These Security Measures Matter

A website without proper security is an easy target for cyberattacks. Weak protection can lead to:

✅ Data breaches – Attackers gain access to sensitive customer information.
✅ Downtime & performance issues – Overloaded servers cause slow load times or crashes.
✅ SEO penalties – Search engines flag insecure websites, reducing visibility.

By implementing these website security best practices, we ensure your site remains protected, performs efficiently, and stays ahead of cyber threats.

📢 Need secure website hosting? Find out how On Track Marketing protects your website.

Updated SEO Details:

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• SEO Title: Website Security Best Practices: Essential Protections for Your Site
• Slug: website-security-best-practices
• Meta Description: Secure your site with essential website security best practices. Learn how to prevent cyberattacks, protect data, and keep your website running smoothly.
• Excerpt: Protect your website with essential security best practices. Learn how to prevent cyberattacks, secure data, and maintain optimal performance.