Win #1
Use HTTPS
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is used to send data between a web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari) and a website. It uses encryption to increase the security and privacy of data transfers.
HTTPS also improves your Google search ranking – a reward for adding security.
Soon, some web browsers will mark non-HTTPS websites as “not secure” in the URL bar, marking the URL red.
You might explore and set up HTTPS yourself via free and automatic options, such as Let’s Encrypt, or direct your website developer to our PROTECT publication Implementing Certificates, TLS and HTTPS guidance and ask them to set up HTTPS.
Win #2
Update your website’s content management systems, plugins and programs
If you are using a web hosting provider, contact your provider to make sure they are keeping your content management system and any plugins up to date. They should also send email notifications detailing any website security issues.
Win #3
Secure your access to your website – multi-factor authentication and passphrases
Ideally, your web hosting provider should offer multi-factor authentication to significantly increase the security of your access to a website.
Using only strong passphrases for your server and website administration areas is an easy, quick win. Wondering what a strong passphrase looks like? See the table below:
PASSWORD/ PASSPHRASE | DIFFICULTY TO BREAK | EASY TO REMEMBER | COMMENTS |
password123 | Very easy (too easy) | Very easy (too easy) | One of the most commonly used passwords on the planet. |
5paghetti95 | Easy | Somewhat easy | Not too much more complexity than above with character substitution, and still short length. Easy to remember, but easy to crack. |
I don’t like pineapple on my pizza! | Hard | Easy | Excellent character length (35 characters). Complexity is naturally high given the apostrophe, exclamation mark and use of spaces. Very easy to remember, and very difficult to crack. |
For more on creating secure passphrases, refer to the ACSC’s Small Business Cyber Security Guide.