Website Security Checklist: 7 Simple Ways to Protect Your Website
Your website works hard for your business 24/7. It attracts customers, collects leads, and represents your brand (even while you’re asleep!). The last thing you want is for it to become an easy target for hackers because of something simple that was overlooked.
The good news? You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert to improve your website security. A few routine maintenance tasks can go a long way toward protecting your business, your customers, and your reputation.
Here’s a simple website security checklist to help keep your site in good shape.
Review Who Has Admin Access 
Remember that employee who left two years ago? Or the freelancer who made a few updates once?
If they still have administrator access to your website, it’s time for a cleanup.
Regularly review your users and remove anyone who no longer needs access. Give team members the lowest level of permissions they need rather than making everyone an administrator.
Think of it as changing the locks after someone moves out.
Keep Your Website, Theme & Plugins Updated
One of the biggest causes of hacked websites is outdated software.
Website platforms like WordPress, along with themes and plugins, release updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and patch security vulnerabilities. Ignoring those updates can leave the door wide open for attackers.
If you see a notification that says “23 updates available,” don’t treat it like your unread emails.
Use Strong Passwords (Seriously) 
If your password is “Password123” or your dog’s name followed by an exclamation point, we need to talk.
Every account connected to your website should use a strong, unique password. Better yet, use a password manager so you don’t have to remember them all.
And while you’re at it, enable multi-factor authentication whenever it’s available.
Make Sure Your Website Is Backed Up
Even with great security, accidents happen.
Automatic website backups mean you can restore your site quickly if something goes wrong, whether it’s a cyberattack, a failed update, or someone accidentally deleting the homepage (it happens).
If you’re not sure when your last backup was, now is a good time to find out.
Install an SSL Certificate
If your website address still starts with http:// instead of https://, it’s time for an upgrade.
An SSL certificate encrypts information shared between your website and visitors, helping protect sensitive data while also building trust. It also plays a role in search engine rankings, making it an important part of both website security and SEO.
Bonus: Seeing the little padlock in the browser is much more reassuring than seeing “Not Secure.”
Audit Your Plugins
Not all plugins are created equal.
Remove plugins you no longer use, and avoid installing unnecessary ones “just in case.” Every additional plugin introduces another potential security risk, especially if it’s outdated or no longer supported by its developer.
When it comes to plugins, quality beats quantity every time.
Schedule Regular Website Maintenance
Website security isn’t a one-and-done task.
Regular maintenance helps ensure your website stays secure, performs well, and continues providing a great experience for visitors. Monthly checkups can include software updates, security scans, broken link checks, backups, performance testing, and reviewing user access.
A little preventative maintenance today can help you avoid major headaches tomorrow.
Don’t Wait Until Something Goes Wrong
Website security isn’t just about preventing hackers—it’s about protecting your business, your customers, and the investment you’ve made in your online presence.
At Red Technologies, we help businesses keep their websites secure, up to date, and running smoothly. From ongoing website maintenance and hosting to security updates and backups, our team takes care of the technical details so you can focus on running your business.
Not sure how your website stacks up? Contact Red Technologies today, and let’s make sure your website is secure, optimized, and ready for whatever comes next.
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