Three simple steps that will help you protect your site.
Today, it is common for businesses and nonprofit organizations to accept payments online. However, this opens the door to more and more “bad guys” out to grab personal information and take advantage of those that are not being protected. In the following article, we provide you with three important steps to protect your site. You may have heard of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards before, which is a set of rules governing how sensitive information can be stored and transmitted to ensure data privacy and security for all users.
Here are a few steps to move your site towards PCI compliance online:
1) Change your passwords
Picture this common scenario: you get a default password from a vendor, and then you pass it on to your co-worker. One week later, you are so used to typing in 473ngtw@! that you can do it with your eyes closed. Bad idea! Hackers are familiar with default passwords and can easily gain access if they attempt the right site at the right time. Get into the habit of changing default passwords right away.
2) Use a firewall
A firewall examines any traffic attempting to access your site. Based on a set of standard criteria, as well as any criteria specific to your site, the firewall will allow or block requests to your site. This is an essential step to help protect your site from unwanted access and potential security breaches. In addition, a firewall can prevent comment spamming on your blog, saving you the trouble of deleting all those unwelcome posts. Many companies can provide a firewall—just to name a few: Cloudflare along with its CDN (Content Delivery Network), and Sitelock.
3) Keep your systems current
Not only is it tedious, but it can be a major headache to update all applications your site might be using. That includes your CMS (i.e., WordPress) and all plugins, add-ons, etc. However, why is it strongly recommended? Here’s an example: a hacker manages to find a security loop in a plugin on your site that allows them to target your visitors. Meanwhile, an innocent user is attempting to donate to their favorite cause and unknowingly sends money straight to the hacker’s bank account in Guatemala. By updating WordPress and plugins (or any other systems you might be using), you will minimize the risks caused to your site and site visitors, ultimately helping you protect your site from potential threats.
These are a few tips to move your business or organization toward PCI Compliance. Visit https://www.pcicomplianceguide.org/ for a full list of PCI Compliance criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to protect your site?
Protecting your site ensures that your business or organization maintains data privacy and security. With the rise in online transactions, it’s crucial to safeguard personal information from hackers who could exploit vulnerabilities.
How can I protect my site from hackers?
To protect your site from hackers, change default passwords immediately, use a firewall to block unwanted access, and keep your systems up to date with the latest security patches. These steps help prevent breaches and protect sensitive data.
What is PCI compliance and how does it help protect your site?
PCI (Payment Card Industry) Compliance consists of security standards that protect sensitive payment data. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your site meets the necessary criteria for safeguarding customer payment information and maintaining security.
How often should I change my site’s passwords to protect my site?
It’s a good practice to change your passwords regularly and avoid using default ones. Changing your passwords as soon as you set up your site or when you update your system can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
What role does a firewall play in helping protect your site?
A firewall monitors incoming traffic to your site and blocks any suspicious or unauthorized access. It is an essential tool in protecting your site from security breaches, spamming, and malicious attacks.
