Essential Website Security Tips for Small Businesses: Locking Down Your Site Against Cyber Attacks

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Your Website Is a Front Door—Is It Locked?

Your website might look clean and professional on the surface—but if it’s not secured properly, it’s an open invitation to attackers. For most small businesses, nonprofits, and even local governments, your site is one of your most visible (and vulnerable) assets.

Why Hackers Target Small Websites

You might think, “Why would anyone hack my little site?” Here’s the truth: most cyberattacks are automated. Bots scan the internet 24/7 looking for easy targets—outdated plugins, exposed admin pages, weak login forms. If they find a way in, your site can be used to:

  • Spread malware to visitors
  • Host phishing pages
  • Redirect traffic to scams
  • Steal form submissions or user data

And you might not even know it’s happening.

5 Common Security Flaws That Get Overlooked

  • Outdated Plugins or CMS Versions: WordPress, Joomla, Drupal—no platform is safe if it’s not patched.
  • No HTTPS (SSL/TLS): Still seeing “Not Secure” in the browser bar? That’s not just ugly—it’s risky.
  • Weak or Default Admin Credentials: If you’re still using “admin / password123,” you’re a sitting duck.
  • Exposed Admin Login Pages: Bots crawl /wp-admin, /admin, and other common URLs. Don’t make it easy.
  • No Regular Backups: If your site gets wiped, encrypted, or hijacked, you’ll wish you had a backup.

6 Simple Steps to Secure Your Website Right Now

  1. Enable HTTPS with a Free SSL Certificate: Use Let’s Encrypt or your host’s tools.
  2. Update Everything—Plugins, Themes, CMS: Schedule monthly checks. Use auto-updates where safe.
  3. Use a Strong Admin Password + MFA: MFA adds a critical layer of protection.
  4. Limit Plugin Bloat: Every plugin is a new attack surface. Keep only what you need.
  5. Hide or Protect Admin Pages: Rename login URL or restrict access by IP.
  6. Back Up Regularly (Offsite!): Ensure you can restore your site without delay.

Want a Quick Win?

Use our Website Security Basics Checklist to assess where you stand. It’s built for small organizations—no tech jargon, just practical actions.

Download: Website Security Basics Checklist (Word)

Want help locking down your site? Contact Wentz IT Consulting for a quick security review or full MSP support.

Next up in the series: Who’s Really Behind That Contact Form?

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