Many analysts feel that the online community represents the next battlefield that nations will face in the coming years. As threats such as hacking, phishing and malware continue to become more prevalent, website owners must begin to adopt innovative approaches in regard to their existing security protocols. What practical strategies should be implemented and what benefits can they provide? Three unique suggestions are outlined immediately below. As always, an ounce of protection will certainly go a long way.

Like Us on Facebook

Choose a Secure Hosting Service in Advance

It is important to protect the virtual "foundations" of a website with powerful firewalls that can serve as the first line of defence. This is why professional web hosting with SSL encryption has become commonplace. The presence of SSL (secure sockets layer) protocols will serve to thwart any attempts to hijack or otherwise tamper with on-site information. Many platforms are likewise augmented with DDoS protection; ensuring that a site will remain online in the event of a denial-of-service attack.

Employ KYC Authentication

It is equally important for site users to confirm their identities before sending or receiving important information. We can use the online gaming industry as an example. While there is no doubt that technology is transforming the entire sector, identity theft is not often taken as seriously as it should be. The main advantage of KYC (Know Your Client) authentication involves its twofold nature. Users will be required to provide an additional confirmation of their identity (such as replying to an SMS message or providing a scanned image of their passport) before an online transaction is approved. This helps to prevent serious issues such as fraud and money laundering.

Perform Regular Site Audits

We are all aware that taking a car to the mechanic from time to time can help avert serious and potentially costly issues. The same holds true when discussing website security. The only difference is that in this case, the "mechanic" comes in the form of a timely site audit. There are several reasons why timely audits are important including:

• They can identify potential security flaws such as compromised passwords.
  

• Audits will highlight any potential coding issues.
  

• Pages will load faster; leading to higher visitor retention rates.
  

• Regularly updated portals will feature higher within search engine results pages.
  

Some companies choose to perform site audits with the help of an in-house IT team or instead outsource this requirement to third-party firms. As a general rule of thumb, third-party services tend to provide more comprehensive results and they will often offer a number of different audit packages based on the business in question. If a problem is identified, it can be solved before more profound problems come to light.

Cybersecurity is a concept which should be taken seriously by every website owner. As technology continues to advance at a breakneck pace, there is little doubt that even more challenges will emerge. This is why embracing a proactive mindset is the best way to remain ahead of potential threats.