Why Websites Get Hacked
Website security is a crucial topic for all our clients with an online presence – which frankly is all our clients. While it may seem like a website hack is a direct result of a developer’s oversight, the reality is more complex. Websites, especially those built with content management systems, are frequent targets for hackers due to their widespread use. And of course, it can happen to the most high profile organisations just as it can happen to an under-resourced arts organisation. And while it is impossible to guarantee that a site wont suffer a security breach, there are a number of things we can do to reduce the chances of a breach.
Hackers employ various techniques to exploit vulnerabilities, often unrelated to the initial website development.
Overview of the different types a site can be hacked
Some hacks are more about causing mischief than harm, while others aim to steal sensitive information. Here’s a brief overview of the common types of hacks you might encounter:
- Spam Injection: Unauthorised content is added to your site, usually for SEO spam purposes.
- Redirects: Malware is used to redirect visitors to other websites, often those containing malicious content.
- Defacement: This is when a hacker changes the visual appearance of a website, often for shock value or to make a statement.
- Data Theft: Hackers aim to steal information such as customer data or payment details.
While these can sound alarming, the right security measures and regular maintenance can greatly reduce the risk.
Common Hacking Methods
- Brute Force Attacks: Automated software is used to guess login credentials, exploiting weak or common passwords.
- Malware Injection: This involves embedding malicious code within the website, allowing hackers to steal data or redirect visitors to harmful sites.
- SQL Injections: Hackers insert malicious SQL code into forms or URL parameters to gain unauthorised access to the database.
- Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Malicious scripts are injected into web pages, which can then execute when users visit the site.
While these methods can sound intimidating, it’s important to remember that many hacks are opportunistic rather than targeted, exploiting known vulnerabilities in software or plugins.
How Maintenance Reduces Risk
At HdK, we understand the importance of regular website maintenance to minimise security risks. Our support packages include weekly checks for outdated plugins and code versions on client websites. (Plugins are software add-ons that enhance a website’s functionality, allowing for additional features like contact forms, SEO tools, and security enhancements without the need for custom coding.) This proactive approach significantly reduces the likelihood of vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Keeping software up-to-date is one of the most effective ways to guard against attacks. Additionally, we run programmes to monitor for unusual activity and respond swiftly to potential threats, ensuring that any security issues are addressed promptly.
In many ways, it’s just like a home computer or mobile phone. Most of us know to allow regular updates to the software of our personal devices. With websites, the principle is the same but the process is more involved.
Most of the time, with our weekly checks, plugins on our clients’ websites are set to update automatically, ensuring they have the latest security patches and features without requiring any manual intervention. However, there are instances where plugins need to be updated manually. This process involves carefully reviewing the update notes to understand any potential changes that could affect the website’s functionality. Our team then performs the update in a controlled environment, testing it thoroughly to ensure it doesn’t conflict with other elements of the site. This approach helps maintain site stability and security while incorporating the latest improvements.
All the websites we host are backed up regularly along with their databases so that if there is an issue we can quickly restore to a previous uninfected version of the website while we work out how the security of the site was compromised.
Conclusion
Website security is a shared responsibility between developers, maintenance teams, and site owners. At HdK, we offer support packages to keep your site secure using a combination of practices. By staying informed and proactive, you can minimise the risk of hacking and ensure your website remains a safe space for your visitors.
If you have any questions about website security or want to learn more about our support packages, feel free to reach out to our team.