Printable Website Security Checklist

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Introduction

Ensuring the security of your website is crucial to protect sensitive information, maintain user trust, and safeguard against cyber threats. This checklist serves as a guide to help you systematically assess and enhance your website's security measures.

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Website Software and Platform

• Ensure all CMS, plugins, and themes are up to date.

• Remove unused themes and plugins.

• Regularly check for security patches and updates.

User Accounts and Access Control

• Implement strong password policies (length, complexity).

• Use two-factor authentication (2FA) for all user accounts.

• Limit user access based on roles and responsibilities.

• Regularly review user accounts and permissions.

Data Protection

• Use HTTPS to secure data in transit (SSL/TLS certificate).

• Regularly back up website data (automated and manual backups).

• Encrypt sensitive data stored on the server.

• Implement secure file upload practices (file type restrictions, size limits).

Server and Hosting Security

• Keep the server software up to date (OS, server applications).

• Configure firewalls to protect against unauthorized access.

• Disable unused services and ports on the server.

• Regularly monitor server logs for suspicious activity.

Application Security

• Validate and sanitize user inputs to prevent SQL injection and XSS.

• Use prepared statements for database queries.

• Implement security headers (Content Security Policy, X-Content-Type-Options).

• Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter and monitor HTTP traffic.

Monitoring and Response

• Set up security monitoring tools (intrusion detection, vulnerability scanning).

• Regularly conduct security audits and penetration testing.

• Create an incident response plan for security breaches.

• Educate staff about security awareness and protocols.

Malware and Threat Protection

• Use anti-malware software to scan for vulnerabilities.

• Implement a Content Delivery Network (CDN) with DDoS protection.

• Regularly check for malicious code and links on the website.

• Enable security alerts for changes in website files or configurations.

Compliance and Legal Considerations

• Ensure compliance with GDPR, CCPA, or other relevant regulations.

• Update privacy policies and terms of service as necessary.

• Implement cookie consent banners if required.

Regular Reviews and Updates

• Schedule regular reviews of your security posture.

• Stay informed about the latest security threats and trends.

• Adjust security measures based on new vulnerabilities and exploits.

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