Website Security: Protecting Your Business Online
Security Is a Business Priority
Cyberattacks cost businesses an average of $4.45 million per breach. For small businesses, a single security incident can be devastating. Website security isn't just a technical concern — it's a fundamental business requirement.
Common Attack Vectors
Understanding how attacks happen is the first step to preventing them. The most common vectors include SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), credential stuffing, and supply chain attacks through third-party dependencies.
SQL Injection Prevention
Never construct SQL queries with user input directly. Use parameterised queries, ORMs, and prepared statements. Modern frameworks like those using Supabase handle this automatically, but custom queries remain a risk.
XSS Protection
Sanitise all user input before rendering. Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to prevent inline script execution. Use frameworks that auto-escape output, like React's JSX.
Authentication Best Practices
Implement multi-factor authentication, enforce strong password policies, use secure session management, and consider passwordless authentication options. Never store passwords in plain text — use bcrypt or Argon2 hashing.
HTTPS and SSL Certificates
HTTPS is the bare minimum. Ensure your SSL certificate covers all subdomains, implement HSTS headers, and regularly check for certificate expiry. Google considers HTTPS a ranking signal, making it doubly important.
Regular Updates and Monitoring
Keep all dependencies updated, monitor for vulnerabilities with automated scanning tools, and implement intrusion detection systems. Security is not a one-time setup — it's an ongoing process.
Building Trust
Display security badges, publish a clear privacy policy, implement GDPR compliance, and be transparent about data handling. Trust is your most valuable asset online — protect it with robust security practices.