Effective Ways to Protect Your Website from Being Hacked

Attacks on websites have increased sharply in 2024. With over 30,000 websites compromised each day, the risks are plain to see. Data from early 2024 shows a 30 percent rise in cyberattacks from the previous year, with more attacks than seen at any time in the last two years. Attacks cost money, time, and trust, so knowing how to keep a site safe is more important than ever. 

Start with Strong Passwords and Limited Access

A surprising number of breaches start with weak or reused passwords. Each account linked to your website needs its own strong password. Use combinations of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid easy patterns related to your site or personal details. Password managers can help set complex passwords and avoid reuse. 

Limit admin accounts to only trusted users who need site access. Remove inactive accounts to cut risk. Check user roles to make sure no one has permission they do not need. 

Keep Your Software Up to Date

Attackers often take advantage of outdated site software. Updates fix known weaknesses. This covers not only the main platform like WordPress but also plugins, themes, and server software. Each piece of software is a possible way in for attackers if you miss an update. Turn on automatic updates when possible, or set a schedule to check for them every week. 

Careful with Plugins and Third-Party Tools

Plugins add features, but each one can bring its own risk. Select plugins from trusted sources that show good reviews and regular updates. Remove anything not used. Old or unpatched plugins can be an easy way in for hackers. Check each tool’s permissions to prevent more access than necessary. 

Hosting Choices Matter More Than You Think

Your web hosting setup can play a big part in how safe your website is. Shared hosting, for instance, means your site may sit alongside others, which can increase risk if one site gets hacked. Choosing options that keep resources separate, like reliable VPS hosting, gives you more control over security settings and access. 

Other things to check include how often your host updates server software, uses firewalls, and monitors for threats. Some providers also offer dedicated server choices, which put you in complete control, but expect a bit more work from your end. Picking carefully here can help keep your site protected. 

Stay Alert to DDoS and Bot Attacks

The cost for criminals to rent a DDoS attack has dropped to as low as $5 per hour. With such low barriers, attacks are rising fast. There were 41 percent more DDoS attacks in 2024, and botnet attacks using systems like Gorilla have caused over 300,000 incidents. Most sites will face bots at some stage, but stronger ones hit e-commerce and healthcare sites hardest. 

Use security tools that spot and filter fake traffic. Content Delivery Networks can block large waves of fake requests before they touch your server. Some hosts offer free protection, so check your hosting plan for built-in tools. 

Lock Down APIs and Admin Ports

APIs make websites work smoothly, but attackers often scan them for weak points. In 2024, bot attacks on APIs rose 39 percent. Restrict API access with authentication keys, IP filtering, and rate limiting. Review the data your API exposes and only allow what is needed. Secure web admin areas with strong passwords and limited IP access. 

Watch for DNS Attacks

Each year, companies face more DNS-based attacks causing outages and trouble. These attacks target the link between web addresses and your site’s true location. Use a DNS provider with good protection features, like rate limiting and filtering. Turn on DNSSEC if your provider allows it, so fake records are harder to inject. 

Set Automated Backups

Backups will not stop an attack, but they help you recover. Automate backups so your site and database copies run on schedule, daily or weekly. Store some copies offsite. Test restoration steps before you need them. 

Monitor and Log Activity

Check logs for logins, changes, and errors. Look for patterns of failed logins, new user accounts, or unexpected file changes. Many security plugins or web hosts offer alerts if suspicious activity happens. This gives you a chance to act quickly. 

The Human Factor

A big chunk of hacks start with tricking people, not breaking code. Reported cybercrime losses by Americans hit $12.3 billion in 2023. Train site users and staff not to open suspicious emails, click links, or download unknown files. Use two-step verification for accounts whenever possible. 

The Price of Not Acting

The cost of a data breach hit $4.88 million on average in 2024. By 2025, worldwide losses from cybercrime are set to reach $10 trillion a year. These numbers will keep growing as attacks get cheaper to launch. Retail sites, in particular, are at risk; bot-driven attacks there rose 60 percent this year, often leading to lost funds and customer trust issues. 

Recap: Keep It Simple, Stay Vigilant

Protecting a website comes down to regular care, smart tools, and limits on what attackers can reach. Use strong passwords, update everything, remove unused tools, and set regular backups. Pick a host with good safety records. Stay watchful for both common and new types of attacks, keeping an eye on all the moving parts. No website is too small to escape attention from attackers, so put the basics in place before trouble starts.