Website security: 8 tips against hackers
A hacked website is a nightmare. You lose not only data, but also the trust of your visitors and possibly your position in Google. The good news: with the right measures you can drastically reduce the risk. Here are eight practical tips to secure your website.
Why are websites hacked?
Before we look at the solutions, it is good to understand why hackers attack websites. Most hacks are not personal, they are automated. Bots continuously scan the internet looking for vulnerabilities.
The most common reasons for hacks are:
- Outdated software with known security holes
- Weak passwords that are easy to guess
- Insecure plugins or themes
- No SSL certificate
- Poor server security
1. Use strong, unique passwords
It sounds obvious, but weak passwords are still the number one cause of hacks. A strong password has at least 12 characters and contains a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.
Use a unique password for every login. If you use the same password everywhere and one site gets hacked, attackers have access to all your accounts.
A password manager such as Bitwarden or 1Password helps you generate strong, unique passwords and store them safely. You then only have to remember the master password.
2. Keep everything up to date
Software updates often contain security patches for recently discovered vulnerabilities. By postponing updates, you leave the front door open for hackers who know these vulnerabilities.
This applies to:
- Your CMS (WordPress, Joomla, etc.)
- All installed plugins and extensions
- Your theme
- PHP version on your server
Enable automatic updates where possible. Always make a backup first before performing major updates.
3. Install an SSL certificate
An SSL certificate encrypts the communication between your website and visitors. This is essential for sites where users enter data, but it is actually important for every website.
Without SSL, hackers on the same network (for example public wifi) can intercept passwords and other sensitive data. In addition, browsers mark sites without SSL as insecure and Google ranks them lower.
With most hosting providers, including Theory7, you can activate a free Let's Encrypt SSL certificate with one click.
4. Make regular backups
Backups are your safety net. If your site gets hacked or something goes wrong during an update, you can always go back to a working version.
A good backup strategy:
- Make daily automatic backups
- Store backups in an external location (not just on the same server)
- Regularly test whether your backups can actually be restored
- Keep multiple versions (not just the latest)
5. Limit login attempts
Brute force attacks automatically try thousands of password combinations. By limiting the number of login attempts, you make these attacks impossible.
After, for example, five failed attempts, the IP address is temporarily blocked. In WordPress you can set this up with plugins such as Limit Login Attempts Reloaded or Wordfence.
6. Use two-factor authentication (2FA)
With two-factor authentication you need, in addition to your password, a code that your phone generates. Even if someone knows your password, they cannot log in without access to your phone.
Use an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator, Authy or Microsoft Authenticator. Avoid SMS verification where possible, because it is more vulnerable to interception.
7. Remove unused plugins and themes
Every plugin and every theme is a potential entry point for hackers. The more code running on your site, the larger the attack surface.
Go through your plugins and themes:
- Remove everything you do not actively use
- Deactivating is not enough, remove it completely
- Check whether plugins are still maintained (last update)
- Choose plugins with many installations and good reviews
8. Choose reliable hosting
Your hosting provider is the first line of defense. A good host has:
- Server-side firewalls and malware scanning
- Regular software updates
- DDoS protection
- Daily backups
- 24/7 monitoring
Cheap hosting saves on security. The price difference rarely outweighs the cost and stress of a hacked website.
What to do in case of a hack?
Has your site been hacked anyway? Do not panic. Take these steps:
- Take your site offline to prevent further damage
- Change all passwords (hosting, CMS, FTP, database)
- Restore a clean backup from before the hack
- Update all software to the latest version
- Scan for malware and remove suspicious files
- Check user accounts for unknown additions
- Ask Google for reindexing if your site was marked as insecure
Security in practice
In addition to the basic tips, there are specific measures for different situations:
Securing WordPress
- Change the default login URL (/wp-admin) with a plugin such as WPS Hide Login
- Limit login attempts with Limit Login Attempts
- Install a security plugin such as Wordfence or Sucuri
- Disable XML-RPC if you do not use it
- Remove unused plugins and themes
Securing a web shop
Web shops are extra attractive to hackers because of customer data and payment information:
- Use PCI-compliant payment gateways (Mollie, Stripe)
- Do not store credit card data
- Encrypt customer data in the database
- Implement strong access control for administrator accounts
What to do in case of a hack?
- Take your website offline: prevent further damage
- Change all passwords: hosting, FTP, database, CMS
- Scan for malware: with tools or via your provider
- Restore a clean backup: from before the hack
- Update everything: CMS, plugins, themes
- Analyze how the hack happened: prevent a recurrence
After a hack it is wise to bring in a professional if you cannot find the cause. Otherwise you run the risk of being hacked again.
Security tools
- Sucuri SiteCheck: free malware scan
- SSL Labs: test your SSL configuration
- Security Headers: check your HTTP headers
- Google Search Console: warnings about security problems
Hosting and security
Good hosting offers built-in security:
- Firewall against common attacks
- DDoS protection
- Automatic malware scans
- Regular backups
Cheap hosting often cuts corners on security. If your website is crucial, invest in quality hosting with good security measures.
Website security is not a one-time action but an ongoing process. The threats evolve constantly and your defense must grow along with them. Fortunately, security does not have to be complicated: keep software up to date, use strong passwords, make backups and choose reliable hosting. With this foundation you are protected against the most common attacks. If your site does get hacked, act quickly: isolate, restore, and learn from the incident to prevent a recurrence.
Website security is a continuous process, not a one-time action. Hackers keep finding new vulnerabilities and attack methods. Stay alert, keep everything up to date and take security seriously. The investment in time and resources for good security far outweighs the cost of a hacked website, both financially and in terms of reputation damage with your customers.
Security requires continuous attention. Stay vigilant, update regularly and take responsibility for the data of your visitors.
Security is not a one-time action but an ongoing process. Stay alert and update your systems consistently.
Take your website security seriously from day one.
At Theory7 we are happy to help you if your site has been hacked. Contact our support and we will look at a solution together.
Website security: comparison of security measures
Not all security measures are equally effective. Below is an overview to help you prioritize your website security strategy.
| Measure | Protects against | Difficulty | Impact | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSL certificate | Man-in-the-middle attacks | Easy | High | Free (Let’s Encrypt) |
| Strong passwords | Brute force attacks | Easy | High | Free |
| 2FA/MFA | Account takeover | Easy | Very high | Free |
| WAF (Web Application Firewall) | SQL injection, XSS, DDoS | Medium | Very high | Free to paid |
| Regular updates | Known vulnerabilities | Easy | High | Free |
| Backups | Data loss during a hack | Easy | Critical | Free to paid |
| Security headers | XSS, clickjacking | Advanced | Medium | Free |
How do you set up website security: security headers?
An often forgotten aspect of website security is setting up security headers. These HTTP headers instruct the browser how to handle your content:
- Content-Security-Policy (CSP): determines which sources the browser may load, protects against XSS attacks
- X-Frame-Options: prevents your site from being loaded in an iframe (clickjacking protection)
- X-Content-Type-Options: prevents MIME-type sniffing
- Strict-Transport-Security (HSTS): enforces HTTPS connections
- Referrer-Policy: determines which referrer information is sent along
- Permissions-Policy: manages which browser API’s your site may use
An SSL certificate is the first step, but security headers add an extra layer of protection. With Theory7 web hosting the most important security headers are enabled by default.
Frequently asked questions about website security
How do I know if my website has been hacked?
Signs are: unknown files or code in your website, unexplained redirects, warnings from Google in Search Console, a sudden drop in traffic, spam links in your content, or complaints from visitors about malware warnings.
Is an SSL certificate enough to secure my website?
No, SSL only encrypts the connection between visitor and server. You also need strong passwords, updates, backups and preferably a WAF for complete protection.
How often should I check my website security?
Run a security scan monthly. Check weekly for available updates for your CMS, plugins and themes. Automate where possible with tools such as Wordfence or Sucuri.
Website security: monitoring and maintenance
Website security is not a one-time action but an ongoing process. Set up a maintenance schedule:
- Daily: run an automatic backup, check monitoring alerts
- Weekly: update CMS, plugins and themes, review login attempts
- Monthly: run a security scan, remove unused accounts and plugins
- Quarterly: rotate passwords, check SSL certificate status, review security policy
Use tools such as Google Search Console to be warned about security problems. Install Wordfence or Sucuri for real-time protection of your WordPress site. With Theory7 web hosting we monitor servers 24/7 for suspicious activity, and a good SSL certificate is included by default.
Action plan in case of a hack
If your website does get hacked, follow this step-by-step plan to limit the damage:
- Put your website in maintenance mode to prevent further damage
- Change all passwords (hosting, FTP, database, CMS admin)
- Restore a clean backup from before the hack
- Update all software to the latest version
- Scan for malware and remove suspicious files
- Submit a reconsideration request to Google if your site was marked as insecure
Website security: advanced techniques
In addition to the basic security measures, there are advanced techniques to take your website security strategy to a higher level. These techniques are especially important for websites that process sensitive data.
Implementing a Content Security Policy
A Content Security Policy (CSP) tells the browser which sources may be loaded on your website. This protects against Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks by specifying which domains scripts, stylesheets and images may be loaded from. Implement a CSP by adding an HTTP header to your server configuration. Start with a report mode to see which sources are blocked, and tighten the policy gradually until only trusted sources are allowed.
Setting up HTTP security headers
In addition to CSP, there are various other security headers that protect your website against common attacks. The most important are X-Content-Type-Options (prevents MIME-type sniffing), X-Frame-Options (protects against clickjacking), Strict-Transport-Security (forces HTTPS) and Referrer-Policy (limits the sharing of referrer information). You add these headers through your .htaccess file or server configuration. Test your headers with SecurityHeaders.com to see how your website scores.
Overview of security headers
| Header | Protects against | Priority | Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content-Security-Policy | XSS, data injection | High | Complex |
| Strict-Transport-Security | Downgrade attacks | High | Simple |
| X-Frame-Options | Clickjacking | Medium | Simple |
| X-Content-Type-Options | MIME sniffing | Medium | Simple |
| Referrer-Policy | Information leaks | Low | Simple |
| Permissions-Policy | API abuse | Low | Medium |
Website security: monitoring and incident response
An effective website security strategy also includes detecting attacks and responding quickly to incidents when they occur.
Setting up real-time monitoring
Install a security monitoring system that detects suspicious activity in real time. This includes monitoring login attempts, file changes, database queries and network traffic. Tools such as Wordfence for WordPress or OSSEC as a server-side solution offer real-time warnings about suspicious activity. Set up notifications via email or push messages so that you can respond immediately to possible threats.
Drawing up an incident response plan
Prepare for the worst by drawing up an incident response plan before you need it. This plan describes who does what during a security incident. The first step is isolating the affected website to prevent further damage. The second step is analyzing the attack vector. The third step is restoring from a clean backup. The fourth step is closing the security hole. The fifth step is informing those involved if personal data has been leaked in accordance with the GDPR notification obligation.
Regular security audits
Schedule a security audit of your website at least every quarter. Check whether all software is up to date, whether there are known vulnerabilities in your plugins or theme, whether access rights are set correctly and whether your backups are working and usable. Use online scanners such as Sucuri SiteCheck or Mozilla Observatory for a quick external scan. Document the findings and resolve any issues immediately.
Do you also want to protect your website with an SSL certificate? Then read our article on everything about SSL certificates for detailed information.
Website security: checklists per website type
The best approach to securing your website depends on the type of website you manage. Below you will find specific security checklists per type.
WordPress security checklist
- Update the WordPress core, theme and all plugins to the latest version
- Change the default admin username to something unique
- Enable two-factor authentication for all administrators
- Disable XML-RPC if you do not use it for remote publishing
- Limit the maximum number of login attempts with a security plugin
- Set file and folder permissions correctly (files 644, folders 755)
- Enable automatic updates for minor releases and security patches
- Regularly run a security scan with Wordfence or Sucuri
Web shop security checklist
- Ensure PCI DSS compliance for credit card processing
- Consider an Extended Validation SSL certificate for extra trust
- Never store payment data locally but via an external payment processor
- Protect customer accounts with strong password requirements and brute-force protection
- Regularly perform penetration tests on the ordering process
- Keep transaction logs and monitor them for suspicious patterns
Also take a look at our article on setting up Cloudflare for an extra layer of security through the network.
Website security: future threats and trends
The world of cybersecurity evolves continuously. To secure your website you must not only know the current threats but also be prepared for future developments.
Emerging threats in 2026
AI-driven attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and harder to detect. Deepfake technology is being used for targeted phishing attacks that are ever more convincing. Supply chain attacks target popular plugins and libraries used by millions of websites. Zero-day vulnerabilities are discovered and exploited faster than ever before. Stay informed about the latest security trends by following specialized blogs and newsletters.
Proactive security measures
Invest in a multi-layered security approach that does not depend on a single measure. Combine network security through a WAF and CDN, server security through regular updates and hardening, application security through secure coding and input validation, and user security through strong authentication and awareness training. Test your security regularly with automated scans and consider an annual professional penetration test to expose weak points that automated tools miss.
Website security: frequently asked questions answered
Website security raises questions for many website owners. A frequently asked question is how often you should install security updates. The answer is as soon as possible, preferably within twenty-four hours of release. Critical security updates should be installed immediately. Another frequently asked question is about using multiple security plugins. It is better to use one good all-in-one security solution than multiple plugins that can work against each other and slow down your website.
Security incident response plan
Every business with a website should have an incident response plan. This plan describes the steps you take when your website is hacked or a data breach occurs. Document who is responsible for which actions, how you inform customers and which technical steps are needed to limit the damage and restore the website. Practice this plan regularly so that everyone knows what to do in an emergency. A fast and organized response minimizes the damage and restores the trust of your visitors.
Continuously improving your security
Securing your website is an ongoing process that requires constant attention. Perform a security audit quarterly in which you check all plugins, themes and configurations for vulnerabilities. Subscribe to security newsletters and follow relevant sources to stay informed about new threats and best practices. By treating security as a continuous process instead of a one-time task, you effectively protect your website against the ever-changing threats on the internet.
Do not forget to also include physical security in your strategy. Make sure that only authorized employees have access to the systems on which your website runs and use two-factor authentication for all management accounts without exception.
Sources and references
- Let's Encrypt, free SSL certificates (letsencrypt.org)
- Cloudflare, Learning Center (cloudflare.com/learning)
- Mozilla Developer Network, MDN Web Docs (developer.mozilla.org)
- Wordfence, WordPress Security Report (wordfence.com)
- Sucuri, Website Security Research (sucuri.net)
- SSL Labs, SSL Server Test by Qualys (ssllabs.com)
- Dutch Data Protection Authority, GDPR information (autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl)
