Protect Your Online Business: The Importance of Regular Website Security Maintenance

Understanding the Essential Eight:

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has developed the Essential Eight Maturity Model, a set of strategies to help organisations mitigate cyber attacks. These strategies focus on key areas of cybersecurity, providing a practical framework to improve your website’s security.

There are Eight Levels of security and maintenance actions recommended – depending on the size and operations of your particular business and online presence.

Here’s a plain English breakdown of the Essential Eight:

1. Application Whitelisting: Only allow approved programs to run on your systems. This reduces the risk of malicious software being executed.
2. Patch Applications: Regularly update software to fix security vulnerabilities. This prevents hackers from exploiting outdated software.
3. Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings: Disable macros or restrict them to prevent malware from running through office documents.
4. User Application Hardening: Strengthen security settings in your applications to reduce exposure to cyber attacks.
5. Restrict Administrative Privileges: Limit administrative access to only those who need it. This minimizes the damage if an account is compromised.
6. Patch Operating Systems: Regularly update your operating systems to protect against known vulnerabilities.
7. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Use multiple methods to verify a user’s identity. This adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password.
8. Regular Backups: Regularly back up important data to recover quickly in case of an attack.

Why Regular Website Security Maintenance Matters:

1. Enhanced Security: Regular maintenance ensures that your website is protected against the latest threats. By implementing the Essential Eight, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyber attacks.
2. Prevent Data Loss: Regular backups and updates prevent data loss and ensure that your website can quickly recover from any security incidents.
3. Better Google Rankings: Secure websites are favored by search engines. Regular maintenance helps improve your website’s search engine rankings, making it more visible to potential customers.
4. User Trust: A secure website builds trust with your users. They are more likely to engage with your business if they know their information is safe.