Your website is one of your most valuable business assets. It works around the clock, showcases your brand, collects leads, and often processes sensitive customer information. Unfortunately, hackers don’t just target large corporations; they frequently target small-business websites because these sites often have weaker security.
The good news? Keeping your website secure doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether your website is built with WordPress, Wix, Go High Level, or Squarespace, following a few best practices can significantly reduce your risk.
Why Do Hackers Target Small Business Websites?
Many business owners assume hackers won’t bother with a small website. In reality, automated bots scan thousands of websites every day looking for vulnerabilities.
Hackers may try to:
- Steal customer information
- Send spam emails from your website
- Install malware
- Redirect visitors to malicious websites
- Damage your search engine rankings
- Hold your website hostage with ransomware
A hacked website can lead to lost revenue, damaged trust, and expensive repairs.
Security Tips for Every Website Platform
No matter which platform you use, these security habits apply to everyone.
Use Strong Passwords
Avoid passwords like:
- Password123
- BusinessName2026
- Admin123
Instead:
- Use at least 16 characters
- Mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
- Use a password manager to generate unique passwords
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication requires a second verification step when logging in.
Even if someone steals your password, they still can’t access your account without the verification code.
Keep Your Email Secure
Your website is only as secure as the email account connected to it.
Protect your email by:
- Using a strong password
- Enabling two-factor authentication
- Reviewing account recovery options
Watch for Phishing Emails
Never click suspicious links asking you to:
- Reset passwords
- Verify billing
- Update account information
Always log in directly through the official website instead of clicking email links.
WordPress Security Tips
WordPress powers over 40% of websites worldwide, making it one of the most targeted platforms. Fortunately, it’s also one of the most secure when maintained properly.
Keep Everything Updated
Always update:
- WordPress Core
- Themes
- Plugins
Outdated plugins are one of the biggest causes of hacked websites.
Delete Unused Plugins
Inactive plugins can still contain vulnerabilities.
If you aren’t using it, remove it.
Use Trusted Plugins
Only install plugins from reputable developers with:
- Regular updates
- Positive reviews
- Active support
Install a Security Plugin
Consider tools that provide:
- Firewall protection
- Malware scanning
- Login protection
- File monitoring
Popular choices include:
- Wordfence
- Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
- Sucuri Security
Limit Login Attempts
Hackers often use bots to guess passwords.
Limiting failed login attempts helps stop brute-force attacks.
Schedule Automatic Backups
If your site is hacked, a recent backup can save hours—or days—of recovery work.
Backup:
- Files
- Database
- Media
Store backups in a separate cloud location.
Wix Security Tips
One advantage of Wix is that much of the security is handled automatically.
However, you still have responsibilities.
Enable Two-Step Verification
Turn on two-step login verification for your Wix account.
Review User Permissions
Only give website editing access to people who truly need it.
Remove former employees or contractors immediately.
Use Strong Passwords
Because Wix manages the hosting, your account login becomes your biggest security risk.
Keep Connected Apps to a Minimum
Only install trusted apps from the Wix App Market.
Remove apps you no longer use.
Go High-Level Security Tips
Go High Level stores customer data, forms, automation, conversations, and payment information, making account security extremely important.
Turn On Two-Factor Authentication
This should be enabled for every admin account.
Manage User Roles Carefully
Provide staff with only the permissions they need.
Avoid giving full admin access unless necessary.
Audit Integrations
Review connected apps regularly, including:
- Stripe
- Zapier
- Calendars
Disconnect integrations you no longer use.
Secure API Keys
If you use custom integrations:
- Rotate API keys periodically
- Never email API keys
- Store them securely
Monitor Login Activity
Review account activity regularly for unfamiliar logins.
Squarespace Security Tips
Squarespace manages hosting and many security updates automatically, but account protection still matters.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
This is one of the easiest ways to protect your website.
Use Secure Passwords
Never reuse passwords from other websites.
Review Contributor Permissions
Only give editing access to trusted team members.
Choose the lowest permission level needed.
Remove Old Contributors
Former employees and contractors should lose access immediately.
Keep Domain Contact Information Current
If your domain registration information becomes outdated, recovering ownership can become much more difficult.
Don’t Forget SSL Certificates
Every website should use HTTPS.
An SSL certificate:
- Encrypts visitor information
- Protects login credentials
- Builds customer trust
- Improves SEO
Fortunately:
- WordPress hosting companies usually include SSL.
- Wix includes SSL automatically.
- Squarespace includes SSL automatically.
- Go High Level includes SSL for connected domains.
Always verify that your website displays the padlock icon in the browser.
Monitor Your Website Regularly
Don’t wait until customers tell you something is wrong.
Regularly check:
- Website speed
- Broken pages
- Contact forms
- Security alerts
- Software updates
- Google Search Console notifications
Routine maintenance often catches problems before they become serious.
Security Is an Ongoing Process
Website security isn’t something you set up once and forget.
Hackers constantly develop new tactics, which means your website needs regular updates, monitoring, and maintenance to stay protected.
Whether you’re using WordPress, Wix, Go High Level, or Squarespace, taking a proactive approach to security can help protect your business, your customers, and your reputation.
A few minutes of maintenance each month can save thousands of dollars in recovery costs—and countless hours of stress.
Need Help Keeping Your Website Secure?
Managing updates, backups, security settings, and monitoring can be time-consuming, especially when you’re busy running your business.
At Waterfront Graphic Design, we help business owners keep their websites secure, updated, and performing at their best. Whether your website needs routine maintenance, security improvements, or a complete audit, we’re here to help.
Schedule a consultation today and gain peace of mind knowing your website is protected. https://waterfrontgraphic.com/schedule-a-consultation/