Website Security Checklist | Free Interactive Checklist

Protect your website from hackers and data breaches. Cover SSL, backups, access control, and monitoring to keep your site secure.

Basic Security

Essential security measures every website needs.

  • Enable SSL/HTTPS across your entire site Tip: We.Inc includes free SSL certificates on all plans
  • Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts (12+ characters)
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on admin accounts
  • Keep all software, plugins, and themes updated
  • Set up automatic backups (daily or weekly)
  • Remove unused plugins, themes, and admin accounts

Access Control

Control who can access your website backend.

  • Use role-based access control (admin, editor, viewer)
  • Limit admin access to only those who need it
  • Change default admin URLs and usernames
  • Set up login attempt limits to prevent brute force
  • Revoke access immediately when team members leave

Data Protection

Protect user data and maintain compliance.

  • Encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit
  • Implement GDPR/CCPA compliance measures
  • Add cookie consent banner
  • Publish a clear privacy policy
  • Secure all forms with CAPTCHA or honeypot fields
  • Never store passwords in plain text

Monitoring & Response

Set up monitoring and incident response plans.

  • Set up uptime monitoring Tip: Get alerts when your site goes down
  • Monitor for malware and suspicious activity
  • Set up email alerts for unauthorized login attempts
  • Create an incident response plan
  • Test backup restoration process quarterly

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my website has been hacked?

Signs include: unexpected redirects, new pages you didn't create, slow loading, Google warnings, unknown admin accounts, and spam content. Regular monitoring and security scans help catch issues early.

Do I need SSL on my website?

Yes, absolutely. SSL (HTTPS) encrypts data, protects user privacy, is required by Google for rankings, and builds trust with visitors. Most platforms including We.Inc include free SSL.

How often should I back up my website?

Back up at least weekly for most websites. E-commerce sites or sites with frequent updates should back up daily. Always test that backups can be restored successfully.

Keep the momentum going.

Product

Who It's For

Features

Resources

Company

View Sitemap