Is website security a major design consideration?

Whilst the aesthetic of a website is hugely important for branding purposes and user experience, security should also be a priority for protecting both your business and your customers.

If you’re getting a new website built from scratch by a trusted web developer, cyber security will likely be considered and incorporated as a given. However, if you are creating your website yourself using web development platforms or you have a very old website, there are a number of things you’ll need to consider.

It’s much easier to implement security measures in line with design when building a brand new website as the two can work hand in hand. Whilst still doable, it can be more complex doing this post build or with an existing website without affecting design features.

Reasons to have a secure website

Having a secure website protects your business, your reputation and your customers’ information. In today’s digital world, your website going down for even a day could significantly affect business.

If your customers are required to enter any personal information into your website, they need to trust that it will be handled delicately and securely. Cyber attacks and data leaks can significantly affect your credibility as a business and the trust potential customers have in you if your website is compromised.

Website security can also impact SEO. Google considers on-page experience as a ranking factor. A lack of an SSL certificate or a broken link could flag to Google that your site is not secure which could either deter users when they land on it or affect your ranking and visibility online.

Security factors to consider during a website design and build

There are many steps to ensuring your website is secure. Consulting a professional or doing your own research is essential to prevent running into issues later down the line.

Here at Zinc, we have an excellent team of experienced designers and web developers that work collaboratively to ensure every box is ticked from both a visual and security perspective.

These are some of the key elements you need to look out for and implement when building a secure website.

Install an SSL certificate & use https

Obtaining an SSL certificate and installing it on your server will allow your website to sit on a https URL which shows users and search engines that your website is secure.

Set up two-factor authentication

This adds an extra layer of protection to your site and reduces the chance of unknown log-ins and hackers.

Backup your site

If anything goes wrong and in the worst case scenario, you lose any of your website content, having your site backed up will help you get it back up and running as soon as possible.

Use a firewall

This will filter out spam and protect your site from cyber attacks as it monitors traffic coming in and out. You could also install antivirus software to remove malware and prevent viruses.

How to maintain website security

It’s all well and good securing your website in the design and build process, but you also need to monitor and update this going forward. As technology develops and hackers get more sophisticated, adjustments to your website will likely be required to ensure it remains secure.

There are various testing and scanning tools that you can use pre and post launch, and as a regular practice long term. These tools will scan your website and flag anything that’s missing or that may affect your website security.

It’s also wise to have alerts or reminders set up for when certificates or plug-ins expire and may require updating. This will ensure you keep on top of your website admin and don’t leave your site vulnerable to hackers at any point.

Website security is without a doubt an important factor to consider when designing and building a new website. Staying informed and seeking professional help when needed will protect your business and your customers.