Google reported that hacked websites increased by a staggering 32 per cent in 2016. Although more websites are becoming vulnerable, yours does not have to be one of them.

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Here are some steps that can be taken to reduce the possibility of your website being exploited:

1. Secure password

Use passwords that are difficult to guess. Familiar words, such as months and days of the week, make the work of hackers very easy. Choose longer passwords with combinations of letters, numbers and special characters. Do not use the same password for all your online accounts, and change your password at intervals.

2. Regular updates

Keep websites updated. This is especially important for websites built on content management systems such as WordPress. Ensure that plug-ins and themes are updated, and that you are using the latest WordPress version.

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3. Limited login attempts

Limit login attempts, as this may serve to thwart the actions of those seeking illegal access to your website. This limitation could prove frustrating for such individuals.

4. Malware and firewall software

Install firewall and malware software as soon as possible. Scan for malware at scheduled times and set the software to send an alert when there are changes to website files; in addition, have firewall protection in place to help detect the presence of rogue installs, removing and repairing these as necessary.

5. Limit user access

Limit the number of people who have administrator access to your website. Where you allow access to your account, especially to temporary users, change the password after their work has been completed.

6. Install secure sockets layer (SSL)

Installing an SSL certificate is another way of ensuring you have added security. This is especially important if you accept credit and debit card payments on your website. It enables the encryption of website data and thus makes it difficult for information to be stolen or inappropriately accessed. This step will require some technical knowledge, so you may want to consider seeking the help of a professional web development company in London such as https://www.redsnapper.net to ensure that correct security measures are followed.

7. Backup your website

Always have a recent backup of your website in at least two separate locations – one should be on a separate server to the one on which your website files are located.