Website security is crucial for protecting your business, customers, and data from cyber threats. A complete website security audit helps identify vulnerabilities, improve defenses, and ensure compliance with security best practices. This step-by-step guide walks you through a detailed website security audit process.

1. Backup Your Website

Before starting any audit, ensure you have a full backup of your website. This prevents data loss in case any issues arise during the audit process.

• Use your web hosting provider’s backup service or a plugin like UpdraftPlus for WordPress.
• Ensure both files and databases are backed up and stored in a secure location.
• Download a copy of your backup to an external drive or cloud storage.
• Verify that your backup can be restored successfully by performing a test restoration.
• Schedule regular backups to automate the process and reduce risks.

2. Update Software and Plugins

Outdated software is a common security risk. Hackers exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated CMS versions, plugins, and themes.

• Ensure your content management system (CMS) is running the latest version.
• Update all plugins, themes, and third-party software.
• Check for deprecated plugins or themes and replace them with secure alternatives.
• Enable automatic updates if supported by your CMS to keep software up to date.
• Remove unused plugins and themes to reduce security risks. Read more in our Best Practices for Updating WordPress and Plugins guide.

3. Scan for Malware and Vulnerabilities

Perform a deep scan to detect malware, security vulnerabilities, and potential threats.

• Use tools like Sucuri, Wordfence, or MalCare for a full malware scan.
• Check for unauthorized file modifications or suspicious code in core files.
• Review server logs for unusual activity that might indicate a breach.
• Inspect your website for hidden iframes, malicious redirects, or injected scripts.
• Take immediate action if any malware or threats are detected.

4. Review User Accounts and Permissions

Unauthorized access is a major security concern. Regularly review user accounts to ensure only authorized personnel have access.

• Audit all user accounts and remove inactive or suspicious accounts.
• Ensure users follow the principle of least privilege (PoLP) – grant access only when necessary.
• Enforce strong passwords with a password policy and two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Monitor login attempts for brute force attacks and restrict failed login attempts.
• Update user roles and permissions to align with current security policies.

5. Secure Your Website with HTTPS

An SSL certificate encrypts data between your website and users, preventing data interception.

• Check if your website is using HTTPS and an active SSL certificate.
• Use tools like SSL Labs to verify the strength of your SSL encryption.
• Redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS using a 301 redirect.
• Update internal links and scripts to use HTTPS instead of HTTP.
• Monitor SSL certificate expiry dates and renew them on time.

6. Check File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can expose sensitive files to hackers.

• Ensure directory permissions are set to 755 and file permissions to 644.
• Restrict access to critical files like wp-config.php and .htaccess.
• Disable file editing within the CMS by adding define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true); to the config file.
• Use a security plugin to monitor unauthorized file modifications.
• Regularly audit file and folder permissions to minimize security risks.

7. Protect Against Brute Force Attacks

Brute force attacks attempt to guess login credentials through repeated attempts.

• Limit login attempts to block repeated failed logins.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all admin accounts.
• Change default login URLs (e.g., for WordPress, rename /wp-admin).
• Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
• Monitor and block suspicious IPs using security plugins or server settings.

8. Secure Your Database

Database vulnerabilities can expose sensitive user data and credentials.

• Change default database prefixes to prevent SQL injection attacks.
• Restrict database user privileges to only necessary functions.
• Enable regular database backups and store them securely.
• Use a firewall to block unauthorized database access.
• Encrypt sensitive data stored in the database.

9. Set Up Security Monitoring

Continuous monitoring helps detect threats early and prevent attacks.

• Use security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri for real-time monitoring.
• Enable email alerts for security threats and login attempts.
• Monitor server logs and traffic for unusual activity.
• Check for unauthorized changes to website files.
• Schedule periodic security audits to keep your site secure.

Conclusion

Conducting a comprehensive website security audit is essential for protecting your business from cyber threats. Regular audits help identify vulnerabilities, strengthen defenses, and maintain trust with users. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure your website remains secure.

Need professional assistance? Contact WebCareSG for expert security services.