A common misconception is that a site doesn’t need serious security if it’s not an e-commerce site. This is false. All sites need security — and the consequences of a breach range from embarrassing to legally and financially serious.
A comprehensive security setup should include:
- SSL certificate (HTTPS) — this is a baseline requirement; Google flags non-HTTPS sites as “not secure”
- Firewall and malware prevention — tools like Wordfence provide active protection
- Regular security scans — both plugin-based and through your hosting provider
- Login security — two-factor authentication for admin access, strong password requirements, limiting login attempts
- Regular backups — with off-site storage and a clear restoration process
- Privacy compliance — if you serve California residents, your site must comply with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). This includes a cookie consent mechanism, a Privacy Policy, and in some cases a “Do Not Sell My Information” option. Similar requirements apply under GDPR for European visitors. Ask your designer whether privacy compliance is included in the build — and don’t assume it is.
