Comparing Website Security Software

Website Security Software Definition: What is a Website Security Tool?

Website security, as a sub-area of cyber security, includes all strategies and measures that allow website operators (companies) to protect their online pages and ultimately their users from harmful attacks by third parties.

While websites are usually protected fundamentally by the server or the webspace provider - and the providers of content management systems or e-commerce software also arm their products against common dangers. This is usually enough to fend off attacks by hackers or bots.

With the help of website security software, companies can implement extended defenses for a variety of threats on their web presence. Such programs use various technologies to ensure that only authorized users can access critical website infrastructure and sensitive information.

The focus is on additional encryption, specific authentication, firewalls, and malware scans. The market offers both specialized solutions, such as web application firewalls (WAFs), anti-virus software, intrusion detection systems (IDS) and two-factor authentication access programs, as well as comprehensive suites of tools.

Why should companies use website security software?

The digital landscape is constantly evolving. In the business environment, more and more - sometimes very sensitive - business processes are being processed via the web. Procedures that, a few years ago, were more of a curiosity, such as B2B purchases or complete online contracts for insurance, loans, etc., have become largely established. The rule is: The more diverse the options and usable devices, the more targets there are for cyber criminals.

The website as a door

Although many modern web applications are based on specific systems, which are usually adequately secured against attacks in highly critical business areas, the company's website often forms the foundation on which the various features are based or which users reach these and from which those responsible organize them. It is, therefore, a central door for hackers or bots to access the entire critical infrastructure that comes together there. This includes all possible web applications, essential business processes, and sensitive data over and over again.

The server-side security (the host) and the security of the CMS or shop system and app provider are often specifically bypassed by criminals. They primarily focus on the elements set up by companies, as these usually offer the most significant weaknesses.

Once the threshold of the "website door" has been crossed, the attackers can benefit in many ways from the now possible access. Just one attack can quickly cost companies a lot of money or even drive them to ruin. Reasons for this include a hacker-related loss of entire web applications and their reconstruction, the theft of personal data, and possibly massive GDPR penalties or extortionate demands for the release of passwords to locked pages.

Typical attack points

The strategies listed below are indeed not uncommon - they occur millions of times every day:

• Malicious code, which is extremely difficult to identify, can be injected into websites, infecting visitors or their devices with malware.

• Critical pages are disfigured, unnoticed, hidden, or stocked with links to harmful, illegal websites.

• Hackers delete entire content, such as well-ranking blog posts or even applications, and lock recovery attempts.

• Sensitive, personal data such as login information or credit card details are stolen and turned into money.

• Attacks spread to other websites or critical business software hosted on the same server via specific loopholes.

• Usernames and passwords are changed - there is only access to the backend again after the release of a ransom.

Nevertheless, very few companies still take care of adequately protecting their website.

Common misconceptions of website operators

Many people in charge believe that their online presence is not important enough for hackers or bots to tackle. This is clearly a misconception: criminals see potentials in almost any online presence. They don't even have to go to work personally to do this. The vast majority of attacks are carried out using automated bots. These specifically search for vulnerabilities and launch attacks without human intervention. The larger the company and the more business processes run via the website, the more relevant good protection becomes.

Also, companies often fear horrendous costs when it comes to comprehensive website security. This also usually does not turn out to be true. In any case, the efforts outweigh the possible losses in a successful hack.

A Website Security Software Provides a Solution

With the help of appropriately equipped website security software, those responsible can massively reduce most risks emanating from cyber attacks. The tools ideally complement the danger points covered by the web hosting providers or providers of specific CMS, web applications, etc. Many effective security approaches are even already manageable with very affordable or even free software.

Branding and SEO must also be considered

In addition to all these monetarily and sometimes severely criminally relevant dangers, two possible additional influences should not be neglected when it comes to recognizing the relevance of website security software:

1. The branding can suffer extremely from insufficient security precautions or profit from it.

2. Extensive SEO measures are quickly negated by a lack of website security or on the contrary, significantly boosted.

For example, a more considerable successful attack on a website or online store, in which maybe even users or customers and their data were affected, damages the reputation of the entire brand behind it in the long run. If Google (in the worst case) detects malware on a webpage, it will probably be quickly blocked and possibly even thrown out of the index. Even minor security deficiencies lead relatively quickly at least to a loss of ranking.

On the other hand, extensive website security measures, ideally evidenced by official seals on the web presence, can convince even more potential customers of a purchase or cooperation with the respective brand. For Google, well-secured pages are also a very positive signal, which usually contributes significantly to a top ranking.

How does a Website Security Program Work?

As with any software, the functionality of a security program for websites is primarily determined by the features it comes with.

In addition to solutions for individual areas of website security, there are comprehensive tool collections. The latter usually include parts or all of the following components.

• Firewalls: Firewalls are essential for the security of a website. They reliably protect against external threats such as hackers, viruses, and malware. Firewalls can be configured to block certain types of traffic or IP addresses based on a set of rules.

• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Intrusion detection systems monitor websites for suspicious activities and if necessary, alert administrators in real time. IDS help, among other things, in detecting malicious code that may have been installed on the system.

• Anti-virus/Malware Protection: Anti-virus and malware tools are an important part of website security software. They prevent malicious code or harmful programs from infecting computers and website servers. These tools scan files for known damaging patterns and alert those responsible when something suspicious is detected.

• Data Encryption: Data encryption contributes to the protection of sensitive information stored in databases or transmitted over networks. It starts before the information in question leaves a server or computer. This makes it almost impossible for hackers to read confidential facts.

• Content Filtering: With content filtering tools, administrators can control which websites users can access from their pages. This prevents visitors to your web presence from reaching malicious websites.

• Login Protection: Website security software often includes features that can further secure access to the backend. This can be a temporary access lock after three incorrect login attempts, for example.

• Backup and Restore: Website security software often offers specific backup and restore services. With these, administrators can quickly recover lost data. This is a good addition to server-side backups, offered by many web hosts. This way, essential customer data, content, and other resources are not lost.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Website Security Tools?

The greatest advantages of website security software are, of course, that it enables a comprehensive and generally affordable protection of an online presence. In addition to drastically reducing massive threats, companies ideally benefit on a branding and SEO level. Which central benefits in detail are associated with this is summarized below.

• Protects Sensitive Data: Website security software helps very effectively to protect sensitive data on a website or in corresponding databases, which are particularly often the target of hacks, from unauthorized access. It encrypts the information so that only authorized persons or applications can read and process it. This ensures that confidential customer information such as credit card numbers or other financial data does not fall into the wrong hands.

• Prevents Malware: Website security programs prevent malicious code and malware from being installed or executed on web pages. These include harmful scripts, viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, and other potentially destructive software. The security tools help in the detection of known threats and warn the administrators about suspicious activities before these can harm the website or the data of the customers.

• Increases Visitors' Trust: Software for website security gives the users of a web presence good and secure feelings. Visitors trust a company more and are more likely to become buyers if they see their data protected by appropriate security measures. Ideally, these are clearly made visible to them through seals, statements, etc.

• Strengthens SEO: By keeping a website up-to-date with modern security protocols, businesses can also strengthen their reputation before Google. A secure website offers its visitors protection and contributes to better user experience. Both the security of the search engine users while using mediated pages and their experiences are very important to Google today. If everything fits here, it has a very positive effect on the ranking.

• Reduces Costly Downtime: Website security software can help reduce costly downtime caused by cyber threats such as DDOS attacks (Distributed Denial of Service) or unauthorized intrusion into sensitive database systems. Security solutions offer appropriate preventative tools and issue real-time warnings so administrators can act quickly if a threat arises that could affect the availability of their website.

The advantages of website security software listed above are – also against the background of the current threat situation described above - without a doubt extremely significant. However, there are also certain disadvantages – or at least possible problems with use of such solutions. The following problem occurs more frequently.

• Lacking Mindset: The vast majority of attacks on websites are successful because administrators and employees use simple passwords, neglect updates, and do not secure the devices with which they access the critical infrastructure well enough. Automated bots scout out specific vulnerabilities and exploit them. Even the best website security software can only help to a limited extent in this case. Therefore, all relevant persons should be sensitized to possible gaps in website protection in addition to introducing a security solution. Of course, this primarily involves IT experts, but content managers, marketers, influencers, and all other forces that regularly move in the backend of the respective online presence also need to know exactly how they can contribute to its good protection through their behavior. Ideally, detailed rules should be established.

How to Choose the Right Website Security Platform?

The market for website security software is vast: from relatively simple free solutions for access control to programs for specific tasks or sectors to comprehensive suites that comprise numerous tools for different danger areas, interested parties have an almost unfathomable choice.

This makes an overview and ultimately the determination of the perfect tool for one's requirements anything but easy. To make the search easier and more targeted, those responsible should, above all, take the following tips into account.

Determine Needs First of all, interested parties should define their website security requirements as precisely as possible, to finally be able to search precisely for a suitable level of protection.

You should make sure that the targeted software meets all industry-standard or legal regulations.

Align Security Features Exactly Many website security softwares offer various features, such as virus protection, a firewall, intrusion prevention tools, data encryption, vulnerability scans, spam filtering, login control, etc. Here, however, you should not look for a solution that can "do everything". It makes more sense to filter out the really necessary tools and search accordingly.

This not only saves a lot of money for features that are perhaps not needed. On the other hand, it ensures a barrier-free use - too many useless tools usually mean massive obstacles to usability.

Consider User-Friendliness Website security software is sometimes complex. There are options that are hardly comprehensively usable without specific programming and/or other professional knowledge. These tools can offer significant advantages, but are only suitable for a specific user group (for example, companies with a well-staffed IT department).

In general, interested parties should make sure to choose a solution that is easy to implement and in practice matches the experience level of the ultimate users. The features should ideally be easy to understand for all relevant persons and don't keep them from other important tasks with too much effort.

A clear user interface with helpful guides can make all the difference in setting up and managing website security matters.

What Do Website Security Tools Cost?

The costs for a website security software depend on a variety of factors: especially on the size and complexity of the website to be protected, the type of protection needed, and the specific features. Interested parties can use very simple website security software for free. Better equipped solutions are usually already available between 20 and 100 euros per month.

For smaller companies or freelancers who only need basic protection, there are a variety of appropriate subscription-based services that cost between 20 and 50 euros per month. Here, basic tools for malware scans, access restrictions, and firewall protection are integrated. Some options even include additional features such as SSL certificates or email virus scans.

For medium-sized companies that need a higher level of security, more advanced solutions in the cost range between 100 and 400 euros per month are often suitable. The corresponding bundles offer broader website protection than the starter packages with features for detecting bot attacks, anti-spam filtering, vulnerability scanning, intrusion detection tools, SSL encryption, DDOS protection and more.

For corporations that perhaps have many web applications, a shop, and numerous customer data to secure, it often has to be an enterprise suite. This is then completely or at least largely tailor-made to fit the respective needs. Here, the prices generally start at 1,000 euros per month.