Security is a top aspect of any website, and Drupal is no exception. More than 1 million users use Drupal, a content management system, to build websites, making it a target for cyber threats.
Here's what Drupal officially has to say "Drupal has a very good track record in terms of security, and has an organized process for investigating, verifying, and publishing possible security problems." This article will teach you the top 7 best practices to protect your website from unauthorized sources and safeguard sensitive data.
A business with an outdated website makes it easy for hackers and attackers to steal sensitive information because of the unpatched security vulnerabilities. An updated version safeguards the website from harmful sources and provides new features and functionality that can enhance overall Drupal security.
Also, updating Drupal’s built-in functionality is recommended, which could be a pathway for the data breach. Once the update is done, the website must be tested, and clear the cache to remove unnecessary friction.
Some businesses experience data loss due to software bugs, hardware failure, and malicious attacks. Such events can drastically impact the company leading to massive losses. It is important to store the data securely on external disks or in the cloud.
To provide additional Drupal web security practices, the organization can use multiple backup methods to store the data in various secure locations. Such practices save the organization's time and money and comply with the regulatory laws which demand companies to back up data.
The Drupal security modules can be integrated into the website to increase data reliability.
The 4 security models are:
Installing these modules can be an overwhelming task. LN Webworks offers Drupal development services that include installing the correct security modules so your business can grow without worrying about security issues.
The cornerstone for the security of any software platform, including Drupal, is built using strong passwords. Make sure your password is not listed in a "dictionary file," which is a list of commonly used passwords that an attacker might try while attempting to brute-force a login.
Hackers who manage to access the Drupal website may modify the content, add new users, or install malicious software. According to a BBC article, a few years ago, a vulnerability in the Drupal software was exploited by attackers who gained access to up to 12 million websites.
That’s why limit access to the site’s administration only to authorized people. One way to implement this is to assign roles to individuals and permission to access the administrative area of the website. Companies can use IP address restrictions functionality to block certain suspicious users and provide website access to a location-specific group of people.
A website is only partially secure, even if Drupal has one of the best data-protected functionalities. SSL (Secure socket layer) helps websites secure connections and easily share information.
Businesses can do that by purchasing the SSL certificate from a trusted authority. Integrating with the website enables the use of HTTPS (Hypertext transfer protocol secure), which secures the connection between the user and the website. When you visit a website with such security measures, your data is encrypted and securely stored from being intercepted by attackers.
Regular security audits aim to identify vulnerabilities in the Drupal website. Data breaches can damage the organization's reputation, and companies must use proper strategies to perform Drupal security audits.
Businesses can do a manual review to check for any potential bugs on the website, but it can be time-consuming. Another way is to run the website into automated testing software, which identifies the errors causing poor performance. Security audits can be made further effective by using penetrating testing, usually done by expert professionals, where artificial bugs are let into the software to detect the possibility of data breaches and enhance the website's security.
In this digital era, ignoring Drupal web security practices is a recipe for disaster. From updating the Drupal installations to regular security audits, take proper measures to secure your organization's data and build trust with the users and stakeholders.
At LN WebWorks, a Drupal development company, we not only build websites but also prioritize implementing the best Drupal web security practices for every website we manage. Contact us today to enhance your Drupal website and drive your business growth.
Pankaj is a Senior UI/UX specialist with more than ten years of industry experience who focuses on usability, user experience, and user research in his designs. He has worked with small and large teams, including management of LN Webworks Organization.
