As a small or midsize business owner, your website is more than just an online presence — it’s your storefront, your credibility, and often the very first impression that customers have of your company. But websites are also a prime target for cybercriminals. Attacks on SMB websites are increasingly common, and the financial and reputational damage can be devastating to an SMB.
While high-profile SMB breaches causing full website shutdowns seem rare, or underreported, there are important statistics that reflect how vulnerable SMBs are to disruptions:
- 51 percent of SMBs reported that following a cyberattack, their website was down for 8–24 hours.
- Half of SMBs took 24 hours or longer to recover from an attack.
These numbers highlight the significant operational impact even minor breaches can have on small businesses. Services are often disrupted for a full day or more.
The good news? With the right precautions, you can significantly reduce your risks. As a longtime website developer and website hosting company with deep expertise in website security for both private sector and public sector sites, the AIS Network Team has pulled together five essential tips that every SMB owner should follow to keep their site safe, reliable, and trustworthy.
1. Keep Your Software and Plugins Updated
One of the simplest and yet most overlooked aspects of website security is keeping all your software current. Whether your site is built on WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, or a custom CMS, outdated plugins, themes, and core software are the No. 1 entry point for hackers.
Attackers actively scan the internet for sites running old versions of popular plugins and then exploit known vulnerabilities. Regular updates patch these security holes.
What you should do:
- Set up automatic updates where possible.
- Remove any plugins or themes that you no longer use.
- Check for updates weekly, especially if your system doesn’t update automatically.
Think of updates as routine maintenance — like oil changes for your car. Without them, things break down fast, right?
2. Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication
Weak or reused passwords are another common cause of website breaches. If your website’s admin panel, hosting account, or database uses “admin123” or something similar, you’re inviting trouble.
Instead, create unique, complex passwords for all accounts associated with your site. Tools like password managers make it easy to generate and store passwords securely.
Even better, implement multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA requires a second form of verification — like a code sent to your phone or an authentication app — making it far harder for attackers to gain access even if they steal your password.
What you should do:
- Require MFA for all website administrators.
- Enforce strong password policies for employees with access to the site.
- Change passwords regularly and immediately after any suspected compromise.
3. Secure Your Website Hosting Environment
The quality of your website hosting matters just as much as your website code. Cheap hosting may save you a few dollars up front, but it often cuts corners on website security, leaving your business exposed.
Look for a website hosting provider that emphasizes security with:
- Regular server patching and monitoring.
- SSL certificates for encrypted connections (HTTPS).
- Web application firewalls (WAF) to block malicious traffic.
- Backup and disaster recovery capabilities.
- Routine vulnerability scanning and penetration testing.
Your website hosting provider is your first line of defense against many types of cyberattacks. Make sure that they take that responsibility seriously.
4. Back Up Your Website Regularly
Even with strong protections, no system is 100% invulnerable. That’s why regular backups are critical. If your site is ever hacked, corrupted, or taken down, backups let you restore it quickly and minimize downtime.
What you should do:
- Schedule automated daily or weekly backups (depending on how often your site changes).
- Store backups in multiple locations (e.g., on the server and in the cloud).
- Test backups periodically to ensure that they work.
Backups are your insurance policy. Without them, a cyberattack could result in permanent data loss and a massive disruption to your business.
5. Partner With a Website Developer Who Prioritizes Security
Finally, remember that website security is not a one-time project; it’s an ongoing process. For most SMBs, it’s unrealistic to expect in-house staff to stay on top of every patch, update, and evolving threat.
That’s where partnering with a professional website developer and hosting provider comes in. The right partner can:
- Proactively monitor your site for vulnerabilities.
- Apply patches and updates promptly.
- Run security scans such as vulnerability scans and penetration tests.
- Implement best practices for coding, hosting, and maintenance.
This allows you to focus on running your business while having the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your website is fully protected.
Why Website Security Matters for SMBs
Cybercriminals don’t just target Fortune 500 companies. In fact, small and midsize businesses are often seen as easier prey because their defenses are assumed to be weaker. A single breach can trigger serious consequences, including:
- Stolen customer or financial data
- Costly website downtime and lost revenue
- Regulatory fines if sensitive information is exposed
- Long-term reputational damage that erodes customer trust
For SMBs, the impact can be devastating — sometimes forcing companies to suspend operations altogether. The good news is that investing in proactive website security is far more affordable than recovering from a cyberattack. By taking preventive measures now, SMBs can protect their reputation, safeguard customer data, and ensure their business remains resilient in today’s digital-first economy.
Final Thoughts
Your website is too important to leave unprotected. By updating your software, enforcing strong authentication, securing your hosting, backing up regularly, and partnering with a knowledgeable website developer and hosting partner, you’ll dramatically reduce your risks and build trust with customers.
At AIS Network, we specialize in designing, developing, and managing secure websites for SMBs and government clients alike. Our team has decades of experience safeguarding critical systems and sensitive data, and we can help you do the same.
While website security is a global concern, it’s equally vital for local organizations. Whether you’re a retailer in Richmond or a midsize company operating across Virginia, cyberattacks can disrupt operations and damage trust just as easily as they do for national brands. AISN delivers security expertise locally and nationally, helping organizations of every size stay protected.
Don’t wait until your site becomes a hacker’s next target. Request a free website security evaluation from AISN today and learn how to strengthen your defenses, protect your customers, and keep your business always safe and trusted.