SECURITY

A blog by Reach Design Ltd
HAUMARUTANGA
The importance of a SSL Certificate
Te hiranga o te tiwhikete SSL
What is a SSL Certificate and what does it do for your site?
He aha te tiwhikete SSL, ka aha hoki mo tō paetukutuku?

SSL means Secure Sockets Layer and it is a security protocol that is used to establish an encrypted connection between a web server and a web client, such as a web browser.
It is designed to ensure that the data transmitted between the two parties is secure and cannot be intercepted by any third parties.
How do you know if a site has a SSL certificate?
Me pēhea koe e mōhio mēnā he tiwhikete SSL ki runga i tētahi paetukutuku?

The easiest way to know if a site is SSL encrypted or not is to just check the URL of the site, the sites URL should start with HTTPS.
For more details about the site's security credentials, you can clink on the padlock icon near the address bar and get more information on the site's SSL certificate details.
Those who have a SSL on their site are guaranteed to have all their details as well as client's details safe and secured.

There is another 3 visual clues to know whether a site has a SSL:

A TRUST SEAL
HTTPS URL PREFIX INSTEAD OF HTTP
PADLOCK TO THE LEFT OF THE URL
What are SSL certificates used for?
Ka whakamahi i te tiwhikete SSL mo te aha?

An SSL certificate allows sensitive information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, and login credentials to be transmitted securely. Normally, data sent between browsers and web servers is sent in plain text - leaving you vulnerable to eavesdropping. If an attacker is able to intercept all data being sent between a browser and a web server, they can see and use that information and scam you or your business.

More specifically, SSL is a security protocol. Protocols describe how algorithms should be used. In this case, the SSL protocol determines variables of the encryption for both the link and the data being transmitted.
Conclusion - Whakatau

An SSL certificate encrypts the information so that it's not readable until it reaches the server that it's intended for. No one can intercept and read the information as it travels from your computer to the web servers. This is one of the primary reasons that website owners get an SSL certificate.

All in all, it is very important to secure yourself an SSL certificates. It does not only keep your personal information safe but also all your data from businesses or your clients.
SSL secures millions of peoples data on the internet every day, especially during online transactions or when transmitting confidential information to an online site.
How to Protect Your Website from Cybercrime
Me pēhea te tiaki i tō paetukutuku mai i te kino ipurangi
Introduction - Whakatakinga

In today's digital age, it's more important than ever to protect your website from cybercrime. Unfortunately, many business owners and website owners don't know how to properly protect their websites, which leaves them vulnerable to online attacks. In this blog post, we'll discuss some tips for protecting your website from cybercrime.
Understand the different types of cybercrime and how they can affect your website
Kia mōhio atu ki ngā momo mahi kino ipurangi, ā, me pēhea hoki ka pā atu ki tō paetukutuku

As the internet has become an increasingly integral part of our lives, so too has the threat of cybercrime. Cybercrime is any type of criminal activity that takes place online, and it can take many different forms. Everything from hacking and phishing to identity theft and fraud can fall under the umbrella of cybercrime. And while it may seem like something that only happens to big businesses or government institutions, the truth is that anyone with a website is at risk. That's why it's so important to understand the different types of cybercrime and how they can affect your website.

One of the most common types of cybercrime is hacking. Hackers can gain access to your website in a number of ways, including through security vulnerabilities or by stealing login credentials. Once they're in, they can wreak all sorts of havoc, from deleting or modifying content to stealing customer data or infecting your site with malware.

Another common type of cybercrime is phishing. This is when criminals send out fake emails or messages purporting to be from a legitimate organization in an attempt to trick people into divulging sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers.

Another form of cybercrime is identity theft. This is when someone steals your personal information in order to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft can be devastating for both individuals and businesses, as it can result in financial loss and damage to your reputation. If you believe that your website has been the victim of any type of cybercrime, it is important to contact an experienced internet security lawyer who can help you take the necessary steps to protect your rights and interests.

IDENTITY THEFT
PHISHING
HACKING
Install malware protection and a firewall to help keep your site safe
Whakauruhia he parenga kino me te papangaahi hei haumaru i tō pae

In order to keep your site safe, you should install malware protection and a firewall. Malware is software that is designed to damage or disable computers and computer systems. A firewall is a system that helps to protect a network from unauthorized access. By installing malware protection and a firewall, you can help to keep your site safe from attacks.

Malware protection works by identifying and removing malicious software from your system. It can also help to block future attacks by identifying and blocking suspicious activity. A firewall works by controlling the traffic that flows in and out of a network. It can help to block unauthorised access and prevent data loss. By installing both malware protection and a firewall, you can help to keep your site safe from attack.

Use strong passwords and change them regularly
Whakamahia i ngā kupuhuna kaha, ā, kia tīni hoki ngā kupuhuna i ngā wā katoa

As anyone who has ever had their personal information compromised can attest, cyber security is more important than ever. One of the best ways to protect yourself online is to use strong passwords, and to change them regularly. A strong password should be at least eight characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessed words like "password" or your birthdate. And don't reuse passwords across multiple accounts. If one of your accounts is hacked, the hacker will then have access to all of your other accounts. By taking these simple steps, you can help keep your personal information safe and secure.
Regularly back up your website data so you can restore it if it's ever compromised
Pūruahia ō raraunga paetukutuku kia taea ai e koe te whakahoki mai mena ka taupatupatuhia

Any website, no matter how big or small, is at risk for data loss. Whether it's due to a hacker attack, a server crash, or simply human error, data loss can have a devastating effect on your business. That's why it's important to regularly back up your website data. By backing up your data, you can be confident that you can restore your website if anything ever goes wrong.

There are a few different ways to back up your data. You can back up your data manually, by exporting it from your website and storing it on your computer or another storage device. Or, you can use a web-based backup service to automatically back up your data. Whichever method you choose, make sure to back up your data regularly so you can be sure that you have a recent backup if you ever need it.
BACK UP AUTOMATICALLY
EXPORT AND STORE
BACK UP MANUALLY
Educate your employees about cyber security best practices
Whakaako i ō kaimahi i ngā tikanga pai mo te haumaru ipurangi

According to a recent study, 50% of small and mid-sized businesses have experienced a cyber attack in the past year. This is a startling statistic, especially when you consider that most of these attacks could have been prevented with proper employee education. Cyber security is not something that should be taken lightly, and all employees should be aware of best practices.

Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
ENCOURAGE
UNDERSTAND
TEACH
By taking the time to educate your employees about cyber security, you can help reduce the risk of a devastating attack.
Stay up-to-date with the latest security threats and how to protect against them
Kia mau tonu ki ngā kōrero whakatuma haumarutanga hou, me pēhea hoki ki te tiaki i a rātou ano.

Security threats are constantly evolving, and it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest risks and how to protect against them. One of the best ways to do this is to subscribe to a security newsletter. This will ensure that you receive timely information on new threats as well as tips on how to thwart them.

In addition, it's a good idea to keep abreast of security news by following trusted sources on social media or setting up Google Alerts for key terms. By staying informed, you can help ensure that you and your loved ones are safe from the ever-changing landscape of security threats.
Conclusion - Whakatau

Are you feeling more confident in your ability to protect your website from cybercrime? If so, good. But remember, it’s important to stay vigilant and keep up with the latest security measures. And if you ever need help, our team is here for you. Contact us today to learn more about our website security services and how we can help keep your business safe online.
Understanding Website Security
Te mōhio ki te haumarutanga paetukutuku
What is website security and what does it do for your site?
He aha te haumarutanga paetukutuku, ka aha hoki mo tō paetukutuku?

Website security means protecting your website or web application from cyber threats, such as viruses and hacking attempts. It also involves detecting any unusual activity on the site to prevent anything bad from happening, like data theft, in order to preserve customer trust that you're providing them with quality service at all times.

Website security is a key component of any website, helping to secure the network against hackers as well as preventing potential viruses or other malicious programs from infiltrating in order to steal data or damage files on your computer's operating system without permission.

How to create a secure password
Me pēhea te hanga he kupuhuna haumaru mou

A secure password is one of the most important aspects of any online account. Whether you're a business owner, company owner, or employer, it's your responsibility to make sure that your passwords are as strong as possible in order to protect your data. If you have a strong password, hackers will need hours or days of guessing before they can get in - and by then it'll be too late!

With some systems, it can take up to six or seven tries before the system locks out an account due to too many failed attempts at guessing the password. That means that in less than an hour, a hacker can try thousands of combinations until they find yours! A good rule of thumb is that every time you create a new account (at work or anywhere else), create a new unique username and password combination. If this seems like too much trouble, there are websites available that will do this for you.

It's important to have a secure password because it is the key to your company. You need to use something that is hard for people to guess, but easy for you to remember and type in correctly when logging onto your computer. It should also differ from passwords used on other accounts, like email or bank accounts. This way, if one of your accounts is compromised and someone guesses your password, they won't be able to access any other ones. A better option would be something more creative and unique like "Kitty4eva!" Be sure not to use this example either as it's easy enough for anyone with your basic information (name, pet name) to figure out!
Why is it important to have a secure password?
He aha ai he mea nui kia haumaru rawa atu tō kupuhuna?

You know that feeling you get when you come back to your computer after a long day at work and notice someone logged into your account? That is one of the worst feelings in the world. All those hours spent on building up a social media presence, carefully crafting each post so it has just the right amount of wit and humor, only for some stranger to come along and ruin everything. I mean, what's next? They're going to vandalise all of your favourite pictures with their awful drawings or something!

Passwords are important because they protect us from this type of thing happening. Security breaches happen every day (we've all seen them on the news), but we can't let that stop us from doing our jobs. We need passwords for our protection.

A secure password is important, but do we really know why? Passwords are used for everything, from securing our bank accounts and personal information to logging into our favourite websites. This means that if your password gets hacked, you could put your entire life in jeopardy. The hacker who gets a hold of your password can infiltrate all of your personal information, including social security numbers, credit cards, bank accounts, and others. As a result, they will probably use your information and identity for illegal activities or even put you at risk with legal consequences.

So what's the best way to protect ourselves? The answer is as simple as ABC: Always Be Changing Your Password!

How to tell if your site has been hacked?
Me pēhea te kite mēna kua taumanutia tō pae?

If you're reading this, congratulations! You have a website and your site has not been hacked. Hooray! But wait, what if it could happen to you? It's important to know the signs of hacking so you can get ahead of the game and protect yourself from potential attacks. Let's explore how to tell if your site has been hacked with these five warning signs:

a) Your domain name changes without warning;
b) You receive an email that asks for personal information or money;
c) Your computer is running slower than usual;
d) You see pop-ups on your browser when surfing online;
e) There are strange messages in your inbox or spam emails coming through.

If any of those ring a bell with you, by all means, we recommended you do a security check on your website to see if it has been compromised.

Common causes of hacking
Ngā take noa o taumanutia

With the rise of cyber crime, it is no wonder why hackers are such a hot topic in today's society. They have become increasingly intelligent and technologically skilled as they continue to evolve more sophisticated methods for hacking systems. Some people may think that there is only one type of hacker out there, but in actuality, their tactics can differ depending on what information they want to gain access to - including credit card numbers or bank account info. There are many reasons behind this criminal activity; however, gaining unauthorized access into someone else's personal data would be reason enough!

Hackers are just waiting for you to make a mistake. You think your website is secure, but they're always one step ahead of the game and know exactly what vulnerabilities need exploiting in order to get into your system. They'll wait until you have an unprotected wi-fi hotspot or unpatched security hole before launching their attack, so be sure not to let them take advantage by making small changes like keeping antivirus software up-to-date on all devices as well as updating plugins with new versions promptly when available!

Another cause for hacking could be someone wanting revenge against you or your company. They might hack into your website in order to steal sensitive data about you or alter it so it looks like something bad happened such as making one's website say "We're sorry we're closed”

Preventative measures you can take to protect yourself from hackers and cybercriminals
Ngā tikanga aukati ka taea e koe ki te mahi hei tiaki i a koe mai i ngā kaiwhaiwhai me ngā kaikino ipurangi

We're all terrified of the idea of a cybercriminal stealing our data, but what can we do to protect ourselves? Well for all of us, here are some preventative measures you can take to make yourself less vulnerable:

a) Use strong passwords that have at least 8 letters and include both uppercase and lower-case letters.
b) Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts where possible.
c) Don't click links from unknown sources or attachments in emails from strangers - if it sounds too good to be true!
d) Change your password periodically (once every six months).
e) For extra security, use a password manager app like LastPass, KeePassXC, 1Password or Dashlane.
Ways that you can determine the strength of your website security
Ngā huarahi ka taea e koe te whakatau i te kaha o tō haumarutanga paetukutuku

Imagine you are the owner of a very prized possession, let's call it your "website". You want to do everything in your power to protect this one thing. But how can you tell if it is protected enough?

It all starts with assessing what potential threats exist for that type of site and then taking action on them before they happen! Well, here are a few ways to tell:

a) Check where your site ranks on Google for "secure." If you rank high on this list of web security providers, chances are good that your site is secure!
b) Check out what type of SSL certificate you have. The more robust the certificate - meaning 3-in-1 or 4-in 2 - the better chance of protection against hackers.
c) Ask yourself: does my site have SPF (Sender Policy Framework) records in place? And do these records work as soon as I publish them?

Tips on how to increase the security on your site

You're probably reading this because you want to know how to make your site more secure. I'm here for ya! What's the best way to increase security on my site? There are a few things that can be done:
Ngā tohutohu me pēhea te whakanui ake i te haumarutanga i tō pae
UPDATE YOUR
SOFTWARE
SCAN FOR VIRUSES
STAY SECURE
Final words - Kōrero mutunga

The internet is a scary place, and your site should be protected at all costs. While it may not seem like such an important task to check in on security features every once in a while, the reality of the situation is that hackers are always looking for ways to get into websites undetected.

If you think this isn't something you need to worry about as long as you don't store any sensitive information or have anything personal hosted on your website then think again! Hackers can steal content from sites with no warnings whatsoever if they're able to find vulnerabilities in your site's security features. To ensure that this doesn’t happen, make sure you take time out each day or week (depending on how often there are updates) to check your website for any security issues.

This allows you time as well as peace of mind knowing your business' most valuable resource has been safeguarded from cyberattacks or other dangers lurking online.