How to Test Your Website’s Cyber Security

Website security is incredibly important, especially for businesses or websites hosting personal information such as social media and career portfolios. There are many ways to test your website’s security, whether it be on your own or through a third-party.

1. Test Your Website Yourself

Probably the most affordable option is to test the security yourself. However, for those who aren’t particularly computer savvy, this may end up being more confusing and time-consuming than is worth it. If you’re confident in your abilities, here’s what you can do on your own:

  • User Login Testing: This is the simplest way to test the security of your website. All you do is test any sort of login service you may have whether it be for users or for employees. Make sure the login is successful first of all and track what happens whenever it fails. When you enter the incorrect login does it let you in or not? Does your website offer security questions or a temporary password to backup an account with a lost password?
  • Access Permission Testing: Access Permission Testing is going to test who has access to what. Website Designers, IT, and anyone with a stake in the company should have full access. Other accessors such as users and employees should only have access to areas that pertain to them. Login to your website with every type of login and ensure the correct access is set for each one.
  • User Session Testing: User Session Testing can be done as you log in with each account type when testing access permission. User Session Testing is simply figuring out how the website works for each and every type of user, from the usability and interface to generally how functional the website is.
  • Contact Form Testing: Contact Form Testing is a website security test that is often missed but takes less than five minutes. All you do is navigate to your website’s contact page, insert a sample message, and send it. Once it’s sent, check your inbox to ensure it was received properly. It’s also recommended that you attach a photo or document to make sure your inbox will take proper security measures before you open the document.

2. Third-Party Website Penetration Testing

For a thorough test, sometimes third-party solutions work best. For example, Alpine Security Penetration Testing has award-winning cybersecurity testing.  Website penetration testing services are one of the most effective forms of testing your cybersecurity. They test your network, computer system, or web application to find any weaknesses that could be hacked. A third-party testing service also will cover any sort of penetration testing from simply testing one web page to full-blown Red Team engagements.

 3. Comodo Web Inspectors

 There are also different programs that do the testing for you. Here’s a handful of options:

  • Daily Malware Scanning: The Comodo Web Inspector offers a variety of professional services to test the security of your website. One of the biggest services they provide is Daily Malware Scanning, in which Comodo scans for malware infections or potential viruses. If a virus or infection is detection, Comodo will notify you immediately.
  • Blacklist Monitoring: Blacklist Monitoring checks your website’s online reputation. Comodo’s blacklist monitoring will check to see if other sites, big or small, or search engine results, have your site blacklisted. Just like their malware scanning, they will notify you immediately if they discover anyone has you blacklisted.
  • PCI Compliance Scanning: Comodo’s PCI Compliance Scanning service is provided by HackerGuardian.The PCI Compliance Scanning simply checks to ensure that your website meets all the guidelines for PCI standards.
  • Trust Seal and 24/7 Phone Support: One of the best services Comodo offers is their 24/7 customer service phone hotline. If you ever have any questions or need assistance, you can contact them regardless of what day or what time it is. The Trust Seal ensures that are able to verify with your viewers and users of your website that it is safe, and it will not infect their software by visiting your site.

Website protection is extremely crucial especially if you are a business or have a high volume website. It’s not just about protecting yourself but also about protecting every single person who visits your site.

Ranbeer Maver is a Computer Science undergraduate. He's a geek who embraces any new consumer technology with inhuman enthusiasm.