How to Create a Secure Website and Protect Customer Data  

• Apr 22, 2025

In today’s digital-first world, website security is not optional, it’s essential for survival and success. The security of a website is truly a matter of the existence of the business. Every interaction, from clicks to payments and filling out forms, has critical information about customers. Thus, safeguarding it is essential. Whether you’re managing an e-commerce store, a service-based website, or a personal blog, prioritizing security not only builds trust with your audience but also protects your business from legal consequences, financial losses, and reputational damage.

In this blog, we will assist you in securing a website alongside protecting consumer information. This includes the application of the SSL certificate and data encryption techniques, these strategies will help you build a fortress around your digital presence and provide peace of mind to your users.

Importance of Website Security

Website security is essential for the online success of a business. Sensitive information can be leaked, brand reputation can be destroyed, and there can be severe monetary fines for non-compliance with regulations like GDPR and PCI DSS. Also, major search engines like Google consider security as one of the benchmark parameters for ranking websites. Thus, having a secure website not only enhances customer protection but also improves your SEO.

Shopera can help build a secure and high-converting website. It has inbuilt security features, fast hosting, and easy integration of SSL certificates, which makes it an ideal one-stop solution.

Step 1: SSL Certificate Installation

Hackers can be kept away from accessing private data such as credit card and login details by using an SSL, or Secure Socket Layer, certificate. This feature encrypts the connection between your website and users.

Once you install an SSL certificate, your site’s URL updates from http:// to https://, and visitors see a padlock symbol appearing in their browser. Enhanced trust is provided by this sign as they know that the information that they provide will remain secure.

Pro tip: Select a certificate authority (CA) whose reputation is solid in the field. At a minimum, go with a standard SSL certificate. Also, EV SSL certificates offer greater protection.

Step 2: Employ Powerful Encryption Techniques

SSL certificates usually encrypt data in transit, however, data at rest must also be secured. Customer databases, backup files, and any confidential files should be stored behind strong walls using powerful encryption like AES-256.

Data encryption protects against data leaks if your website’s hosting server is compromised. Shopera and several other website builders and hosting service providers offer encrypted data and database storage as part of their service packages, which enhances the level of protection.

Step 3: Operate with Secure Authentication

Secure Authentication, as the name suggests, is implemented to fortify security on the website. Create security policies that dictate the password structure, requiring it to have letters, numbers, and symbols. Users must also confirm their identity via SMS, email, or through an authentication app, which adds another layer using 2FA.

To step up security, limit the number of failed login attempts to thwart brute-force attacks. If you are using Shopera, the platform offers securely configurable authentication plugins and access control features that streamline management through intuitive login screens.

Step 4: Updating Software and Plugins

Hackers tend to exploit out-of-date and unmanaged systems, which is one of the biggest security risks. Ignoring content management system (CMS) updates, plugins, themes, and third-party integrations can leave gaps that can be exploited from the outside. Set up automatic updates wherever possible to stay ahead of emerging threats.

Use only the plugins and themes developed by reputable developers who maintain their products with frequent patches. Shopera provides users with automatic updates, meaning that your site can stay secure without any hassle, allowing you to grow your business without worrying about security gaps.

Step 5: Regularly Back Up Your Website

Even though backups alone won't stop cyberattacks, they are your lifeline when disaster strikes. Backups ensure that website data is not lost in the case of an attack, and a recent backup will allow you to restore your data quickly. It is best practice to schedule daily backups and keep copies in several secure locations.

An additional example can be found with Shopera. Contact us now and explore our premium plans that offers built-in backup services that increase the effectiveness of the user's data protection strategy. These features increase recovery speed and, as a result, greater overall uptime.

Step 6: Secure Your Web Hosting

Your hosting provider significantly contributes to the overall website security. Pick a host that protects your site with enterprise-level firewalls, malware scanning and removal services, DDoS protection, and encrypted data storage to defend against different attack vectors.

Optimize your website security with active firewalls and automated malware removal detection, and other critical features that safeguard your site while simultaneously maintaining optimal performance.

Step 7: Protect Against SQL Injection and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks exploit vulnerabilities in your website’s code to gain unauthorized access or inject malicious scripts. To prevent these risks, it is advisable to use parameterized queries and prepared statements since they treat input as data instead of a command waiting to be executed.

Moreover, affirmatively accepting only valid data and cleansing the data removes malicious content. These advanced attacks can also be countered by implementing security plugins along with web application firewalls (WAFs).

Step 8: Comply With Data Protection Regulations

Compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR or PCI DSS is necessary and critical in earning clients' trust. Set up a straightforward privacy policy on your website, and ensure you receive consent before collecting any data from users.

Give self-managed access to their data so that users can apply edits or even deletion when legally permissible. Implementing data encryption and secure storage practices will not only protect sensitive information but also ensure that you remain compliant with these regulations and avoid costly penalties.

Step 9: Educate Your Team

Without a doubt, human error is one of the primary causes of a security breach. Regular security training can help avoid breaches and assist in learning about password practices, identifying phishing attempts, and appreciating software updates. Adopting an advanced strategy on these matters can greatly minimize the chances of being attacked.

Make cybersecurity awareness a part of your company culture so that everyone from website administrators to customer service reps knows how to uphold website security best practices. Follow through with regular short reminder classes or even dummy phishing attempts and drills.

Step 10: Perform Security Audits and Vulnerability Testing

To defend against hackers, carrying out security audits on a regular basis is a must. Perhaps utilizing the aid of security professionals to conduct penetration testing alongside automated scans for vulnerabilities would be ideal.

To gauge the effectiveness of your SSL certificate, free online resources such as Qualys SSL Labs could prove useful. Staying ahead of the curve by regularly performing vulnerability assessments ensures your site is up to date with ongoing changes and remains protected.

Shopera: Your Partner in Website Security

Such features as hosting, daily backups, SSL certificates, data encryption, and many more are added to your account by Shopera. Their user-friendly interface and expert support make securing your site easier than ever.

Learn more about how you can create a website with Shopera and take advantage of their complete suite of security features that keep your customer data safe while you focus on growing your business.

Conclusion

Creating a secure website and ensuring the safety of customer information is no longer a mere IT challenge; it is a core business concern. By installing an SSL certificate, using robust data encryption, and following the steps outlined above, you’ll build a safe and trustworthy environment for your users.

If you want to ensure the safety and security of your site while increasing site conversions, then you should get started with Shopera and enjoy peace of mind knowing your website is protected.