Every day, tens of thousands of websites are hacked. And with each passing year, the cost of data breaches gets higher and higher. As cybercriminals get more sophisticated, cybersecurity becomes more critical. That’s why so many websites are being built with security as the most important feature.
If you’re currently building a website, are you sure the platform you’re using is secure? To be sure, check it against this list!
Here are 7 of our best cyber security predictions for 2020:
7 cyber security predictions for 2020
1. Static website
If your website-creation platform doesn’t allow you to create a static website, you’re falling behind in the cybersecurity marathon. A static website is stored on a server exactly the way it will be delivered to its visitors’ browsers. This means that, in contrast to dynamic websites, a static website has no database.
Databases are targeted attack areas for hackers, so a static website will be harder to hack. Not only is a static website more difficult for hackers to break into, but a static website also boasts these features:
- No software maintenance
- Faster page speed
- Scalability
- Easier access to underlying code
No wonder the best website-creation systems are transitioning to static website building! Whether you’re an agency or a developer, if you’re interested in creating websites that are fortresses against hackers, you’ll want a platform that helps you create static websites.
2. Headless CMS
You’ve heard of Content Management Systems (CMS). In 2020, expect to see a lot of webmasters opting for headless CMS.
Unlike traditional CMS, which includes a backend that’s inseparable from its frontend, headless CMS separates the backend from the frontend, which means you can manage your content with one system but distribute it across various platforms, like a website or mobile app.
Headless CMS means better security, because it will usually provide content via a read-only API. This means there’s no database to worry about. Many headless CMS usually allows integration with a high-performing CDN, this lowers the risk of DDoS attacks. However other WordPress Management platforms develop technology that does not require a CDN’s help to thwart DDoS attacks.
This is why you can expect to see a lot more websites opting for headless CMS in 2020.
3. SSL certificates
SSL certificates, of course, encrypt data that passes between browsers and website servers, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept and interpret sensitive personal data.
Did you know SSL certificates have been around for a while now? The first was created in the mid 90s. What’s more, they’re not going anywhere any time soon. In 2020, expect to see all serious websites armed with SSL certificates.
4. Modular systems
Like most things, websites are easier to manage and monitor when they’re divided into sections (or modules). In 2019, webmasters started to move towards modular systems, but we still saw a lot of older, more established websites that hadn’t noticed the trend. In 2020, expect to see more websites opting for a modular design.
5. More streamlined code
Coding can get pretty bloated on a complex website. Unnecessary lines and white space can take up valuable space on a website, creating a security nightmare. A slower website with forgotten strings of code has so many possible points of entry that no webmaster could reasonably be expected to stay on top of it all.
In 2020, you can expect to see cleaner, more streamlined code.
6. Up-to-date plugins
Speaking of things that often go forgotten, in 2020, webmasters will start paying closer attention to their plugins.
Plugins are great for enhancing your website. There are shopping cart plugins for eCommerce websites, backup plugins, and so many more. But it’s easy to forget that each plugin has its own updating requirements.
This is especially dangerous for WordPress users, since the popularity of WordPress makes it a preferred target for hackers. WordPress developers are constantly patching security issues with their plugins. When you don’t update your plugin, your website is vulnerable to attacks. That’s why, in 2020, more webmasters will be focusing on keeping plugins up to date.
7. Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-Factor authentication involves asking users to prove their identity more than once before you allow them to access sensitive information. If you’ve ever tried to log in to YouTube using a different device, you’re already familiar with Multi-Factor authentication. First, you have to enter your username and password. But you won’t immediately be given access to the site. You’ll see a number on the screen, and you’ll get a message on your phone containing three possible numbers. To gain access to the website, you’ll have to select the correct number.
This is just one example of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Some websites also text you a secret code, which you’ll have to enter on the website, in order to be granted access. Multi-Factor Authentication means your visitors can enter your website and feel more secure using it. That’s why, in 2020, we can expect to see more websites using MFA as part of their cyber security strategy.
The takeaway
Cyber security is a many-headed beast. You can’t just adopt one strategy and expect to be fully protected from hackers and data leaks. If you want to stay ahead of the cyber security game in 2020, you’ll need to adopt a multi-layered, well-thought-out cyber security strategy, starting with a static website and headless CMS.
