What Technology Provides Secure Access to Websites?

As a website owner, securing your site is essential. Cyberattacks, vulnerabilities, and malware often target websites of all sizes. Fortunately, you can defend your website from these online security risks by taking specific actions. The question is: What technology provides secure access to websites?

Encryption is the essential technology that guarantees safe access to websites. Continue reading to learn more about encryption and how it keeps your website secure.

What Indicates a Secure Website Connection?

When you visit a website, you want to know that your connection is safe. Here are some signs that show a website connection is secure:

• HTTPS in the URL: Look at the website’s URL. The site uses a secure connection if it starts with “https://” instead of “http://”.
• Padlock Icon: The URL in your browser’s address bar will have a padlock icon next to it. It shows that there is security in the connection.
• SSL Certificate: Secure websites have SSL certificates. It verifies that the website is legitimate.
• Trust Seals: Certain websites display security company trust seals. The seals indicate that the website has routine inspections for security vulnerabilities.

10 Ways the Tech Provides Secure Access to Websites

1. SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security)

Cryptographic technologies like SSL and its heir TLS facilitate safe network communication. 

• Encryption: SSL/TLS uses encryption algorithms to secure the data.
• Authentication: SSL/TLS certificates verify the server’s identity.
• Data Integrity: SSL/TLS ensures that data cannot be modified during transfer.

2. HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)

The secure version of HTTP, or HTTPS, encrypts data between the browser and the server using SSL/TLS. It guards against man-in-the-middle attacks and eavesdropping.

• Secure Communication: All data sent and received is encrypted.
• Trust: Browsers show a padlock icon for HTTPS sites, indicating trustworthiness.
• SEO Benefits: HTTPS is favoured by search engines and can improve ranking.

3. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a password and username and something only the user has on them, i.e., a second factor like a physical token or a mobile application.

4. CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart)

CAPTCHA systems, which pose simple tests for people to complete but challenging for automated systems to do so, help prevent bot attacks on websites.

• Prevent Bots: Blocks automated scripts from accessing the site.
• Variety of Tests: Image recognition, reCAPTCHA, text-based CAPTCHAs.

5. VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN encrypts all data transmitted between the user’s device and the internet. Moreover, it establishes a secure connection over a less secure network.

• Privacy: Conceals the user’s IP address and location.
• Security: Encrypts data, protecting it from interception.

6. Web Application Firewalls (WAF)

A Web Application Firewall (WAF) keeps an eye on and filters HTTP/HTTPS traffic between a web application and the internet. It defends against multiple attacks, including cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injection.

• Filtering: Blocks malicious traffic.
• Logging: Provides logs for security audits.
• Policy Enforcement: Applies security policies to protect the web application.

7. Content Security Policy (CSP)

Data injection and cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks are among the ones that CSP’s security features help prevent. It allows web developers to designate the locations of resources. 

• Resource Control: Specifies trusted sources for scripts, styles, and other content.
• Attack Mitigation: Reduces the risk of certain types of attacks.

8. HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security)

A web security policy mechanism called HSTS aids in defending websites from man-in-the-middle attacks such as cookie hijacking and protocol downgrade assaults.

• Forced HTTPS: Ensures that browsers connect only via HTTPS.
• Enhanced Security: Reduces the risk of certain types of attacks.

9. Certificate Authorities (CA)

CAs are reliable organizations that provide SSL/TLS certificates. They confirm the certificate owner’s identity and that the certificate’s public key belongs to the organization that issued it.

• Trust: Browsers recognize certificates from a trusted CA.
• Verification: Ensures the legitimacy of the website.

10. DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions)

DNSSEC adds security to the DNS lookup process by enabling DNS responses to be verified, ensuring they have not been altered in transit.

• Integrity: Verifies that the responses to DNS queries are authentic.
• Prevents Cache Poisoning: Protects against attacks where false DNS data is used to redirect traffic.

How to Secure Wireless Connections Using WiFi?

Keeping your WiFi secure is important to stop others from accessing your data. Follow these simple steps to protect your wireless connection:

• Strong Password: Use a strong password for your WiFi network. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords like “password123” or “12345678”.
• WPA3 Encryption: Make sure your WiFi uses the WPA3 encryption standard, which is more secure than earlier ones like WEP or WPA2.
• Change Default Settings: Change your WiFi router’s default username and password. Hackers can easily guess the default settings.
• Hide SSID: You can hide the SSID (name) of your network so it doesn’t show up in the list of available networks. It makes it harder for unauthorized users to find your network.

Read more on what to do if your website is hacked. 

How to Safeguard Online Privacy with VPNs?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps protect your privacy online. Here’s how a VPN can keep you safe:

• Encrypts Your Data: A VPN encrypts all the data you send and receive. Moreover, this thing makes it hard for others to see what you’re doing online.
• Hides Your IP Address: A VPN hides your actual IP address and replaces it with one from the VPN server. 
• Secure Public WiFi: Using public WiFi makes it simple for someone to intercept your info. Even while using public networks, a VPN protects your connection.
• Access Restricted Content: A VPN can help you access websites and services restricted in your region by masking your location.

How Do You Control Network Access with SSIR Filtering?

SSID filtering is a method to control who can access your WiFi network. Here’s how it works:

• Prevent Unauthorized Access: By filtering SSIDs, you can prevent unknown devices from connecting to your network. Moreover, it can happen even if they have the password.
• Manual Configuration: You must manually add each device’s MAC address to your router’s settings to allow it access.
• Increased Security: SSID filtering adds a layer of security, making it more difficult for unwanted users to access your network.

Reach Out for Help to Secure Your Website!

If you are a website owner fearing cyber attacks, contact Site Architects. Our web maintenance services can help your website stand tall in technology. 

People Also Ask!

What Keeps a Website Secure?

Secure websites use HTTPS, which encrypts data transferred between your browser and the website. Thanks to this encryption, outsiders are less likely to intercept your information.

Which security protocol is likely to be used for securing a website?

The most common security protocol used for securing websites is SSL/TLS. This protocol encrypts data and ensures your website connection is secure.

What are two ways that you know the website is secure?

You know a website is secure if the URL starts with “https://” and if there is a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar. These indicators show that the website is using encryption to protect your data.