As per statistics, the three most commonly infected CMS platforms are WordPress, Joomla, and Magento.
While Joomla powers only 2.8% of all websites online and maintains a 4.9% market share as of September 16th, 2019, it still amounts to a lot of sites. And moreover, Joomla is the second most used CMS after WordPress.
With such a massive use, it's imperative to keep your Joomla website secure from third-party threats.
Now coming to keeping your Joomla website secure, there are many measures that you can undertake.
You can buy SSL certificateand install it, upgrade your Joomla core and extensions, use a strong password, protect your Joomla administration URL, and enable multi-factor authentication, among other security measures.
This article will take you through all the five security measures to help keep your Joomla website secure.
Let's get started!
1.Buy SSL Certificate
More than one-half (51.8 percent) of the one million most visited websites across the world now actively redirect to HTTPS.
Though gradually, there is growth in the use of HTTPS.
And why not?
It is the backbone of a secure internet, and it protects your information as it travels across the world's computer networks. It provides privacy, critical security, and data integrity for both your site's and your user's information.
Browsers like Chrome now mark your site as unsecured if you are still using HTTP.
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In May 2019, 84.2% of pages loadedin Chrome, on all platforms, are over HTTPS. And more than 95% of the browsing time on Chromeis spent on HTTPS pages.
You might also be interested to know that in a study conducted by Venafi, 43% of users abandoned sites as they encountered security alert messages.
And of course, Google and other search engines are willing to rank your site higher if your site is secure. That's one more reason to buy an SSL certificate.
2.Upgrade your Joomla core & extensions
If you are using outdated software, you are exposing your website to risk. It is not that hard to upgrade to the latest version of Joomla if you are upgrading within the same major version you are using.
To upgrade within the same major version, access your administrative area at http://yourdomain.com/administrator. In case there is a new version available, a notification will pop up on the dashboard. Click on the Update now button to proceed.
Next, you will be redirected to the Joomla update page. Click on the Install the update button.
Your Joomla website is upgraded to the latest version!
To migrate from Joomla 2.5 to Joomla 3, log in to your administrative area and go to http://yoursite.com/administrator/index.php?option=com_joomlaupdate.
You'll be directed to the Joomla Update page. Switch to short-term release settings for the update server by clicking on the Options button.
A pop-up will appear. Click on the drop-down menu next to the Update Server label and select Short Term Support. You can now click on the" Save & Close" option.
When you switch to the short-term version update server, the host will detect an available update. Next, press the Install the Update button.
Your site has now been successfully migrated!
3.Use Strong Passwords
Never keep the default adminusername and password after the website installation. Ensure to set up a strong password so that the bad guys can't guess their way in using a list of most commonly used passwords.
Come up with a long, complicated password and store it safely in a password manager such as LastPass, 1Password, or Sticky Password.
4.Protect your Joomla administration URL
Your site's protection can be greatly improved by restricting access to your administrator area. You can replace the URL of the login page or protect your admin panel with a strong password.
On top of that, you can easily change the login page URL using extensions like Admin tools, RSFirewall.
Again, you can also protect your administrator page by locking it with a secure password. Go to your cPanel's "main page" and add password protection to your admin page.
When you set up a password, you will have to provide the password every time you access your admin page.
Moreover, you can limit users by using their IP to access the admin page. To proceed, go to the .htaccess file and change x.x.x.x with your IP address, and save it. Only the users with allowed IP addresses can access the Administrator page.
'Deny from ALL'
'Allow from x.x.x.x'
If your internet service is offering you a dynamic IP, you will have to modify the .htaccess file each time your IP changes.
5.Enable multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security. When you use this feature, you will have to verify your identity as you log into accounts. You may receive a 6-digit code via email or text, or you will have to use a time-based authentication app.
2FA (two-factor authentication) is a popular multi-factor authentication method. You will have to use Joomla 3.2.0 or higher to benefit from the 2FA feature.
To enable 2FA in Joomla, login to your Administrator Panel and navigate to Components, then Post-Installation Messages. Click on Enable two-factor authentication to take you to your user profile page.
You can now install a Google Authenticator client for your device. Next, scan the QR Code with your phone using Google Authenticator Retreat to Activate Two-Factor Authenticator field and enter the six-digit code shown on your phone and click on the "Save & Close."
In case you don't have the Post-Installation Messages, go directly to your user profile page and find the Two-factor Authentication tab to continue the process.
Wrap-Up
The global cybercrime damages are predicted to cost up to $6 trillion yearly by 2021. If you don't want to be a victim, take in the right information and act on it quickly.
Buy an SSL certificate and install to provide tight security to your Joomla website and follow it up by upgrading your site and extensions, generating strong passwords, safeguarding your URL, and enabling two-factor authentication.
However, note that these are not the only measures. By following these steps, you only drop your chances of being hacked.
Keep yourself updated on the latest security measures. Also, check out the Joomla security guide.