My Website Security and Users

Keeping a website secure is vital to protect not only the owner, but also users who visit the site. A secure website makes it difficult for hackers to gain control over content or inject anything that makes the website part of a “zombie” network. It also builds trust in users/customers and allows them to feel more comfortable interacting with and performing business with the owner. Websites can be secured by using SSL, which encrypts and protects data between the user and the owner. A simple, yet foundational method of security is using strong passwords and limiting the access/editing potential to only what’s necessary for specific users. This cuts down on the amount of access points a hacker can try to get through. Another way is keeping WordPress and any plugins up to date to ensure things stay aligned for function and any security patches that release.

Useful user roles for my website are editor, contributor, and subscriber. Editor is a simple way for me to create and edit posts on my site from a secure account that decreases the potential damage of a hacker hijacking the account or editing foundational parts of the website (like plugins) that could cause performance or data loss issues. Contributor is useful if I have users who want to contribute ideas and tutorials to my site. It’s a great way to get new ideas and perspectives that can be filtered and added if deemed fit for Alume Studio’s mission. Subscriber is best for basic users who simply want to engage in conversation in comment sections and receive updates and news about website content in their email inbox. These three roles would expand the responsibility and engagement of others in my website while also ensuring security.