Pure HTML or PHP Based Websites
The beauty of a Pure HTML website is that it is not hackable. Hackers can only change their own copies of the site and thus cannot hack my website through any HTML weakness since the code is downloaded to the viewers computer. HTML cannot write files to the server nor can it change existing files.
It is possible to turn on PHP functionality for HTML documents at which point the HTML documents become just as vulnerable to attack as a PHP based website.
PHP, if not written correctly can create weakness in the website where a hacker can do incredible damage or only minor damage according to the mindset of the hacker.
Web Site Security
WordPress, Joomla, plugins or components and other PHP Scripts can have weakness that will make it possible to hack a site. When a weakness is discovered the developer of that script will release an update to fix the PHP weakness and then publish a release notices to indicate the threat level or other recommendations about updating to the newest version of their script. This is why it is ALWAYS Recommended to upgrade your scripts as soon as an update becomes available.
As a web-designer often times I find that people run with very old scripts and then wonder why they were attacked, or who would want to hack me, my site is a low traffic site with no importance to anyone. Having old and out-dated scripts on your account is like placing a stack of thousand dollar bills on the table and then leaving it unwatched in an unlocked home with a sign on the front door that says Free Money, come on in.
If you want to reduce the risk of getting hacked then you need to reduce the footprint of where you can get hacked. Uninstall plugins or themes that you are not using. Always Update to the latest version of any script, component, plugin or theme.
Backups
Why would you put so much work into your website and then trust an automatic backup system to hold your site backups. To be wise you should create a backup of your website, data and database and then download that backup for future use.
If you value your content on your website then back it up and back it up often. Just think how much data could be lost if, you do not have a good backup. This will help you to understand how often you should do your own system backup and then you should store that backup offline where it is secure from any hackers or some other unforeseen condition on the server.
Never Trust a Backup
Is it enough to simply backup your data and then put it away thinking all is good? No!
You need to verify the backup if you just download your backup but never check it to make sure it is complete then you may someday be sorely surprised by an incomplete backup. It can happen and does from time to time.
If you download your backups for offline storage and then also test your backups. When the time comes for you to restore that backup you will know that you have something that will work. And that you can restore to get your site back up and running in case something goes wrong.
It may be a good idea to have more than one backup copy. Your own system backups can get corrupted, damaged or lost. I have a backup on my Hard Drive, USB and RW-DVD. You will need to determine the best practices and methods you need to store backups of your websites.
Summary
Learn the importance of a having good backup. Keep your websites up to date to avoid being hacked and uninstall scripts, plugins, components that are not in use. Always backup and update your site as needed.
About The Author
I have been doing web design for many years now. As a web designer I build websites using HTML, JavaScript and CSS or by using a PHP based site such as Joomla or WordPress. I customize existing themes or create my own.
My Web Design site can be found by going to: BooneWebMaster.com
