Most attacks on small business websites are not targeted. Automated tools look for outdated software, weak passwords and forgotten access. These five checks reduce that exposure.
1. Updates
Check that the content management system, plugins and themes are on supported versions. Remove the ones you do not use: inactive code can still be exploited.
2. Access
List who has administrator access to the website, hosting and domain. Remove former employees and providers, use unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication where it is available.
3. Backups
A backup is only useful if it can be restored. Confirm how often copies are made, where they are stored and when a restore was last tested.
4. HTTPS and forms
The whole site should load over HTTPS. Contact and booking forms should include protection against spam and should not send personal data by unencrypted email.
5. Monitoring
Set up alerts for downtime and unexpected changes. Detecting a problem early limits the damage and the cost of fixing it.
None of these checks makes a site completely secure, but together they close the most common entry points. Any deeper security test should be carried out only with written authorization.