Protect user data: security and privacy on websites

Your website is not just a digital shop window, but a space where users share sensitive information such as emails, phone numbers, passwords and payment methods. That is why security and privacy must be a priority: overlooking them could undermine public trust and put your reputation at risk. Let’s find out together how to protect your users’ data and provide them with a safe and trustworthy experience.

When surfing the Internet, you often hear or read the acronym “HTTPS”. These letters stand for “Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure”, in simpler words it is a protection measure that is applied to websites.

Think of HTTPS as a secure way to transport data from your browser to a website. Without this protection, anyone could access the information you send, such as passwords or credit card data.

The acronym “SLL”, on the other hand, stands for “Secure Sockets Layer” and it is the standard technology that encrypts the data you send to your site and browser, i.e. the system that manages user data and guarantees privacy and security. This certificate is like a guarantee seal that makes the data unreadable for anyone trying to intercept it.

When the user reads “HTTPS” in front of your site’s domain, he will be assured that he is surfing on a secure and protected page.

#1. Collect only the data you need
Asking users for too much data, besides being annoying, is very risky.
Collecting less information reduces the risk of exposure to attacks. In addition, it is essential to ensure transparency: the user must know what data you collect and how you use it, complying with privacy regulations and the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).

#2. Protect data with strong passwords and two-factor authentication
If your site has restricted areas, set strong password policies and, if possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This way you add an extra layer of security and reduce the risk of unauthorised access.

#3. Keep your site updated
Web miscreants love to exploit security holes in software. By regularly updating your CMS (Content Management System), plugins and all tools used on your site, you can contain hypothetical platform vulnerabilities.

#4. Firewall and protection from attacks
A web application firewall helps block any attacks before they reach the server. In addition, anti-DDoS protection tools prevent malicious overloads that could put your site in trouble.

#5. Cookies and clear privacy policies
Cookies are everywhere, but users must have control over them. Remember to add the banner that allows them to choose which cookies to accept and write a clear and readable privacy policy without technicalities.

A safe site is a trustworthy site. Protecting user data is not only about complying with laws, but also about building trust and offering a worry-free online experience. Investing in security is not a cost, but an added value for your brand. Are you ready to make your site more secure? The first step starts now!