Protecting Your Corporate Website as an Enterprise Risk Management Strategy

Organizations often view their websites as simple business cards that give customers information. Protecting your corporate website as an enterprise risk management strategy can keep your data, customers, sensitive information, and reputation safe.

Whether an organization is large or small, the client-facing website offers hackers easily exploitable vulnerabilities for ransomware or malware infections.

Why Would a Hacker Want to Exploit a Corporate Website?

Even seemingly harmless websites, such as those offering free knitting patterns, can be targeted by hackers. Small business websites are at risk because they are less likely to seem dangerous and may be operated by unsophisticated website owners. Attackers know these sites are less likely to trigger warnings from security services.

What Are Corporate Website Vulnerabilities?

Security vulnerabilities are weaknesses that allow an attacker to exploit your system’s safety. Most corporate websites have similar vulnerabilities. Understanding them is the first step in protection.

SQL Injections

Attackers use SQL injections to access or corrupt databases using exposed application elements, such as form fields or URLs. They can copy, change, or interact with information in the back-end database.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

This vulnerability hides code in the application’s output, often using client-facing scripts like JavaScript. As people visit the site, cookies can be sent to the malicious attacker.

Broken Authentication and Session Management

Any login requirement is a potential vulnerability. Attacks can keep logins from timing out or exploit session fixation, creating new sessions from stolen data.

Insecure Direct Object References

A direct object reference occurs when a URL or request links to other files, keys, or URLs. If an attacker changes the URL’s information, the user may download a malicious file, creating an access point to user data.

Security Misconfiguration

Default installation, permissions, and security settings can be exploited if not personalized. Change default passwords, disable unused accounts, and apply software patches regularly.

Cross-Site Request Forgery (XSRF)

Attackers exploit weaknesses in code to redirect traffic or manipulate user actions without consent. For example, code inserted into an image request can secretly pass information or execute actions like unauthorized purchases.

What Are the Ways to Improve Website Security?

No technique can ensure your website will always be hacker-free, but implementing preventative measures decreases susceptibility.

Update All Plugins and Software

Obsolete software and security issues are common causes of website hacks. Updates often include security improvements and vulnerability fixes. Check for updates regularly or use plugins that notify users of upgrades. Automated upgrades can also help.

Opt for a Secure Web Host

Research web hosting providers for security features such as SFTP, rootkit scanners, file backups, and regular security updates. Ensure your web hosting company meets your security needs.

Make a Website Backup

Effective backup solutions are essential for restoring your website after a security event. Store backups offsite to protect against viruses, hacking attempts, and hardware malfunctions.

Get a Web Application Firewall

A web application firewall (WAF) stands between the data connection and your website server, filtering out unwanted traffic and preventing hacking attempts.

Tighten Network Security

Engage security experts to perform audits and uncover vulnerabilities. Implement measures such as:

• ​Automatic logout after inactivity
• ​Regular password change alerts
• ​Malware scans for devices connecting to the network

Why Protecting Your Corporate Website as an Enterprise Risk Management Strategy Matters

Enterprise risk management (ERM) requires a holistic approach, including protecting visitors to your website. Corporate websites add value and impact your brand. A compromised website can lead to reputational damage and loss of revenue.

Building customer trust is essential. A single exploit can harm clients and potential customers, leading to negative reviews and financial loss. Organizations must recognize the value of website protection as part of ERM.

How Do You Incorporate Protecting Your Corporate Website as an Enterprise Risk Management Strategy?

Label your corporate website as a performance driver, determine your risk tolerance, and implement steps to mitigate risks in your risk management plan. Security breaches can damage company performance.

The number of hacked websites is increasing, making website security a critical risk within ERM strategies.

Monitoring Software

Regularly monitor software updates to protect against cyberattacks.

Parameterized Queries

Use parameterized queries to prevent attackers from easily accessing your database.

Content Security Policy

Configure a content security policy (CSP) to control the resources your user agent can load, such as specifying data transfers only from HTTPS websites.

Password Management

Ensure strong passwords for all client-facing aspects of your business to prevent security breaches.

HTTP

Use HTTPS and SSL certificates to encrypt data exchanges and protect sessions from hackers.

How Automation Can Track Your Corporate Website Protection and Strengthen Your ERM Strategy

After mitigating risks, continuously monitor your controls. Automated GRC platforms allow you to control and track reviews, set priorities, assign tasks, and monitor completion status. Automation provides visibility and streamlines compliance management.

Manage Risk with ZenGRC

Managing cybersecurity risk requires robust governance, risk management methodologies, and compliance solutions. ZenGRC assists in identifying risks, streamlining processes, and enabling efficient management of cyber risk, allowing you to focus on growing your business.