Website security is not a one-time feature. It is a set of continuing responsibilities shared between the business owner, the website provider and any services connected to the site.
For a Muslim entrepreneur, protecting customer information and access to business systems is part of running the operation responsibly. No checklist can make a website breach-proof, but clear controls can reduce avoidable risk and improve recovery.
Begin with responsibility, not jargon
Write down who is responsible for:
- renewing the domain;
- maintaining the website software;
- installing security updates;
- backing up the website and testing recovery;
- controlling administrator accounts;
- responding if the website or email account is compromised.
If a provider says security is included, ask what that means in practice and what remains your responsibility.
Protect the accounts around the website
An attacker may not need to break the website if they can take over the email account used to reset its password. Use unique passwords and multi-factor authentication where available, especially for email, domain, hosting and website administration.
Remove accounts when staff or suppliers no longer need them. Avoid sharing one administrator login between several people because it makes access harder to control and review.
Keep software and devices updated
Website software, plugins, themes, connected services and the devices used to manage them all need updates. The UK National Cyber Security Centre includes software updates and malware protection in its small-organisation cyber security guidance (opens in a new tab).
Ask your website provider whether updates are automatic, tested or manually reviewed, and how urgent security fixes are handled.
Use backups you can restore
A backup is useful only if it is recent, protected and recoverable. Clarify:
- how often backups are created;
- how long they are kept;
- whether a failed site can be restored;
- whether backups are separated from the live system;
- who requests and approves a restoration.
The NCSC recommends backups as one of the core actions for small organisations. The appropriate schedule depends on how often your website changes and how much data it processes.
Reduce the information you collect
Every unnecessary form field creates more information to protect. Ask only for details needed to answer the enquiry or provide the service. Avoid sending sensitive personal information through ordinary contact forms unless there is a justified process designed for it.
Review old submissions and decide how long they are genuinely needed. Data protection and cyber security overlap: information you no longer hold cannot be exposed from that system.
Prepare for phishing and supplier impersonation
Website owners are often targeted through messages about domain expiry, invoices, password resets or urgent technical problems. Confirm unexpected requests through a known contact method before paying or granting access.
The NCSC’s guidance includes practical advice on recognising and responding to phishing. Make sure anyone who can access the website or business email knows how to report a suspicious message.
A simple launch and monthly checklist
Before launch
- Turn on multi-factor authentication where available.
- Give each person their own account.
- Confirm updates, backups and recovery responsibilities in writing.
- Remove test accounts and unnecessary form fields.
- Record the correct contact for a security incident.
Each month
- Review administrator access.
- Check that updates and backups have completed.
- Test important forms and payment or booking journeys.
- Review new third-party services and scripts.
- Investigate unexpected domain, hosting or login messages.
Official sources and free tools
- Small organisations: cyber security guidance — NCSC (opens in a new tab)
- Advice for small and medium-sized organisations — NCSC (opens in a new tab)
- Cyber Action Toolkit — NCSC (opens in a new tab)
These resources provide general guidance. Your risks and legal duties depend on the systems, information and services your business uses.