Website Security Hints & Tips for Artists
For the last two months, a random hacker has been trying to gain access to this website, the main website for my art updates. I have to say, it’s more than a bit upsetting when you see something you put so much effort into under attack.
So, I just wanted to do a quick post that might help some other artists and small, independent business owners out there protect their websites.
Our websites are our lifeline, a way to post our artwork, to stay in touch with our fans and customers, and to keep our business alive. So keeping this in mind, website security should be high on our list of priorities.
Luckily, I used to work in the tech industry as a web designer and developer so I already have some website security measures in place, but this doesn’t seem to be deterring this particular individual from trying to break into my site. Although, so far, they haven’t succeeded in gaining access, and their attempts have just made me that bit more vigilant about my site security.
The attacks on my website happen every one or two weeks, and usually last 2 to 3 days. They’re currently IP hopping, which means that they attack from one IP address until that one is blocked, and then they start attacking from another IP address.
IP addresses are locations of computers and servers on the web. In the same way we use house numbers, and street addresses, computers use IP addresses to pinpoint their location in the world geographically and on particular networks. Also, some of the IP addresses these guys use to hide themselves behind are actually hacked servers and computer systems, etc. It’s very difficult to track them, so it’s important to block the origin of each new attack as quickly as possible.
When I worked in web development I wasn’t a site security specialist but I did pick up enough to get by in terms of looking after my site.
But it’s important to remember, no site is un-hackable if the attacker is determined enough.
For anyone out there running a WordPress website and looking to try to protect it from unwanted hacking attempts, especially brute force attacks, there are a few things you can try:
Website Security Hints & Tips for Artists
First, and most important, use strong usernames and passwords that use a combination of letters (uppercase & lowercase), numbers and symbols. The more random the better! And avoid including real words that can be found in the dictionary
Use a plugin to manage the number of login attempts and lockouts, something like Loginizer or Login Lockdown are great.
Keep an eye on your WordPress activity logs. These can alert you to any suspicious activity on your website.
Schedule regular, automatic backups of your website.
Why use these? Well, if somebody repeatedly tries to login with the incorrect username and password, it will lock them out after a specified number of failed attempts.
The number of failed attempts and the duration of the lockouts can be determined by you. I recommend keeping the number of allowed login attempts to a minimum. Beware though, if you’re like me, and a little bit clumsy with the ol’ keyboard you may find yourself locked out on occasion =D.
But it’s worth it to know that at least part of your security measures will work against unwanted intruders. These plugins will notify you if somebody is persistently trying to gain access to your website without your knowledge.
Disclaimer: Please seek professional advice before implementing any website changes. The opinions expressed here are my own and based on my own experience, I am not a web security specialist. I accept no responsibility for any website other than my own.
Unfortunately, I can’t offer one-to-one advice on this so in the long-term it’s best to consult an expert about the security of your website, or hire a company to manage security on a weekly or monthly basis. This takes the pressure off you and removes the need for you to become an expert in online security, after all, your focus should be on your art business.
Dealing with the issue prior to, or during an hacker attack, is always better than picking up the pieces afterwards.
I hope this has helped a little!
Art, Illustration & Photography © Sarah M Wall 2016. All rights reserved by the artist.
Visit my Redbubble store for Dragon, Fantasy and Pop Surrealism Art Prints, Gifts and Goodies >>
You’ll find more of my Handmade Goth, Kawaii & Steampunk creations at my Etsy Store >>
For Private Art / Painting / Design Commissions, Commercial Illustration & Image Licensing enquiries please email with an outline of your project and requirements:
Follow Me On Instagram @TheArtofSarahMWall
© Sarah M Wall. All rights reserved by the artist.
