Security by Design: Web Development Best Practices
Security by Design: Web Development Best Practices
Cybersecurity is no longer just a concern for large corporations—small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are prime targets for attacks due to weaker security setups. A single breach can result in lost data, reputational damage, and compliance fines. That’s why adopting a “security by design” approach—building protections into your website from the ground up—is essential.
Here are the best practices SMBs should follow to safeguard their websites and customer trust.
SSL Certificates and HSTS Implementation
The first line of defense is HTTPS encryption. An SSL certificate ensures data transferred between your website and visitors is secure. Google also uses HTTPS as a ranking factor, making it critical for both security and SEO.
Beyond SSL, implementing HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) prevents browsers from ever connecting to your site via unsecured HTTP, reducing the risk of man-in-the-middle attacks.
Role-Based Access Controls for Admins
Not every team member needs full administrative access. By using role-based access controls (RBAC), you can:
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Limit permissions to only what’s necessary
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Prevent accidental misconfigurations
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Reduce the attack surface if credentials are compromised
For example, marketing staff may need content editing rights but not server access.
Preventing Injection Attacks and Cross-Site Scripting
Two of the most common website vulnerabilities are:
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Injection attacks (SQL injection) – where attackers manipulate database queries.
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Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) – where malicious scripts are injected into webpages.
Preventing these requires:
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Validating and sanitising all user input
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Using parameterised queries
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Employing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) for extra protection
Secure coding practices dramatically reduce these risks.
Secure User Authentication Methods (2FA, OAuth)
Weak passwords remain a major security issue. Strengthen login systems with:
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Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – adds an extra layer of identity verification.
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OAuth – allows secure logins through trusted providers like Google or Microsoft.
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Password hashing – ensures credentials are stored securely in case of a breach.
These measures protect both your team and your customers from unauthorised access.
Regular Backups and Disaster Recovery Plans
Even the most secure sites need a disaster recovery plan. Regular, automated backups ensure you can restore your site quickly in case of:
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Cyberattacks
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Server failures
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Accidental data loss
SMBs should store backups in multiple locations (local + cloud) and test recovery processes regularly.
Why Security by Design Matters for SMBs
Security should never be an afterthought. By embedding protections into your website from the start, you reduce risk, improve compliance, and build customer trust.
At Bottrell Media, we design and develop websites with security at the core, combining performance, SEO, and protection to help SMBs grow safely online.
👉 Book a free website security audit today and see how secure your site really is.
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