In today's world, website security is one of the essential aspects of contending with your online business demands. Even though top-rated web hosting services have invested in high-end security measures of all types, it was not always the case. Website security had to evolve, and with the invention of the internet, viruses and security threats in the online world were born. Here is a look at the evolution of website security, so you can see how far we have come to protect online identities throughout the world.
Where it All Began
Every solution starts with a problem that needs to be solved. With website security, the need for antivirus technology began with a virus that was not malicious in any way but did prove that website security was going to be essential. Initially, the Creeper, as it was known, would show up and tout, "Catch me if you can." It was initiated by Bob Thomas from BBN Technologies and was designed to help computer programmers begin protecting online accounts. The answer to the Creeper was called the Reaper, which was another virus that systematically moved across the internet to delete the Creeper. These initial tests performed in the early 90s proved the necessity of active antivirus software.
The First Antivirus Launched
The year was 1991 when Norton Antivirus was first released. This incredible virus protection program was the original and is still used today. Although Norton became the standard in America, other notable security programs popped up worldwide, including Spider Web and AVG. These first website security options were primitive, following how interactive and intuitive the programing was, but that was all about to change when the next generation of security options emerged.
The Inclusion of Artificial Intelligence
The first instance of Artificial Intelligence or AI came from a magazine article in the 1950s. John McCarthy, a philosopher, published an article about what the potential of this technology could do. Throughout the following generations, various attempts and discussions about AI continued. Still, it was not until the inaction of IBM's Deep Blue in 1997 that AI became a possibility for the everyday man or computer. Deep Blue was the program that beat a Russian Chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov.
Following the achievement of Deep Blue, behavioural detection programs were introduced that utilized Artificial Intelligence technologies. They tracked behaviours within computers to detect and eliminate potential threats. Among these first types of website security measures was Panda Security, launched in 2007. It featured Threat Intelligence which utilized AI technology to assist in threat detection and elimination.
Evolution Continues
Naturally, website security is an evolutionary entity. As more security threats came to light, more intensive measures were necessary to counteract the growing threats. Hackers are not backing down, so those protecting sites must achieve even more intensive options for WordPress and hosting sites to provide to customers. Including firewalls, individualized account security management tools, and regular OS updates helps keep hackers at bay and your information safe.
What About Wi-Fi and Mobile Technology
The need for cyber security is intense enough for standard websites. Still, when you combine the fact that most of our interactions these days are through Wi-Fi and mobile technology, the potential for security threats is naturally intensified. We take our smartphones and mobile devices everywhere with us, and each network they interact with can affect the overall security of that device and our valued private information. It makes us wonder what we can do as cyber security continues to be necessary, but there are ways to protect your information:
- Strong Passwords
- Behavioural Trackers on Websites
- Background Guards To Protect Customers
- Backup Preventative Measures
- Firewalls and Cross-Site Scripting
- Multiple Authentication Methods
All of these cyber security measures should be in place on your site if you intend to maintain your customers' safety. Having the fastest shared hosting WordPress site might entice many new visitors. Still, if it lacks available security measures, you could potentially be causing harm to your customers without even knowing it.
The world of cyber security is an important one. It must be taken seriously by every online website. The key to investing in your website's security measures is finding affordable WordPress hosting that allows you to invest in optimal security measures. Your business can undoubtedly thrive, but all it takes is one lone wolf getting through the back door of your website security to make confidence in your site plummet. You can lose customers, and potentially, your entire business when website security is not in order, so take some advice from someone who has seen the evolutionary need for website security and invest in the best security measures available to your website.