Security Tips for Custom CMS Development

Crafting a unique content management system from scratch is called custom CMS. And, you might think it is an adventurous matter to delve into. However, have you ever wondered what could happen if the security is broken? Well, today it is indeed one of the biggest concerns globally.

Understanding the potential risk factors regarding custom CMS is always wise to prevent a potential safety breach. We recommend reading this article to realize how applying these Security Tips for Custom CMS Development can save you from future cyber threats.

Know the Potential Security Threats on Your Custom CMS 

If you are planning to use a custom CMS or have been using it for a while, you should keep in mind that global hackers are actively trying to trap web users on their vile mazes. Therefore, understanding the basic types of security threats will keep your site safe from possible infiltrations by online intruders. Below are some significant types of threats for custom CMS:  

Ransomware and Malware

A ransomware program seizes control during a cyberattack and encrypts the target's data. The data is then unreachable until the innocent party pays the demanded ransom. In more severe circumstances, the ransomware may remove the protected data for good once the payment deadline has passed.

On the other hand, malware attacks are carried out by hackers who secretly activate vicious software without the site owner’s authorization. These hacks are efficient enough to exploit the vulnerabilities in your software framework. Therefore, they can access system resources, steal information, or use your server as a jumping-off point for more significant breaches.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

You may already know that CMSs are vulnerable to XSS attacks. It’s because of their nature of being collections of pages. Moreover, the CMS front-end websites with the highest traffic are frequently the targets of evil hackers.

XSS is a type of injection attack that includes malicious codes. It can create compromised pages on targeted CMS websites with those harmful codes. After the hacker's initial ambush, the evil server attacks your custom CMS. It then causes damage to your site’s server and apps when it processes the malicious content masked in this data.   

SQL Injection Attacks

Your custom CMS may face another kind of attack, which will likely originate from SQL queries. Here, SQL injection can badly modify the CMS front end. More precisely, the attackers insert the malicious SQL queries into the user text-accepting portions.    

Brute Force Attacks

Another significant attack is called the Brute Force Attack, which usually happens inside the user accounts and CMS login pages.

Here, the hackers perform ‘hit & trial’ technique, generating millions of fake usernames & passwords. They keep doing this trick if they find the matched combination of those two pieces of information from millions of global users. Nowadays, some modified brute force attacks can also be seen globally and these could be credential stuffing, dictionary attacks, simple brute force attacks, and many more.

Some Proven & Effective Security Tips for Custom CMS Development

Now, we will show how to avoid security breaches in your custom CMS development process. Here are some proven points from our experience:

Regular Update

Updating the custom CMS on a routine basis will ensure security and close the gaps between various loopholes on websites. These small yet practical tips play a fatal role in making any vulnerable site less prone to cyberattacks. 

We recommend updating your site manually, as the CMS can be effectively inspected whenever a new version is released. You should ensure the new version is compatible with your apps and procedures. Then, you can test it in a test environment, guaranteeing that the user experience on your live website is unaffected by the recently released version. 

Strong Authentication

Apart from routine upgradation, your CMS should also retain stronger authentication procedures to keep it safe from potential cyber dangers. At this point, we recommend establishing a multiple-factor authentication system for your users on your website. This will enable them more secure access and less vulnerability to viruses.    

Genuine Plugin & Theme

While choosing various plugins and themes, you should be more rational and need to avoid concentrating on marketing gimmicks. Doing this will give you an edge over your competitors as you will be less susceptible to potential security threats. As a result, you should select those plugins and themes that are reliable and offer dependability from popular developers.

Proper Monitoring & Auditing

While maintaining the custom CMS, you must understand how User Activity Monitoring (UAM) works. This should be considered a pivotal security point for properly monitoring and auditing user activities on the website. Some common uses of UAM are insider threat detection and reducing those threats accordingly. Moreover, realizing that UAM can assist with legitimately accidental errors and harmfully designed actions is critical. 

Routine Backup

Backing up your site’s valuable data will save you from multifaceted risks. Otherwise, you will face unprecedented cyberattacks aimed at your site’s user security and brand reputation. Various types of malware and ransomware are two of the most renowned and dangerous attacks nowadays. Here, the hackers use specialized encryption to detach your access from your own CMS and eventually set it off. As a result, our recommendation is to work closely with your hosting provider or get help from experts in this field for sound backup and regular maintenance.

Strong CMS Installation Process

Sometimes it becomes very tough for the custom CMS owners to maintain and secure their platform simultaneously. Therefore, we recommend establishing a sturdy installation procedure for your CMS to avoid those complications. Some effective ways to do it are:  

• Removing unnecessary plugins

• Create all files in read-only mode for the users

• Activating a firewall compatible with CMS

• Modify login page location

Safe Hosting Condition

A dedicated hosting server will give you an advantage over shared hosting providers. This activity can keep data aloof from threats, effectively keeping data and information safe from vulnerabilities and malfunctions. Another important aspect is securing the server and configuring specified activities for better optimization. 

Systematic Vulnerability Checking

Periodic vulnerability scans are crucial for stopping security breaches. They find and assess known vulnerabilities that put your systems, apps, and networks at risk of cyberattacks. Additionally, these scans must be performed often to detect any vulnerabilities within your website's security posture. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of these scanning actions hinges on how well the security teams regularly address the incursions they find.

Proper Use of CSP 

As you already know, cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks are among the most complicated in custom CMS. To prevent this attack, we recommend using a Content Security Policy (CSP) with your content’s meta tag. This will efficiently prevent your site from attacks originating from cross-site framing.

How Glossy IT Can Make Your Custom CMS More Secured?

If you still find the security tricks and tips a bit confusing, we recommend you seek expert and experienced help. At Glossy IT, our outstanding team of skilled technical professionals has been serving clients across the globe with greater reputations in this matter. No matter how far or complicated your issues are, our professional team is ready to provide you with the best possible service.

Feel free to contact us with any queries and assistance regarding Security Development on Your CMS.

In a nutshell, developing a custom CMS is always a better decision than using an off-the-shelf CMS to receive better user interactions and increase brand value. However, maintaining and securing the custom CMS could get harder if you don’t know how to deal with it. Therefore, it is wiser for you to remember the above tips for securing your website effectively. Otherwise, you should get help from specialists in this field as soon as possible.