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 in Custom CMS Development

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 

In custom CMS development, ransomware attacks can seize control of your system by encrypting your data, rendering it inaccessible until a ransom is paid. In more severe cases, the data may be permanently deleted if the ransom deadline is missed. 

Similarly, malware attacks allow hackers to activate malicious software without the site owner's consent, exploiting vulnerabilities within your software framework. This enables them to access system resources, steal sensitive information, or use your server for further breaches, highlighting the need for robust security measures in custom CMS development.

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

In custom CMS development, Brute Force Attacks pose a serious threat, often targeting user accounts and CMS login pages. Hackers use the ‘hit & trial’ method, generating millions of fake usernames and passwords in hopes of finding a matching combination. Modern variations of brute force attacks, such as credential stuffing, dictionary attacks, and simple brute force methods, are also widespread. These attacks can compromise sensitive data. Also, they can implement strong security measures in custom CMS development to protect against such vulnerabilities in the future.

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 

In custom CMS development, beyond routine updates, implementing stronger authentication procedures is essential to protect your CMS from cyber threats. One recommended approach is setting up a multi-factor authentication (MFA) system for users on your website. This adds an extra layer of security, providing more secure access and reducing vulnerability to malware or viruses, ensuring your custom CMS remains safeguarded from potential cyber dangers.    

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. However, the effectiveness of these scans depends on how promptly and efficiently your security teams address the issues they uncover, ensuring your custom CMS development remains secure against potential threats.

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 Development Process 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 & custom CMS Development Services.

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.