In today’s digital-first environment, website security is no longer just an IT issue, it’s a business-critical responsibility.

For Singapore SMEs, even a few hours of website downtime or a minor data breach can result in lost revenue, broken trust, and potential legal trouble. But who’s responsible when your site gets hacked? What does website maintenance actually cover? And how do you stay compliant with PDPA?

This guide breaks down everything you need to know in simple language, no technical jargon, no scare tactics. Just practical, real-world advice from our Managing Director, Henry Ng.

Why Website Security Matters for Singapore SMEs?

Many business owners think cybersecurity is only for large corporations. But in reality, SMEs are prime targets for cyberattacks because they often lack strong protection.

Here’s what’s at stake:

Customer data (names, emails, phone numbers)
Online payment information
Brand reputation and SEO rankings
Legal compliance with Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA)

In short, poor website security can hurt your business from every angle financially, legally, and reputationally. If you’re unsure where to start, here are things you should know about website security to help you stay protected.

Who’s Responsible If My Website Gets Hacked?

Think of your website like a rented office space.

Your web hosting provider (e.g., Vodien, SiteGround) is like a landlord responsible for the infrastructure, not your belongings. They offer server-level security, but they won’t clean up malware from your individual website.

Your web agency (like Verz Design) may offer backup or maintenance plans, but if you’re not on a retainer, you might be on your own.

Ultimately, the business owner is responsible for:

Keeping software/plugins updated
Using secure credentials
Backing up the site regularly
Choosing the right vendors for upkeep

Do I Need to Change The Default Passwords?

Absolutely and here’s why.

Once a project is handed over, you should treat the website like your own home. Just like you’d change the locks after a contractor finishes renovations, you should reset the passwords, even if they’re complex.

Avoid common mistakes like:

Using easy-to-guess passwords (e.g., your mobile number)
Sharing cPanel credentials with all staff (most employees only need CMS access)
Storing passwords without protection

Instead, store complex passwords (with letters, numbers, and symbols) securely in a password-protected file or password manager. Since cPanel and CMS logins aren’t needed daily, there’s no excuse to compromise on password security. Yes, it’s a tedious task to store complex passwords, but imagine the amount of efforts required should the website be compromised.

8 Must-Have Website Security Best Practices

Website security is no longer optional, it’s essential. Whether you’re running a small business site or managing an e-commerce platform, protecting your website from hackers, data breaches, and downtime is critical. Below are 8 practical and highly recommended website security best practices every site owner should follow.

1. Install SSL Certificates

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encrypts the data shared between your users and your website such as enquiry form details or login credentials. Without it, browsers may display a “Not Secure” warning, which can hurt both user trust and your Google rankings. If you’re unsure about its importance, here’s a simple breakdown of why you need an SSL certificate and how it protects your site.

2. Change Default Passwords After Handover

Once your website goes live, reset all default credentials including CMS, cPanel, FTP, or admin dashboards.

Why? Developers often use temporary passwords during setup. If these aren’t changed, anyone with that access could still log in even after the project is completed. Treat your website like your home: always change the locks after renovations.

3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Using passwords like your mobile number or “admin123” makes it dangerously easy for hackers or bots to guess your login. A strong password should be:

At least 12 characters
Include a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Use a password manager (like Bitwarden or LastPass) to store them securely. Don’t rely on browser auto-save or unencrypted Excel files.

4. Limit Access Permissions

Not every employee needs full access to your website backend. Give your staff only the permissions they need whether it’s viewing reports, updating content, or processing orders.

This reduces the risk of accidental changes, plugin deletions, or malicious actions (especially from ex-staff or freelancers).

5. Backup Your Website Weekly

Backups are your lifeline. If your website ever crashes, gets hacked, or you lose data, a backup allows you to restore it quickly with minimal downtime.

Automate weekly backups using plugins (e.g., UpdraftPlus, JetBackup) or ask your agency to set this up. Don’t assume your host or agency is doing it unless it’s in your agreement.

6. Keep All Plugins, Themes & CMS Up-to-Date

This is the most common reason websites get hacked. Outdated plugins and themes often contain security holes that hackers actively scan for.

Schedule a routine monthly check (or opt for a website maintenance plan) to ensure all components are updated especially if you use WordPress, Joomla, or Magento.

7. Use Secure Devices Only

Avoid logging into your website from public computers (e.g., in cafés, libraries, or airport lounges). Malware or keyloggers on those machines can steal your credentials without you knowing.

Even on your own device, use anti-virus and anti-malware software, especially if you manage your site regularly.

8. Install Security Plugins or a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

Think of these as your website’s personal bodyguard.

Tools like Sucuri, Wordfence, or Cloudflare WAF help detect suspicious activity, block brute-force attacks, and add real-time protection.

Bonus: Many WAFs also improve site performance with built-in CDN (Content Delivery Network) support.

What Are Some Other Security Tips?

Yes, plenty. Here are quick but critical best practices:

Security tips for website security

PDPA Compliance: What Every Website Owner Must Know

If your website collects any form of personal data including contact forms, newsletter sign-ups, or payment details you’re subject to Singapore’s PDPA (Personal Data Protection Act).

To stay compliant:

Install an SSL certificate (mandatory)
Avoid collecting unnecessary data (e.g., NRIC numbers)
Limit data access to authorised personnel
Regularly update your website and plugins
Use secure storage or encryption for collected data

Need help staying compliant? Read our PDPA website maintenance guide.

What is Malware & Why Should You Care?

Malware is any malicious software that infects your site, usually through outdated code or poor security practices.

Malware can:

Steal customer data (e.g., credit card info)
Redirect your visitors to scam or phishing sites
Cause Google to de-index or blacklist your site
Trigger investigations by the Singapore Police or PDPC

The longer you ignore malware, the worse the consequences including total suspension of your site by your host.

Why Hackers Target SMEs?

Contrary to popular belief, hackers don’t just go after big brands. In fact, 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses.

Most attacks are automated bots scanning the internet for websites with outdated code, weak passwords, or missing firewalls. If your site has vulnerabilities, you will eventually be found.

How to Choose a Website Security & Maintenance Partner?

Not all web agencies provide the same level of post-launch support. When choosing a partner, look for:

Transparent backup schedules
Clear responsibilities outlined in contracts
Experience with malware recovery and PDPA compliance
Singapore-based support for faster turnaround

At Verz Design, we’ve helped hundreds of SMEs stay protected, recover from malware attacks, and optimise their sites for long-term performance.

Final Thoughts

In today’s digital landscape, treating website maintenance as an afterthought can put your entire business at risk. Security threats, outdated plugins, PDPA compliance, and performance issues won’t wait and by the time a breach happens, it may already be too late.

Think of your website like your physical storefront. Would you leave the doors unlocked, the lights off, and no one watching? A neglected site is vulnerable, not just to hackers, but to missed opportunities, lost revenue, and reputational damage.

At Verz Design, we believe your website deserves the same care as any mission-critical asset. With the right protection and proactive maintenance, you can secure your online presence, ensure compliance, and build long-term digital trust.

Not sure if your current site is protected? Feel free to contact us for a quick, no-obligation assessment. We’ll help you identify vulnerabilities and create a maintenance plan that keeps your site secure, fast, and future-ready.