Are Website Owners Liable for Being Hacked? Understanding Your Responsibilities and Risks
This question is frequently raised by website owners, law enforcement agencies, ISPs, hosting providers, and countless others in the digital ecosystem. How much responsibility does a website owner truly bear if their site is compromised? Fortunately, as of 2016, there has not been a single conviction or lawsuit against a site owner solely for being hacked. However, this does not mean there are no repercussions.
ISP Policies and Security Investigations
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have stringent policies for handling hacked websites. In most cases, an investigation is required before a compromised site can be brought back online. These investigations are generally swift—typically resolved within 48 hours—provided that the necessary information is submitted. This includes details on how the breach occurred and what corrective measures were implemented to secure the vulnerability.
WordPress: The Most Common Target
The majority of hacked websites are built on WordPress. This platform uses PHP, a dynamic scripting language that allows external code to modify page content. WordPress regularly releases updates to enhance security, typically every few months. Ensuring your WordPress installation is up-to-date, along with using safe plugins and templates, significantly reduces your risk.
If you use our easy-to-navigate App Installer in cPanel, WordPress will be automatically updated, eliminating the need to manually check for updates and enhancing your site’s security. For those who install WordPress manually, auto-update plugins are available for added protection.
What to Do If Your Website Is Compromised
If your site is hacked, the most effective approach is to completely remove the website and rebuild it—avoiding any reuse of PHP files from the previous version. This is critical because hackers often leave backdoors within PHP files, allowing them to regain access even after an initial cleanup. You can safely reuse your database and media files, such as images and videos, but be cautious when re-adding folders. Media folders, in particular, are common targets for hidden malicious scripts.
Building a Hack-Proof Website: The HTML Advantage
For maximum security, consider building your website with HTML5 and JavaScript. These technologies are robust enough to meet almost any web application requirement without the vulnerabilities associated with PHP. HTML-based websites are inherently less susceptible to hacking attempts, making them an excellent choice for high-security needs.
Website Security Checklist for Website Owners
Prevent hackers from editing files directly from your WordPress dashboard by disabling the editor.
Regular Software Updates
Ensure your CMS (WordPress, Joomla, etc.), plugins, and themes are always up-to-date.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Create complex passwords for all logins (admin panel, hosting, database) and update them regularly.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Add an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification.
Install an SSL Certificate
Encrypt data transferred between your site and its users.
Limit Login Attempts
Prevent brute force attacks by restricting the number of failed login attempts.
Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
Protect your site from malicious traffic and common threats.
Backup Your Website Regularly
Schedule automated backups daily, and store copies offsite for recovery.
Scan for Malware and Vulnerabilities
Perform regular security scans to detect malicious code or vulnerabilities.
Remove Unused Plugins and Themes
Deactivate and delete any unnecessary plugins or outdated themes.
Secure File Permissions
Set proper file permissions (e.g., 644 for files and 755 for directories) to restrict unauthorized access.
Disable Directory Browsing
Prevent hackers from viewing your website’s directory structure.
Monitor Website Activity Logs
Track user logins, failed login attempts, and changes to files.
Change Default Login URLs
Rename the default admin login path (e.g., /wp-admin or /administrator).
Secure Your Database
Use complex database names and prefixes to avoid SQL injection attacks.
Deactivate File Editing from Dashboard
Prevent hackers from editing files directly from your WordPress dashboard by disabling the editor.