Deliver Your Web Site From Evil (Part 1)
by: T. O' Donnell
1. Backup your website on the server.
If you have more than one important web site, put them on different web hosts. Don't rely on your web host for backups.
Find two different hosts which allow SSH access. Get an account with each. FTP the backup of one site to the other server directly, and vice versa. Download copies to your home computer as well.
2. Put a file called 'index.html' in every major or important directory in your website, if it doesn't already have one.
This stops people trying to peek at other files in the same directory.
3. Do not use old versions of FormMail. Do not use scripts that are newly released, unless you know how to check for security holes.
They should filter input like # or >. Search on the terms 'Script Name bug' or 'Script Name security'.
4. Rename any email scripts you download before installing them.
Why give a spammer a clue as to what your script is, and what it can do?
5. Do not give files or directories obvious names, like 'pass', 'emails', 'orders' and the like.
Again, why make it easy for snoopers?
6. Do not leave unencrypted, confidential information on your server.
It's only a computer in a room God knows where, with God knows who having access to it.
7. Use a popular web host.
That cheapo one might be an un-committed reseller. Their Google PageRank gives a clue as to how popular they are. Send them an email or two. See how long it takes to get a reply. Check out their forums; how busy are they? They don't have a forum? Next!
8. If you are setting up .htaccess files or any other type of password protection, use long and varied passwords.
"Ch33s3And0n10n" is a lot more secure than "cheeseandonion", and just as memorable. Make your password at least 8 characters in length, containing both letters and numbers, and both upper and lower-case letters. Ordinary words can be guessed by brute-force cracking programs.
9. Strip scripts down to the bare essentials. Upgrade them regularly.
Programs like PHPNuke have lots of features in the default install. They allow webmasters and users a lot of control of website content. This creates vulnerabilities. A 'Nuke site of mine was hacked during Christmas 2005, by an Arabian group. Fortunately, I had a backup. I didn't have fast internet access, at the time, to upgrade it. I only needed one module working, so I removed the inessential ones, and changed file permissions on the admin section. At the time of writing, I'm waiting to see what happens next!
If you don't truly need it, turn it off.
10. Be careful what you say about other people or products on your site.
Not really security, but... people are very touchy about criticism. 'Flame wars' are a waste of time and energy, so avoid them.
About The Author
T. O' Donnell http://www.ttvanity.com is an ecommerce consultant in London, UK. His latest project is a freeware mortgage calculator, available at http://www.tigertom.com/mortgages-uk.shtml.
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Tips For Travellers To The Tropics
Tips For Travellers To The Tropics
by: T. O' Donnell
I went on my first holiday to the tropics recently. I was afraid of catching a disease, so I did a bit of research, and took some precautions. Here are some tips I found useful.
1. Get your shots.
I spent a short time in areas relatively free of mosquito-borne disease. The key word is 'relatively'. A two week holiday in an urban area is probably alright. If you're staying for months, or in an area flagged as dangerous, get your shots well in advance. Don't leave it until the last minute, as by then it'll be too late! The drugs need some time to 'kick in', and your doctor may have to order them in advance.
2. Get an insect repellent.
I made one for mosquitoes by mixing citronella with olive oil. Citronella is an essential oil (an essence). I rubbed the mixture on all exposed areas morning and night, and after washing. Seemed to do the trick. I put too much oil in, I think,...
Tips For Travellers To The Tropics
Mortgages > Tips For Travellers To The Tropics
Foreign Currency Mortgages ? The Pros And Cons
Foreign Currency Mortgages ? The Pros And Cons
by: Michael Challiner
Virtually all mortgage borrowers go with a mainstream UK lender to make the biggest purchase of their lives, it?s the done thing and to be honest most people don?t realise there is a viable alternative ? the foreign currency mortgage.
Interest rates are reasonably healthy in the UK at the moment, particularly in comparison with the 1980s, however interest rates are a lot higher here than they are in the Eurozone, Switzerland, America and Japan.
Did you know that you can borrow the capital you need for your house purchase in Euros, US dollars, Swiss Francs or Yen instead of Sterling? This means that you could take advantage of the lower interest rates elsewhere, securing the loan on your house.
These 3 month money market interest rates allow you to compare UK interest rates with other countries:
Japanese Yen 0.12%
Switzerland 1.03%
Eurozone 2.46%
US...
Mortgages > Foreign Currency Mortgages ? The Pros And Cons
The Advantages of Reverse Mortgages
The Advantages of Reverse Mortgages
by: Charles Kirkendall
In recent years property values have soared, while investment returns have been modest.
This has created a situation where a lot of seniors are finding themselves in the position of being house rich and cash poor.
These cash strapped seniors are looking for ways to increase their retirement income while continuing to live in their homes.
These retirees find that their options are limited, and in most cases require them to risk their home.
Enter the reverse mortgage, which can provide many advantages over these other less desirable options.
No Payments With Reverse Mortgages
The biggest advantage of a reverse mortgages is not having to make payments as long as you continue living in your home.
In fact, this is the number one reason that seniors choose to borrow reverse mortgages.
Almost 80% of reverse mortgage borrowers use a...
Mortgages > The Advantages of Reverse Mortgages
Home Loans and Mortgages ? Time to Consolidate Loans?
Home Loans and Mortgages ? Time to Consolidate Loans?
by: Charlie Essmeier
Home equity loans and lines of credit are useful tools for homeowners. They allow the homeowner to borrow against the value of his or her home for all kinds of purposes ? home improvement, debt consolidation, vacations, and more. The loans, backed by the value of the house itself, come with attractive interest rates and the added bonus of tax deductible interest. That interest, however, is often variable, adjusting up and down with changes in market conditions. At the moment, conditions are such that interest rates for adjustable rate loans are increasing while rates for fixed-rate loans are still fairly stable. This is probably a good time for homeowners with variable rate equity loans to consider consolidating their primary mortgage and home equity loan into a single entity.
The ideal candidate for such a consolidation would be a homeowner who has a variable rate home...
Home Loans and Mortgages ? Time to Consolidate Loans?
Mortgages > Home Loans and Mortgages ? Time to Consolidate Loans?