Updated on October 29, 2025, by OpenEDR
Did you know that over 30,000 websites are hacked every single day? Whether you run a personal blog, e-commerce store, or enterprise portal, your website is a prime target for cybercriminals looking to steal data, spread malware, or damage your reputation.
That’s where a website security check becomes essential. Regularly testing your website for vulnerabilities ensures it remains safe from hackers, malware, and other online threats — keeping your business and your users protected.
What Is a Website Security Check?
A website security check is the process of scanning and analyzing your website to identify vulnerabilities, malware infections, configuration errors, or outdated software that could be exploited by attackers.
It involves tools and practices that monitor your website for:
Malware and phishing content
Unpatched software or CMS vulnerabilities
Data exposure risks (like SSL issues)
Weak passwords and misconfigurations
Blacklisting by search engines or security vendors
Essentially, a website security check acts as a digital health scan, ensuring your website remains safe, reliable, and compliant with industry security standards.
Why Website Security Checks Are Crucial in 2025
Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their methods. Attacks are now more sophisticated, automated, and frequent — especially against small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
Here’s why performing regular website security audits is critical:
🔒 Prevents Data Breaches — Avoid costly leaks of sensitive user or payment data.
⚙️ Detects Vulnerabilities Early — Fix issues before hackers exploit them.
🚫 Avoids SEO Penalties — Google blacklists hacked sites, causing major traffic loss.
💡 Builds Customer Trust — Secure websites increase brand credibility and conversions.
💰 Reduces Downtime Costs — Prevents attacks that crash your site or corrupt databases.
💬 Fact: 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, but only 14% are prepared to defend themselves.
Common Website Security Threats
Understanding potential risks helps you strengthen your defenses. Let’s explore the top threats found during a typical website security check:
1. Malware Infections
Malware can inject harmful code into your site, redirect users, or steal sensitive information.
2. SQL Injection
Hackers manipulate website forms or URLs to access or alter your database.
3. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Attackers insert malicious scripts into your pages that affect your visitors’ browsers.
4. Brute Force Attacks
Hackers use automated bots to guess passwords and gain admin access.
5. DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service)
Floods your website with fake traffic, making it slow or inaccessible.
6. Outdated Plugins or CMS
Old software is one of the easiest targets for hackers exploiting known vulnerabilities.
How to Perform a Website Security Check (Step-by-Step)
Performing a full website security audit involves both manual checks and automated tools. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Run an SSL/TLS Certificate Check
Ensure your site uses HTTPS to encrypt user data. Expired or invalid certificates make you vulnerable.
2. Scan for Malware and Vulnerabilities
Use automated tools (like Xcitium’s OpenEDR) to detect malicious scripts or compromised files.
3. Check for Blacklisting
Confirm that your website hasn’t been blacklisted by Google or antivirus databases.
4. Test for SQL Injection and XSS
Simulate attacks using penetration testing tools to identify input validation flaws.
5. Review CMS, Plugins, and Themes
Ensure all WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal components are updated and from trusted sources.
6. Analyze Server Configuration
Check permissions, error handling, and firewall settings to prevent privilege misuse.
7. Enable Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A WAF monitors and filters HTTP traffic, blocking malicious requests in real time.
8. Backup and Recovery Review
Verify that backups are automated, encrypted, and stored securely offsite.
Top Tools for Website Security Checks
Here are some reliable tools used by cybersecurity professionals for website vulnerability scanning:
| Tool | Purpose | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| OpenEDR by Xcitium | Comprehensive threat detection | Real-time endpoint and server protection |
| Qualys SSL Labs | SSL/TLS testing | Rates your SSL configuration for security strength |
| Sucuri SiteCheck | Malware & blacklist scanner | Free and easy website health check |
| Detectify | Automated website scanner | Advanced vulnerability detection |
| ImmuniWeb | AI-driven web security testing | GDPR & OWASP compliance checks |
Best Practices for Continuous Website Security
Performing one scan isn’t enough. Website security should be ongoing. Follow these best practices to maintain protection:
✅ 1. Regular Security Scans
Schedule scans weekly or monthly depending on your website’s size and sensitivity.
✅ 2. Keep Software Updated
Update CMS, plugins, and themes promptly to patch vulnerabilities.
✅ 3. Strong Authentication Policies
Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for admin logins.
✅ 4. Backup Regularly
Keep multiple encrypted backups of your website and database.
✅ 5. Monitor Server Logs
Review access and error logs for suspicious activity.
✅ 6. Use HTTPS Everywhere
Apply SSL on all pages, not just checkout or login pages.
✅ 7. Apply the Principle of Least Privilege
Only grant necessary access to users or services.
✅ 8. Implement Real-Time Threat Detection
Tools like Xcitium OpenEDR detect and isolate threats before they cause damage.
How Xcitium OpenEDR Helps in Website Security
Xcitium OpenEDR is an advanced, open-source endpoint detection and response platform that offers enterprise-grade protection for websites and servers.
Key benefits:
🛡️ Detects and isolates malicious activity instantly
🧠 AI-driven analytics to identify emerging attack patterns
🔍 Continuous monitoring for real-time threat visibility
⚙️ Integrates with existing security infrastructure
🌐 Provides complete website protection across networks and endpoints
When paired with your regular website security checks, OpenEDR ensures complete defense against modern cyber threats.
👉 Try Xcitium OpenEDR today to keep your website fully protected.
Future Trends in Website Security (2025 and Beyond)
The future of website security will depend heavily on AI-driven threat intelligence, Zero Trust architecture, and automated defense systems.
Key trends to watch:
Machine learning for vulnerability prediction
Automated patch management
Quantum-safe encryption protocols
Integrated endpoint and network security
Proactive monitoring will be more critical than ever to stay ahead of cybercriminals.
Conclusion
A website security check isn’t just a technical step — it’s a business necessity. Regular audits prevent cyberattacks, ensure customer trust, and safeguard your brand reputation.
With powerful tools like Xcitium OpenEDR, businesses can automate detection, eliminate threats faster, and maintain continuous protection.
Your website is your digital storefront — protect it before hackers exploit it.
👉 Secure your website with Xcitium OpenEDR today.
FAQs About Website Security Check
1. How often should I perform a website security check?
At least once a month or whenever you update plugins, themes, or core files.
2. What’s the best free website security scanner?
Sucuri SiteCheck and OpenEDR’s community version are excellent free options.
3. Can website security checks prevent hacking?
They help detect and prevent most vulnerabilities, though ongoing monitoring is crucial.
4. What is a website vulnerability scan?
It’s a test that finds security weaknesses in your website code, database, or server.
5. How do I know if my website is compromised?
Look for slow performance, unusual redirects, or Google warnings about malware.