100 Tips to Prevent Website Malware on SayPro Platforms

Absolutely! Here’s a comprehensive list of 100 tips to prevent website malware, specifically tailored for educational, eLearning, and CMS-based platforms like SayPro. These are categorized by key security domains—covering CMS management, plugins, coding practices, hosting, user roles, and real-time monitoring.

✅ 100 Tips to Prevent Website Malware on SayPro Platforms

🛡️ 1–20: Website Hosting & Server Security

1. Use a reputable and secure hosting provider.
2. Enable Web Application Firewall (WAF).
3. Disable unnecessary open ports on the server.
4. Use a server-side antivirus/malware scanner (e.g., ClamAV).
5. Keep your server OS updated with security patches.
6. Use secure FTP (SFTP/FTPS) instead of plain FTP.
7. Disable directory listing via .htaccess or web config.
8. Restrict access to critical server files and folders.
9. Run regular security audits on your server.
10. Monitor server logs for unusual activity.
11. Separate staging, testing, and production environments.
12. Limit SSH access by IP and use key-based authentication.
13. Disable root login via SSH.
14. Apply permission rules (e.g., 755 for folders, 644 for files).
15. Lock down configuration files like .env, wp-config.php.
16. Disable file editing via admin dashboards.
17. Regularly update PHP versions to the latest supported.
18. Use intrusion detection systems (IDS).
19. Block access to sensitive files like readme.txt, .git/, .svn/.
20. Regularly reboot and patch servers for active memory threats.

🔧 21–40: Content Management System (CMS) Security

21. Always run the latest version of your CMS (WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, etc.).
22. Remove unused themes and plugins.
23. Don’t use nulled or pirated CMS extensions.
24. Apply CMS core security patches immediately.
25. Use CMS hardening guides (e.g., WordPress Hardening Handbook).
26. Configure automatic CMS security updates.
27. Disable XML-RPC if not required (especially on WordPress).
28. Monitor login attempts and block brute force attacks.
29. Enable CAPTCHA or reCAPTCHA on all login and contact forms.
30. Restrict admin dashboard access by IP.
31. Customize login URLs (e.g., not /wp-admin).
32. Use CMS security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri.
33. Set up notification alerts for plugin or theme file changes.
34. Remove default “admin” usernames.
35. Disable theme and plugin editors within the CMS.
36. Limit login attempts and throttle failed login responses.
37. Use strong, unique passwords for each admin account.
38. Conduct regular CMS vulnerability scans.
39. Force user password resets after any breach.
40. Use version control for theme and plugin code.

🔌 41–60: Plugin and Extension Security

41. Install plugins only from official or trusted repositories.
42. Review plugin changelogs for security updates.
43. Audit plugins for known vulnerabilities using tools like WPScan.
44. Avoid outdated or abandoned plugins.
45. Remove unused or deactivated plugins completely.
46. Never use “trial” plugins on live sites.
47. Only grant minimal necessary permissions to plugins.
48. Use static code analysis tools for custom plugins.
49. Validate plugin licenses and verify authorship.
50. Keep all plugin data stored securely in the database.
51. Monitor plugin file changes using file integrity tools.
52. Disable plugin auto-updates if they conflict with core updates.
53. Maintain a plugin testing environment.
54. Check for hidden backdoors in plugin code.
55. Review plugin data input/output sanitization.
56. Avoid plugins that store sensitive user data unencrypted.
57. Monitor plugins for performance issues (may indicate malware).
58. Validate plugin form submissions using nonces or CSRF tokens.
59. Require plugin developers to follow SayPro security guidelines.
60. Include third-party plugin risk in regular cybersecurity reviews.

🔐 61–80: User Account & Access Control

61. Use role-based access control (RBAC).
62. Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) for all admin users.
63. Regularly review and revoke inactive users.
64. Avoid shared administrator accounts.
65. Train users to avoid phishing and credential theft.
66. Use SSO integration with strong identity providers.
67. Limit access to sensitive areas based on job role.
68. Create separate roles for content creators and technical staff.
69. Audit admin user sessions periodically.
70. Force strong passwords via a password policy.
71. Require periodic password updates.
72. Log and monitor all user activity.
73. Use session timeouts to auto-logout inactive users.
74. Restrict user registration with email verification.
75. Prevent username enumeration via login error messages.
76. Monitor account anomalies like geographic login differences.
77. Notify users after suspicious login attempts.
78. Use access tokens for mobile app users.
79. Avoid hardcoded credentials in code or config files.
80. Encrypt all user authentication tokens and session cookies.

🧹 81–100: Ongoing Maintenance, Monitoring & Best Practices

81. Conduct regular malware scans (weekly minimum).
82. Schedule full backups before and after any update.
83. Maintain a digital “Clean Bill of Health” certificate monthly.
84. Test and restore backups periodically.
85. Use malware detection platforms like Sucuri or VirusTotal.
86. Create and follow a Cybersecurity Maintenance Checklist.
87. Keep DNS records locked or monitored.
88. Regularly inspect file and database permissions.
89. Monitor all domains and subdomains for DNS hijacking.
90. Use Google Search Console for malware and indexing alerts.
91. Conduct penetration testing every quarter.
92. Stay informed with security mailing lists (e.g., CERT, WPScan).
93. Encrypt data in transit with HTTPS (TLS 1.2 or above).
94. Encrypt sensitive data at rest (especially in databases).
95. Monitor for unusual outbound network activity.
96. Perform security audits during major content or platform upgrades.
97. Use content delivery networks (CDNs) with malware filtering.
98. Educate users on social engineering and scam awareness.
99. Assign a SayPro Cybersecurity Officer to oversee all protocols.
100. Document and review incidents in SayPro’s Security Tracker monthly.

Would you like this list turned into a checklist document or added to a SayPro training manual?