Security & Backups
Students you will learn how to protect your websites from security threats and create backups so you can restore your site if anything goes wrong.
Scripture
Proverbs 4:23 (HCSB) – “Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.”
→ Tie-in: Just as we guard our hearts spiritually, we must also guard our websites to keep them safe from harm.
Website Security Basics
- Common threats:
- Hacking attempts.
- Malware injections.
- Brute force login attacks.
- Best practices:
- Use strong passwords (and change them regularly).
- Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated.
Limit the number of people with admin access.
Installing a Security Plugin
- Recommended options:
- Wordfence Security
- iThemes Security
- Live demo:
- Install and activate a security plugin.
- Run the setup wizard.
- Enable firewall and malware scanning.
- Configure login protection (e.g., limit login attempts).
Why Backups Are Important
- Backups let you restore your site after:
- Hack or malware attack.
- Update failure.
- Accidental deletion of content.
Class Activity – Secure & Backup Setup
- Students:
- Install a security plugin and configure basic protection.
- Install a backup plugin and run their first backup.
- Test the backup file download to confirm it works.
Homework
Write down the steps you would take if your site was hacked.
-
First Impression
What is the first thing you notice?
Is the purpose of the website clear within 5 seconds? -
Clarity
Who is this website for?
Is it obvious what action the visitor should take? -
Design
Is the layout clean?
Is the font easy to read?
Are images high quality?
Does it feel professional? -
Mobile
Does it look good on a phone?
Anything overlapping or hard to read? -
Functionality
Are buttons working?
Do links go where they should?
Is there anything confusing? -
Plugin Wisdom
Does the site feel overloaded with features?
Does everything serve a purpose?
Each reviewer must give two things:
One specific compliment.
One specific growth area.
Your compliment must be clear and detailed. Do not say, “It looks good.” That does not help someone improve. Instead, say something like, “Your call to action button stands out clearly and makes it easy to know what to click.” Be specific about what is working and why it works.
Your growth area must also be specific and constructive. Do not say, “It is confusing.” Instead say something like, “Your homepage needs a clearer headline explaining what you offer so visitors understand the purpose right away.” The goal is to help, not criticize.
After everyone finishes the written reviews, we will have a short discussion. Each of you will share one thing you learned from reviewing other websites. This is important. When you evaluate someone else’s work, it sharpens your own eye. You begin to notice what works, what does not, and why.
For optional reflection homework, write a short response to this question:
“What changes will I make based on today’s feedback?”
Wisdom is not just receiving feedback. Wisdom is applying it. As designers, discernment matters. Every choice you make, from layout to wording to plugins, should serve a purpose. Today you are learning to see with intention.