Website Security – Why It’s Essential for Car, Leisure Vehicle & Motorcycle Dealer SEO
Online users are more aware than ever of the importance of browsing safely. A secure website, identified by HTTPS and the padlock icon in the browser, builds trust instantly — a key factor in whether visitors stay on your site or leave.
Beyond user trust, security is vital because cyber threats are constant. On average, there’s a hacking attempt every 39 seconds, 75 records are stolen every second, and more than 300,000 new malware programs are created daily. Website security isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Is Website Security Important for SEO?
Absolutely. Search engines, like Google, prioritise delivering safe, trustworthy results to users. As part of this, they use website security as a ranking signal. Sites without an SSL certificate — still using HTTP — are given less weight in the rankings, while secure HTTPS sites are favoured.
Running without HTTPS will harm your SEO performance and reduce your visibility in the search results. Security also plays into user experience — insecure sites can trigger browser warnings, putting potential customers off before they even see your content.
Beyond SSL – Full Website Protection
While adding an SSL certificate is a must, security extends far deeper. Database protection is critical. Vulnerabilities such as SQL injections can allow hackers to extract sensitive data, alter your site, or even take over your server — creating a GDPR breach and potentially costing thousands in fraud or lost business.
The Risk of Cheap Websites and Unsecured Plugins
Many low-cost or DIY websites overlook security entirely. Free website builders, hobbyist designers, or unvetted open-source plugins can introduce serious vulnerabilities. A Sucuri study found that around 90% of hacked websites in 2018 were built on WordPress — often due to outdated or poorly coded plugins.
While free plugins may seem convenient, they often come with no regulation, minimal support, and the potential for malicious code. If they have access to your database, you could be exposing your business and customers to unnecessary risk.
Dealer Website Security Checklist
- Install and maintain a valid SSL certificate (HTTPS)
- Keep all software, CMS platforms, and plugins updated
- Use only trusted, reputable plugins and extensions
- Regularly back up your website and databases
- Secure your database against SQL injections
- Enforce strong passwords and two-factor authentication for admin access
- Use a reputable hosting provider with built-in security measures