The most important part of any website is security. A website without security is like a house without a fence anyone can come and go as they please. That’s why, if you are a web developer or someone studying web programming, you must understand web security. From simple profile websites to business, community, and government websites, security is always critical. In fact, the importance of security is directly tied to the value of the website itself.
For example, if your website is just a simple personal site, security may not be as demanding. But if it’s a business, community, or government website, then security is required at the highest level. The more valuable the website, the more important its security becomes.
Generally, website security can be divided into two layers: internal security and external security.
1. Internal Security
This refers to the security measures built into the website from the start by the developer …. such as routing structures, methods, functions, and logic …. as well as the built‑in security features of the CMS or framework being used. These layers vary depending on the developer’s experience, decisions, and the website’s main framework.
2. External Security
This refers to the additional protection added after the website is built, by integrating third‑party tools to strengthen security.
Examples include Cloudflare, Wordfence, Sucuri, Defendify, and many others. These tools can significantly enhance your website’s security.
In 2025, cyberattacks are faster, smarter, and more automated than ever. AI‑driven bots scan the internet 24/7 for vulnerabilities, and even small websites can become targets.
That’s why relying only on internal code security is not enough your website could still be attacked at any time. To strengthen your website’s protection, you need to integrate external security tools. Website security is not only about protecting the data inside the site, but also about safeguarding the privacy of your users.
Therefore, this blog will focus on the importance of external security layers and how they can help keep your website safe.
1. HTTPS & SSL/TLS Encryption
In 2025, HTTPS is no longer just a best practice it has become a baseline requirement for any legitimate website. Powered by SSL/TLS protocols, HTTPS encrypts the data exchanged between a user’s browser and the server, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity.
Today, for websites without HTTPS, browsers themselves may block access, display security warnings to users, or restrict certain features. On the development side, many modern features are not supported without HTTPS, and some third‑party tools may not accept non‑HTTPS sites. Therefore, in today’s environment, HTTPS has become an essential requirement for websites.
What is HTTPS?
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is the more secure version of HTTP. It uses Transport Layer Security (TLS) the successor to SSL to encrypt data in transit.
When a user visits a secure site, the browser initiates a TLS handshake, verifying the server’s authenticity and negotiating encryption parameters.
This process strengthens website security and protects users from unwanted attacks such as malware or Trojans. Because it uses the TLS system, it also provides greater assurance for user privacy.
HTTPS Protects Websites Against:
- Man‑in‑the‑middle (MITM) attacks
- Data tampering or injection
- Session hijacking and cookie theft
- Spoofed websites and phishing attempts
Why HTTPS is Essential in 2025
By 2025, HTTPS is a non‑negotiable website security system. With HTTPS, you can enhance your site’s security through the following:
Zero Trust Architecture: Modern networks assume no implicit trust. HTTPS ensures encrypted communication between all services.
API Security: Mobile apps and SaaS platforms require HTTPS to protect sensitive data across endpoints.
Remote Work: Employees accessing systems over public Wi‑Fi need encrypted channels.
Regulatory Compliance: Frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS mandate encryption of data in transit.
Browser Enforcement: Chrome, Firefox, and Safari flag non‑HTTPS sites as “Not Secure,” reducing credibility and SEO ranking.
These points highlight both the benefits of using HTTPS and the risks of not using it. In today’s digital landscape, HTTPS is a fundamental requirement for every website, remaining critical for security, trust, and SEO performance.
Common Misconfigurations to Avoid
Even HTTPS can be compromised if poorly implemented:
| Misconfiguration | Risk | Recommended Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Expired SSL Certificate | Breaks encryption and triggers browser security warnings | Use auto-renewing certificates from providers like Let’s Encrypt |
| Weak Cipher Suites | Susceptible to brute-force and downgrade attacks | Enforce strong TLS 1.3 configurations and disable legacy protocols |
| Mixed Content (HTTP assets on HTTPS pages) | Breaks page security and exposes user data | Ensure all assets (images, scripts, styles) load over HTTPS |
| Self-Signed Certificates | Browsers don’t trust the site, leading to warnings and blocked access | Use certificates from trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs) |
| Missing HSTS Header | Allows downgrade attacks and insecure fallback to HTTP | Enable HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) in server config |
| Improper Redirects | Can expose login pages or sensitive forms to HTTP | Force HTTPS redirects using .htaccess, Nginx, or hosting settings |
How to implement HTTPS properly
Step-by-step setup
1. Choose a Certificate Authority (CA) – Let’s Encrypt (free), GlobalSign, Sectigo, etc. There are many CA organization websites. My recommendation is Let’s Encrypt because it’s free and easy to integrate.
2. Install the SSL/TLS certificate – You can install it on your hosting server or via a CDN provider. Installation guides are available on YouTube and blog websites. If you still can’t figure it out, you can ask your hosting provider for help.
3. Force HTTPS redirects – Use .htaccess, Nginx configuration, or your hosting panel. The easiest method is setting it via cPanel. It’s simple and reduces the chance of mistakes.
4. Enable HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security) – To prevent downgrade attacks. It may not be necessary for regular websites, but it’s recommended for high‑importance sites.
5. Test with SSL Labs – You should scan your site for vulnerabilities. Tools include Sucuri SiteCheck, Qualys SSL Labs, and ImmuniWeb SSLScan. I personally find Sucuri SiteCheck convenient.
HTTPS usage statistics up to 2025
According to surveys, over 305 million SSL certificates are active worldwide. Let’s Encrypt holds a 63.4% market share among certificate authorities. The SSL/TLS market is projected to grow to $282 million by 2028.
This explains how to set up HTTPS, how to test it, and how it’s being used. Since the setup isn’t very difficult, I didn’t go into deep, step‑by‑step details.
2. Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A Web Application Firewall (WAF) serves as a layer of protection between your website and the internet. It monitors, filters, and blocks harmful HTTP/S traffic before it reaches your server, helping defend against threats such as SQL injection, cross‑site scripting (XSS), and denial‑of‑service (DoS) attacks.
By 2025, WAFs are enhanced with AI technologies and integrated with global threat intelligence networks, making them smoother, faster, and more adaptive to changes.
Some well‑known WAF service providers include Cloudflare WAF, Akamai Kona Site Defender, Imperva WAF, F5 Advanced WAF, AWS WAF, and Azure Web Application Firewall. My recommendation is Cloudflare WAF because it is easy to use and can be adjusted as needed.
How a WAF Works
A WAF operates at the Application Layer (Layer 7) of the OSI model. It inspects incoming requests and outgoing responses using predefined rules or dynamic threat models.
You can also define your own WAF rules to inspect traffic. If you are not yet familiar with WAFs, you can rely on the default rules provided by the service provider.
Core Functions
- Traffic Inspection – Examines headers, query strings, request bodies, and cookies
- Signature Matching – Detects known attack patterns (negative security model)
- Behavioral Analysis – Flags abnormal behavior and zero‑day threats (positive security model)
- Real‑Time Blocking – Stops malicious requests before they reach your application
- Data Protection – Masks sensitive data in responses and prevents leakage
This explains what a WAF is, how to set it up, and how it works. See the table below for details on how a WAF protects your website.
What WAFs Protect Against
| Threat Type | WAF Defense Mechanism |
|---|---|
| SQL Injection | Blocks malicious query strings and payloads before they reach the database |
| Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) | Filters out embedded scripts and unsafe input from user requests |
| DDoS Attacks | Applies rate limiting and absorbs traffic spikes to prevent service disruption |
| Broken Authentication | Detects brute-force attempts and credential stuffing attacks |
| Zero-Day Exploits | Uses AI and heuristic analysis to identify and block unknown threats |
| Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) | Validates request origins and blocks unauthorized actions |
| Remote File Inclusion (RFI) | Prevents external file execution through strict input validation |
| Sensitive Data Exposure | Masks or blocks outbound responses containing confidential information |
Types of WAF Deployment
| Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud-Based WAF | Hosted by third-party providers and integrated via DNS or CDN | Easy to deploy, scalable, auto-updating, global coverage | Relies on external infrastructure, limited customization |
| Network-Based WAF | Hardware appliance installed within a data center or enterprise network | Low latency, high throughput, robust performance | High cost, complex setup, less flexible for remote teams |
| Host-Based WAF | Software installed directly on the web server or virtual machine | Granular control, customizable rules, no external dependency | Consumes local resources, harder to scale, maintenance overhead |
| Managed WAF | Fully outsourced WAF service with monitoring and tuning handled by experts | 24/7 support, tailored protection, minimal effort required | Recurring cost, less direct control over rule sets |
Top WAF Solutions in 2025
According to DevOpsSchool’s comparison and SoftwareTestingHelp’s vendor list, the following WAF providers are recognized as top solutions:
- Cloudflare WAF – Real‑time protection, global CDN, easy setup, and flexible customization
- Imperva WAF – Advanced threat detection for APIs and microservices
- AWS WAF – Fully integrated with AWS infrastructure; especially effective for enterprise‑level web applications
- Sucuri WAF – Well‑suited for WordPress and small business websites
- Akamai Kona Site Defender – Strong enterprise‑grade performance and analytics support
- AppTrana Managed WAF – Provides 24/7 monitoring and custom rule sets
These are among the WAFs most favored by developers, according to surveys.
Strategic Benefits of Using a WAF
- Protects against OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities
- Improves website performance through caching and CDN integration
- Supports compliance with standards such as PCI DSS, GDPR, and HIPAA
- Works alongside other security tools like SIEM and IDS
- Responds quickly to evolving threats with AI‑powered updates
In summary: A WAF systematically inspects and filters incoming and outgoing requests for your website, making it an essential requirement for modern websites today.
3. Content Delivery Network (CDN)
A Content Delivery Network (CDN) is a globally distributed system of servers that delivers web content to users based on their geographic location. Originally designed to improve speed and reduce latency, modern CDNs now play a critical role in website security, availability, and edge logic execution.
In 2025, CDNs are no longer just performance boosters they’re security enablers, absorbing attacks, securing APIs, and executing real-time logic at the network edge.
How CDNs Work
When a user visits your website, a CDN routes their request to the nearest server (called a Point of Presence, or PoP). This server delivers cached content such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images, and videos reducing the load on your origin server and speeding up delivery.
Key Functions:
Caching: Stores static and dynamic content closer to users
Load Balancing: Distributes traffic across multiple servers
Failover: Redirects traffic if a server or region goes down
Edge Security: Blocks malicious requests before they reach your origin
CDN as a Security Layer
Modern CDNs offer built-in security features that protect your site from external threats:
| Security Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| DDoS Mitigation | Absorbs and filters massive traffic spikes to prevent service disruption |
| Bot Management | Detects and blocks malicious bots, scrapers, and automated attacks |
| Secure TLS Termination | Handles HTTPS encryption at edge nodes for faster and safer connections |
| Web Application Firewall (WAF) | Filters out malicious requests before they reach the origin server |
| API Protection | Secures endpoints with rate limiting, authentication, and anomaly detection |
| Edge Rules & Logic | Executes custom security logic at the edge to block threats in real time |
Top CDN Providers in 2025
Based on performance, security, and use case fit:
| CDN Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Cloudflare | Free plan, global reach, integrated security features |
| Amazon CloudFront | Deep AWS integration, scalable enterprise deployments |
| Akamai | Largest global network, advanced edge computing capabilities |
| Fastly | Real-time control, instant cache purging, developer-friendly APIs |
| Google Cloud CDN | Optimized for GCP users and hybrid cloud architectures |
| Azure CDN | Best fit for Microsoft-based apps and enterprise networks |
| Bunny.net | Budget-friendly option for WordPress sites and small businesses |
| CDN77 | High-performance video streaming and live event delivery |
| KeyCDN | Simple, low-cost CDN for blogs, portfolios, and static sites |
Cloudflare remains the most popular free CDN for startups and small businesses, while Akamai and Fastly dominate enterprise deployments.
Strategic Benefits of Using a CDN
- Faster Load Times: Improves UX and SEO rankings
- Security at Scale: Blocks threats before they reach your origin
- Global Reach: Delivers content consistently across continents
- Reduced Server Costs: Offloads bandwidth and compute from origin
- High Availability: Ensures uptime during traffic surges or outages
- Edge Intelligence: Enables smart routing, A/B testing, and personalization
4. DNS-Level Protection
Securing the First Point of Contact
DNS is often overlooked but it’s the first layer attackers probe.
- Use secure DNS providers with DDoS protection and DNSSEC support.
- Monitor for DNS hijacking and spoofing attempts.
- Implement failover and redundancy to prevent downtime.
5. Real-Time Threat Monitoring & SIEM
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools aggregate logs and alerts from all layers.
- Detect unusual traffic patterns, brute-force attempts, or bot activity.
- Integrate with WAF, CDN, and server logs for full visibility.
- Supports automated response (e.g., blocking IPs, alerting admins).
6. Human Layer: Awareness & Access Control
Even the best tech can’t stop human error.
- Train staff to recognize phishing, social engineering, and suspicious activity.
- Enforce strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Limit access to admin panels, dashboards, and hosting environments.
7. External Backup & Disaster Recovery
Prepare for the Worst, Recover Fast
Backups are your safety net.
- Store backups offsite or in the cloud (not on the same server).
- Automate daily backups and test recovery regularly.
- Encrypt backup files and restrict access.
Final Thought
By now, you should have a clear understanding of how website external security layers are used and how they work. The tools mentioned here are the ones our team is currently using. If you are a senior‑level web developer, you should have a solid understanding of how these tools function and how to integrate them. For juniors, this blog will be especially beneficial.
There are still many other external security tools not included in this blog. I will cover those in future posts.
Alice is the visionary behind Baganmmm Tech, a platform he founded with a passion for demystifying the complex world of technology. As the Lead Technologist, he's often found in his home lab – a cozy, wire-filled sanctuary where ideas are born and code is meticulously crafted. His infectious enthusiasm and knack for explaining intricate concepts make him the go-to expert for everything from web development to emerging tech trends.