Definition
Website security is the set of practices that protect a site and its visitors from attacks, data theft, and tampering. The most visible piece is HTTPS, which encrypts the connection between a browser and the server so information cannot be read or changed in transit. Other parts include keeping software updated, blocking malicious traffic, and controlling who can access the site.
Use Cases
Security is used to protect login details, payment data, and personal information, and to stop attackers from injecting spam or malware into pages. A secure site also keeps its reputation intact, since a hacked site can be flagged and removed from search results.
Why It Matters for SEO
Security matters for SEO because Google treats HTTPS as a ranking signal and warns users away from sites without it. A site that loses trust through malware or downtime can drop in rankings fast, and recovering often means a careful site migration or cleanup. Fast, secure delivery also supports healthy page speed.
Related Concepts
Related concepts include HTTPS, site migration, and page speed, since secure connections and fast delivery now go together. Strong security is part of healthy technical SEO, which we build into projects like WordPress SEO.