WordPress, Wix or Squarespace? What’s the most secure website builder?

Exciting news, last week, I was very happy to receive my first question from a lovely follower of elodie’s Instagram. The lovely Ashley Kesner, asked my advice on which website platform was the most secure. I thought it was a great topic other bloggers and businesses might be interested in, so here we are!

Full disclosure, I’m a squarespace gal. I’ve used Wix before and loved it and I’ve seen the creme de la creme of websites made using WordPress (see Studio Cotton’s portfolio) so I’m not particularly bias, just bear in mind I have little experience using the latter two.

As we will discuss, website security starts and ends with you, but life’s easier when the website platform you opt for gives you a head start. Among the most popular options are WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace.

Here, we compare these platforms in terms of their cybersecurity measures.

WordPress

Pros:

• Open Source: WordPress is open-source, meaning its code is publicly accessible. This allows for continuous scrutiny and improvement by a large community of developers.

• Security Plugins: There are numerous security plugins available, such as Wordfence and Sucuri, which provide features like firewall protection, malware scanning, and login security.

• Regular Updates: WordPress regularly releases updates to patch vulnerabilities. Staying updated is crucial for maintaining security.

Cons:

• User Responsibility: The onus of maintaining security largely falls on you. Failure to update plugins, themes, and the core system can lead to vulnerabilities.

• Popularity: Being the most popular CMS (content management system), WordPress is a prime target for cyberattacks, making it essential to employ TIGHT security measures.

Wix

Pros:

• Built-In Security: Wix offers built-in security features, including HTTPS, SSL certificates, and DDoS protection.

• Automatic Updates: Security updates are automatically applied, ensuring that the platform is always protected against known vulnerabilities.

• Limited Customization Risks: Since Wix is a closed system, the risk of vulnerabilities from third-party plugins is minimised.

Cons:

• Limited Control: You have limited control over server-level security configurations, relying on Wix to manage most security aspects.

• Scalability: For larger, more complex websites, Wix may lack the flexibility and security customization options that are available with other platforms.

Squarespace

Pros:

• Secure Infrastructure: Squarespace provides a secure hosting environment with built-in security features like SSL certificates and regular security updates.

• Managed Security: Similar to Wix, Squarespace handles most of the security concerns, allowing users to focus on content and design.

• Data Protection: Squarespace complies with GDPR and other data protection regulations, ensuring user data is securely handled.

Cons:

• Customization Limitations: The closed nature of Squarespace limits the ability to add custom security features or third-party plugins.

• Dependence on Provider: Users are dependent on Squarespace for all security updates and patches, and any delays or oversights on their part could impact website security.

WordPress may be the winner when it comes to greater flexibility and customisation options but requires more active management and knowledge to ensure security. You’ve got to be proactive in applying updates, configuring security plugins, and maintaining your site. In contrast, Squarespace and Wix provide more managed security environments with fewer customisation options. These platforms handle most security aspects, offering a more user-friendly experience with less involvement needed from you. Lazy cybersecurity in essence, which is my favourite kind.

Importantly, no platform can do it all when it comes to cybersecurity. You need to ensure you are taking a holistic approach. This means strong, unique passwords, regular updates across all systems and devices, regular backups of your website data and more. Read about website security here and find general tips for bloggers and businesses here.

We hope this has made things a little clearer. Which website platform do you love the most and why?