Hey everyone! I'm a budding web developer and recently created a simple website for a friend's small business using just HTML, CSS, and a bit of JS. I wanted to get some hosting and a domain for it, so I reached out to my teacher for advice. To my surprise, she emphasized that I should use a CMS like WordPress instead, claiming that what I learned in school about web development is basically useless.
My website is pretty straightforward—it's only meant to display some public info about the business, along with a link to a Google Form. She also mentioned concerns about security, saying that static sites are particularly vulnerable to hacker attacks, but I find that hard to believe given the simplicity of my site.
So my question is: Is it really unsafe to host a website built entirely with HTML, CSS, and JS? Can I go ahead and publish it without needing a CMS? Thanks for any insights!
3 Answers
A static website is generally safer since it doesn't have the vulnerabilities that come with running a CMS. Most security issues arise from PHP-based CMS platforms that haven’t been updated. As long as you maintain a good host and avoid weak security practices, your site should be secure.
Honestly, your teacher seems to be mistaken. Static sites—like the one you built—are actually quite secure. They don't have as many points of entry for attacks as CMS-based websites do. With a CMS, especially something like WordPress, it’s easier to run into vulnerabilities due to the dynamic nature of the code and the possibility of users inserting malicious content.
You're totally fine hosting a plain HTML/CSS/JS site without a CMS. Since you aren’t using any backend code or databases, the risk predominantly comes from securing access to your hosting account itself. As long as you choose a reputable host and keep your login details safe, you should be all set! CMSs tend to be more vulnerable because of added complexity.
Yes, just stay updated with your choice of hosting and ensure your passwords are strong. A 'static' site has fewer ways to be exploited.