I'm curious about what kind of tools small business clients typically use (or should consider using) for website security, GDPR compliance, and accessibility checking. I often notice issues like outdated WordPress plugins, a lack of security monitoring, and confusion around GDPR regulations, along with little to no attention paid to accessibility. Enterprise-level tools seem excessive and pricey for local businesses, like restaurants or small shops. What have been your real-world experiences with tools that work well for clients who aren't tech-savvy?
1 Answer
For small businesses using WordPress, I suggest keeping security simple. Instead of relying on multiple plugins, sometimes a little code can do the trick, especially regarding security. Make sure clients don’t have admin rights unless absolutely necessary, and educate them on the importance of good password policies. Tools like Patchstack can help alongside maintenance solutions like ManageWP or WPUmbrella, but many hacks come from outdated plugins or weak passwords.
Regarding GDPR, avoid using GA4 for tracking. Instead, host fonts locally and consider alternatives like Plausible for analytics. There are so many aspects to GDPR compliance that people overlook, including ensuring all scripts load AFTER user consent, using EU hosts, and keeping your privacy policy specific and reflective of actual practices. Accessibility-wise, tools like axe DevTools or WAVE can help for basic checks, but true accessibility requires a thorough understanding of best practices. And definitely steer clear of overlays like accessiBe since they can be misleading!
Wow, I had no idea about this part: Always self-host fonts, never load from Google! There’s a lot to keep in mind. It seems the developer carries a lot of responsibility for security breaches, which definitely ties into product ownership. It feels like navigating a maze, but thanks for shedding light on all this!