Drupal is known for its robust security features, making it a popular choice for websites that handle sensitive information. Drupal's security architecture includes multiple layers of protection, including secure coding practices, access controls, and input validation. However, even with these built-in security features, it's always a good idea to take extra precautions when it comes to website security.
One of the ways to improve Drupal's security is by installing security modules. These modules provide additional layers of protection and can help mitigate potential vulnerabilities in your site. While it's important to note that no website can be 100% secure, installing security modules can help make your Drupal site even more secure.
Drupal's security architecture is built around the principle of defense in depth, which means that it uses multiple layers of protection to guard against potential threats. For example, Drupal employs secure coding practices to minimize the risk of vulnerabilities in its core codebase. It also uses access controls to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive parts of the site. Additionally, Drupal has built-in input validation to prevent malicious code from being injected into your site.
Despite Drupal's robust security architecture, there are still potential vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. You know what they say - no software is 100% secure. Installing security modules can help mitigate these risks and provide an additional layer of protection. Some of the most popular security modules for Drupal include Security Kit, Password Policy, and Two-Factor Authentication. Each of these modules provides unique benefits that can help enhance the security of your site.
In conclusion, while Drupal is already a secure CMS, installing security modules can provide an additional layer of protection and help mitigate potential vulnerabilities. By taking proactive steps to improve your site's security, you can help ensure that your sensitive information remains safe and secure. Here I'll be listing seven modules I think you really should consider installing and setting up.
The listed modules are all recently updated and work with Drupal 9 and 10.
1. Password Policy
Password Policy is a module that allows you to enforce strong password policies for your Drupal site. With this module, you can set rules for password complexity, length, and expiration. Password Policy helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your site by ensuring that users are using strong and secure passwords.
If you build sites for other, then this is a must. If you build sites for yourself, then I hope that you set strong passwords for yourself.
2. Two-Factor Authentication
Two-Factor Authentication is a module that adds an extra layer of security to your Drupal site. With this module, users are required to provide a second form of authentication, such as a token or SMS code, when logging in. Two-Factor Authentication helps protect your site against brute-force attacks and ensures that only authorized users can access your site.
There is also the module Two Factor Authentication - 2FA / Passwordless Login, which has a recently released version, but I haven't tried that one.
3. Login Security
Login Security is a module that helps prevent brute-force login attacks on your Drupal site. This module limits the number of failed login attempts from a given IP address or user account. You can also configure Login Security to lock out user accounts for a specified period of time after a certain number of failed login attempts. By enabling Login Security, you can reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your site.
4. Automated Logout
Automated Logout is a module that logs users out of your Drupal site after a specified period of inactivity. This module helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access to user accounts by automatically logging out users who have left their sessions open. By enabling Automated Logout, you can enhance the security of your Drupal site and protect your user's data.
Good if you have a lot of users, if you are the only user then it can be quite annoying when having to log in now and then.
5. Honeypot
Honeypot is a module that helps protect your Drupal site against spam bots. This module works by adding hidden fields to your forms that are invisible to users but detectable by bots. When a bot fills out these fields, the submission is blocked, and the bot is prevented from accessing your site. By enabling Honeypot, you can reduce the risk of spam and protect your site's performance.
I have used this module for at least a decade, and no site with forms are complete without it. It really whips the spammer's ass, to paraphrase the old Wimamp slogan.
6. Content Security Policy
Content Security Policy is a module that helps protect your Drupal site against cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. This module allows you to specify which sources of content are allowed to be loaded on your site. By setting strict policies for content sources, you can reduce the risk of XSS attacks and ensure that your site's content is safe and secure.
7. Security Kit
Security Kit is a comprehensive security module that provides a suite of security hardening options for Drupal. This module helps protect your site against common security threats such as XSS, clickjacking, and CSRF. Security Kit also provides input filtering options, session security, and helps prevent the injection of malicious code into your site. With Security Kit, you can easily enhance the security of your Drupal site and reduce the risk of vulnerabilities.
When it comes to strengthening your Drupal site, backend-wise, this is the go-to module, IMHO.
So, there you have it. My seven recommendations for strengthening your site's security, in various ways. Let me know in the comments if you think these are good modules to install, or if you have other ways of improving the security of your Drupal site.