As Drupal and other technologies have grown, so have the stakes for keeping websites secure. Security isn’t a “set it and forget it” task but rather a continuous effort to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities. Today, I’ll share key Drupal security practices to help you reduce risks, protect your website, and maintain a trustworthy digital presence.
I’m Scott, by the way. Over the last 20 years, I’ve worked extensively with HTML, CSS, PHP, and for over 15 of those years, with Drupal. During that time, I’ve built hundreds of business websites, developed custom themes, and implemented countless modules. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the web—and the risks associated with it—never stop evolving.
Why Security Matters
In today’s digital landscape, security is non-negotiable. A compromised website doesn’t just disrupt your business—it can harm your reputation and cost you financially. For Drupal users, maintaining security is a shared responsibility. While Drupal is designed with security in mind, you must take steps to configure and maintain it properly.
This guide will walk you through best practices for addressing common vulnerabilities, using Drupal’s tools effectively, and safeguarding your site against threats.
Common Drupal Vulnerabilities
A Drupal website is a complex system involving many moving parts. Beyond its core, Drupal interacts with servers, databases, and third-party tools like Solr, Node.js, and MySQL. Each component introduces potential vulnerabilities if not properly managed.
Server and Database Risks
Drupal relies on server technologies like Apache or NGINX and databases such as MySQL or MariaDB. These foundational tools must be kept up to date to prevent vulnerabilities at the server level. Regularly patch your operating system, server software, and database tools.
Outdated Core and Contributed Modules
Drupal’s core and contributed modules are powerful but require regular updates. Failing to apply updates leaves your site exposed to known vulnerabilities. With Drupal’s ecosystem relying on community contributions, modules may introduce feature changes or security risks. Plan to keep modules updated and communicate changes with stakeholders.
The Role of Composer
A Composer-based setup is essential for modern Drupal development. Composer automates dependency management, ensuring your Drupal core, contributed modules, and PHP libraries remain current. It also simplifies updating third-party packages, reducing risks caused by outdated dependencies.
By using Composer, you not only streamline your workflow but also create a hardened Drupal setup that is less susceptible to attacks.
Strengthening Front-End Security
Drupal’s strength doesn’t stop at the backend. The front-end—where users interact with your site—is equally important to secure.
Sanitizing Inputs
All user inputs should be treated as potentially harmful until validated. Drupal offers built-in tools to sanitize inputs and prevent attacks like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). Use these tools consistently to ensure your forms, search bars, and other interactive elements are secure.
Form Validation Beyond the Browser
Client-side validation is convenient but not sufficient. Implement server-side validation for all form submissions. Drupal’s Webform module provides a robust framework for creating secure forms with built-in validation and sanitization features.
User Management: The Human Factor
A major vulnerability for any website lies in its users. Weak credentials and poor account management can create openings for attackers.
Enforcing Strong Password Policies
Simple passwords are easily cracked. Enforce password complexity requirements and educate users about creating strong, unique passwords.
Implementing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds a critical layer of security. With 2FA, even if a password is compromised, attackers cannot access an account without the second authentication factor.
Regularly Auditing User Accounts
Old, unused accounts are a common oversight. Regularly audit your user list to disable inactive accounts. Ensure content ownership is transferred appropriately, so old accounts can be safely removed without affecting your site’s content.
File Uploads: A Hidden Danger
File uploads are essential for many websites, but they can also be a major risk. Malicious files can execute harmful code, compromise data, or disrupt operations.
Restricting File Types
Limit the types of files users can upload. For example, allow only images or documents in formats you trust. Reject executable files or files that could contain scripts.
Sanitizing SVGs
SVGs are popular for their scalability and small file sizes, but they can also contain scripts. If you allow SVG uploads, sanitize them to remove malicious code. Use modules that scan and clean SVG files before saving them on your server.
Monitoring Uploaded Files
Regularly review uploaded files to identify and remove anything suspicious. Stay vigilant, especially if you allow public users to upload content.
Advanced Security Measures
Drupal offers a range of advanced tools and features to enhance your site’s security.
Harden File Permissions
Restrict write permissions for critical files and directories. Drupal’s Status Report page can help you identify areas where permissions need adjustment.
Secure Your Connections
Encrypt all communications between your website and its users. HTTPS is a must. Free tools like Let’s Encrypt make it easy to implement SSL/TLS certificates.
Leverage Security Modules
Modules like Security Kit and Two-Factor Authentication are invaluable. Security Kit, in particular, provides configurable options to mitigate risks like XSS, clickjacking, and cross-site request forgery (CSRF).
Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A WAF adds an additional layer of protection by filtering incoming traffic and blocking malicious requests before they reach your site.
Safeguarding Drupal’s Core
Drupal’s Update Manager ensures you’re notified about new updates for core and contributed modules. Enabling it is a simple but crucial step.
The Announcement module also helps by delivering critical security notices directly to your admin dashboard. Addressing these advisories promptly keeps your site secure.
Custom Code and Third-Party Modules
Custom themes and modules are essential for tailoring your Drupal site, but they also introduce risks.
Audit Custom Code Regularly
Outdated custom code can become a liability as PHP and Drupal standards evolve. Test and review all custom modules periodically to ensure compliance with modern security practices.
Remove Unused Modules
Inactive modules still pose a risk. Uninstall and remove modules that are no longer in use, ensuring your site is as lean and secure as possible.
Keep Third-Party Libraries Updated
Many Drupal sites rely on third-party libraries and frameworks. Use Composer to manage these dependencies and keep them up to date.
File Management: A Closer Look at SVGs
SVGs have become a standard for modern web design due to their scalability and lightweight nature. However, they can also introduce risks if not handled properly.
The Risks of Malicious SVGs
SVGs can contain scripts, making them a potential attack vector. Unsanitized SVG files uploaded by users can execute harmful code on your site or a visitor’s device.
Best Practices for SVG Security
- Sanitize Uploaded SVGs: Use tools or modules that scan and clean SVG files before saving them.
- Restrict Upload Permissions: Only allow trusted users to upload SVGs.
- Monitor Uploaded Files: Regularly review all uploaded files, including SVGs, for potential threats.
Ongoing Maintenance: The Key to Long-Term Security
Maintaining a secure Drupal site is a continuous process.
Perform Regular Backups
Backups are your safety net. Regularly back up your code, database, and files. In the event of an attack, backups allow you to restore your site quickly.
Monitor Activity Logs
Drupal’s logging tools, like the watchdog log, provide insight into what’s happening on your site. Regularly review these logs to identify suspicious activity.
Conduct Security Audits
Periodic security audits help identify vulnerabilities before they become problems. Assess your site’s configuration, custom code, and server setup to ensure everything is secure.
Staying Ahead of Threats
Drupal is a robust and secure platform, but its effectiveness depends on how well you maintain it. Regular updates, strong user management, and vigilant monitoring are the cornerstones of a secure Drupal site.
By understanding common vulnerabilities and taking proactive measures, you can protect your site and the trust your users place in it. Security isn’t a one-time effort, it’s a mindset. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and your Drupal site will remain a reliable and secure platform for your business.
