How to Ensure Security During Your Drupal Migration

Moving your website to a new platform or upgrading it to a better version is a big leap – a great one at that! For technological advancements and smooth functioning, migrating your site to the next version opens the doors to a complete site revamp and functional improvements.

However, while you make the transition, it’s highly crucial to cater to all security measures. Whether you switch your current website to Drupal or upgrade your existing Drupal site, securing your data and user information is a must!

In this blog, we’ll outline the steps you need to take for a secure Drupal migration process. Additionally, we’ll also highlight the benefits of partnering with a professional Drupal migration company for the best results.

Why Security Matters During a Drupal Migration

When you’re switching jobs, do you leave all your belongings or documents with your previous company? Of course not. You gather all your documents before leaving and submit them to your new employer if and when required. The same is the case when migrating your site to a greater version or a new platform. Without careful measures, you might lose important information. Here are a few possible risk factors to look out for:

• Data loss: You may lose your data or corrupt important information.
• Unauthorized access: Hackers might be looking for ways to get into your site and corrupt crucial data during the migration process.
• Outdated plugins/modules: Outdated modules or plugins on your site may expose your site to vulnerabilities.
• Downtime risks: Prolonged downtime could be another loophole for cybercriminals to take advantage of your site and exploit it with security threats.

Steps to Ensure Security During Your Drupal Migration

We have defined a roadmap for you to secure your migration journey. Take a look:

Audit your site thoroughly

Before you get started, it’s crucial to run an audit of your current site. What needs migration and whether or not there are any security loopholes are the types of questions you’ll have answered through a site audit. Here’s what a site audit will clarify:

• Identify sensitive data or outdated modules
• A list of modules and plugins used
• Any custom code needing an update
• A review of user permissions and access levels

Hire a Drupal Migration Company

You need a reliable Drupal migration company for a seamless migration journey. Experts at the job are well accustomed to the entire process and can help avoid common pitfalls.

• Make sure to check the credibility of your Drupal migration partner
• Ensure that they’re familiar with encryption, backups, and testing
• Run a background check through testimonials and case studies of previous clients

Back up your data

Create a full backup of your current site before migration. This helps you restore data without losing anything in case something goes wrong.

• Make sure to use secure storage solutions for the backups
• Cross-check if your backups are complete and functional
• To be double sure, store multiple copies in different locations

Establish a secure migration path

Make sure to create a secure space to carry out a smooth migration process.

• Have a different staging environment other than the live site
• Ensure access is limited to the migration team only
• Make use of secure transfer approaches such as SFTP or FTPS

Upgrade outdated core and contributed modules and themes

Before you start migrating your data, make sure you have no outdated modules or themes. Outdated software is an invitation to hackers.

• Get rid of outdated or unnecessary modules or themes
• Check compatibility with the greater Drupal version
• Review for security threats

Encryption is essential

Just like wrapping your fragile items with bubble wrap while shifting homes, encrypting your data ensures nobody can intercept your data. They won’t be able to read it.

• Use SSL/TLS for all data transfers
• Encrypt the database backup and all sensitive files
• Encrypt all user passwords and private information

Protect user access

• Implement strong authentication practices to avoid unauthorized users.
• Make use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users
• Review, update, and manage user roles and permissions uniformly
• Limit access during migration

Testing

Make sure to test your site before, during, and after the process of migration to spot any vulnerabilities.

• Run security scans and penetration tests
• Look for common issues like XSS and SL injection
• Ensure sensitive data is secure throughout the whole migration journey

Monitor your site

Keep a close eye on things while the migration takes place in real-time. This allows you to respond to potential threats when spotted.

• You can implement different monitoring tools to track your activities
• Set up alerts in case of any unauthorized access
• Review your logs regularly to be sure

Post-migration security

You may think you’re done once the migration is over. However, you need to have a post-migration security plan in place for a smooth post-migration journey.

• Update Drupal core and modules timely and regularly
• Conduct periodic security checks
• Use Drupal best practices to avoid user errors

The best way to stay ahead in the competition and updated with the latest features on your website would be to hire professional Drupal maintenance services. Experts can keep track of your data and update them when required.

Why Work with a Drupal Migration Company?

Of course, you can manage the migration in-house. But that can be risky sometimes. We suggest you hire a professional Drupal migration company for a seamless migration. Here’s why:

• They’re experts at their job and can fix potential security issues before even they pose a threat
• It’s a quicker process as these professionals know what they’re doing and can reduce downtime
• Depending on the type of your site, Drupal experts can offer customized solutions for you
• You can depend on a professional team from start to finish for a secure migration
• Save time and let the pros handle the stress while you cater to your business

Mistakes you should avoid

Mistakes likely occur even when you’re doing your best. It’s best to be prepared for the worst. Here’s what you should avoid:

• Skipping backups – It’s never an option.
• Rushing – It does not help your migration process.
• Ignoring compatibility – Your modules and themes have to be compatible with the new version to work efficiently.
• Forgetting user training – Ensure to train your team to run the new system securely.

Wrapping It Up

Security isn’t one of the many checkboxes you check off during a migration process. It is THE most important step you cannot afford to miss. Make sure you cater to all the steps and best practices mentioned in the blog you just read while working with a trusted Drupal migration company. Your site needs solid protection at all times to secure sensitive data and users from potential threats.

A secure migration journey gives you a better-performing site as well as peaceful sleep at night, away from your site. So, when are you getting started?