7 Security Headers Your Website Is Probably Missing (And How to Fix Them)

Security headers are invisible instructions your web server sends to browsers, telling them how to handle your site securely. Think of them as locks on your front door. Most small business websites are missing at least 5 of the 7 critical ones.

The 7 headers every website needs

1. X-Content-Type-Options prevents browsers from guessing what type of file they are loading. Without it, attackers can trick browsers into running malicious code disguised as an image.

2. X-Frame-Options stops your website from being embedded inside someone else’s site. Scammers use this technique (called clickjacking) to steal clicks and data.

3. Strict-Transport-Security (HSTS) forces browsers to always use HTTPS. Without it, visitors can accidentally connect over unencrypted HTTP even if you have an SSL certificate.

4. Content-Security-Policy tells browsers exactly which scripts and resources are allowed to run. This blocks cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

5. X-XSS-Protection enables the browser’s built-in cross-site scripting filter. An extra layer of defence.

6. Referrer-Policy controls what information is shared when visitors click links to other sites. Without it, sensitive URLs can leak.

7. Permissions-Policy restricts which browser features (camera, microphone, geolocation) your site can access. Prevents malicious scripts from hijacking these.

How to check yours

Visit securityheaders.com and enter your URL. It gives you an instant grade. Or use our scanner which checks all 7 automatically.

How to fix them

If you use WordPress, install the free “Headers Security Advanced & HSTS WP” plugin. It adds all 7 headers in one click. For other platforms, your hosting provider can add them via server configuration — just send them this article.

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