Website security is a top priority for businesses and organizations across Europe. With cyber-attacks on the rise and changing regulations, it is crucial to know and apply the new safety standards to protect user data and ensure legal compliance.
In this article, we take a look at cybersecurity requirements for websites in Europe in 2025 and best practices to adopt.
1. Regulatory developments in Europe
Every year, the European Union strengthens its cybersecurity regulations to better protect users against cyberthreats. In 2025, several standards will apply to companies running a website:
🔍 Main regulations to be aware of :
✅ RGPD (General Data Protection Regulation) Protection of personal data and transparency in data processing.
✅ NIS2 Directive (Network and Information Security) Strengthening the security of critical digital infrastructures.
✅ DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act) Security and resilience to cyber attacks for companies in the financial sector.
✅ ePrivacy Regulation : Confidentiality of electronic communications and cookie management.
💡 Objective: Ensure better protection for users and minimize the risk of data breaches.
2. The importance of HTTPS and SSL certificates
Visit HTTPS is now an essential standard for websites. It ensures data encryption and guarantees a secure exchange between the user and the server.
💡 Why switch to HTTPS?
✔️ Secures transactions and sensitive data
✔️ Improves referencing on Google (SEO factor)
✔️ Reassures visitors by displaying a padlock in the address bar
💡 Check that your SSL certificate is activated and renewed regularly to avoid security errors.
3. Enhanced protection against cyber attacks
Cyber attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticatedThis is why companies are being forced to adopt advanced protection measures.
🛡️ Best practices in cybersecurity :
🔹 Firewall and WAF (Web Application Firewall) protection to block malicious attacks
🔹 Threat detection and response (EDR, SIEM, XDR) to quickly identify intrusions
🔹 Connection monitoring and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure administrative access
💡 Tip: Use advanced protection solutions to limit the risk of DDoS attacks, SQL injections and ransomware.
4. Cookie management and privacy
Regulations ePrivacy requires websites to better inform users about the use of cookies and tracers.
📌 ePrivacy compliance :
✔️ Show one clear, detailed consent banner
✔️ Enable users to refuse certain non-essential cookies
✔️ Set up a transparent privacy policy
💡 Use a consent management platform (CMP) to ensure compliance.
5. Updates and vulnerability monitoring
A secure website relies on regular updates and a active vulnerability monitoring.
📌 Actions to be implemented :
🔹 Update CMS, plugins and themes to avoid security breaches
🔹 Analyze vulnerabilities with scanning tools (e.g. OWASP ZAP, Qualys)
🔹 Penetration testing to identify potential weaknesses
💡 An obsolete website is a prime target for hackers. Keep your infrastructure up to date!
6. Backup and disaster recovery plan (DRP)
In the event of a cyber-attack or breakdown, having a disaster recovery plan is essential to minimize data loss and restore the site quickly.
🗄️ Best practices for secure backup :
✔️ Automatic, redundant backups (cloud and local storage)
✔️ Disaster recovery plan (DRP) to quickly restore data
✔️ Encrypting backups to prevent unauthorized access
💡 Perform regular tests to verify the reliability of your backup strategy.
Conclusion: Adapt to Europe's new safety standards
By 2025, the requirements for cybersecurity and data protection are getting stronger. It is essential for companies to comply with the new standards in order to protect their users and avoid legal sanctions.
✅ Summary of actions to be taken :
🔹 Secure your site with a SSL and HTTPS certificate
🔹 Strengthen the protection against cyber attacks
🔹 Respect the new rules on cookies and privacy
🔹 Update your site and monitor vulnerabilities
🔹 Plan a backup and effective DRP
🚀 Need support for secure your site web in Europe? Contact Webiphi for a safety analysis and full compliance.
