The padlock is no longer enough
Having HTTPS (the little padlock in the address bar) is the bare minimum. In 2026, Google actively penalizes HTTP sites in its search results. But HTTPS alone does not protect against the most common attacks.
The real risks for a business website in Sénégal lie elsewhere: code injection, session hijacking, clickjacking. And the solution is simple — properly configured HTTP headers.
The essential security headers
Content-Security-Policy (CSP)
The most powerful header. It tells the browser which resources are allowed to execute on your page. Blocks malicious script injections (XSS).
X-Frame-Options
Prevents your site from being embedded in an iframe on a malicious website. Protects against clickjacking — a technique where an attacker overlays your site behind a fake button.
Strict-Transport-Security (HSTS)
Forces the browser to always use HTTPS, even if the user types HTTP. Eliminates the possibility of interception during the redirect.
X-Content-Type-Options
Prevents the browser from "guessing" the type of a file. Without this header, a malicious file can be interpreted as JavaScript.
Referrer-Policy
Controls the information sent to third-party sites when a visitor clicks an external link. Protects the privacy of your users.
How to check your site
Use these free tools to audit your website's security:
- SecurityHeaders.com — grade from A+ to F
- Mozilla Observatory — comprehensive analysis
- SSL Labs — test your HTTPS certificate
The real cost of an unsecured site
- Loss of trust — clients see browser warnings
- Google penalty — drop in search rankings
- Legal liability — in the event of a client data breach
- Defacement — your site modified by an attacker
Our approach at Rostel High-Tech
Every website we develop systematically includes all of these security headers. It is non-negotiable. Our own site achieves an A+ rating on SecurityHeaders.com.
Is your site protected? Request a free audit — we analyze your security and recommend priority fixes.
