Can anyone recommend a security extension?

[Morris2]

Hi.

I am ready to go online with my Joomla! 1.7 site, and would like to get some security recommendations.
This is my first site, so my knowhow is still limited.

My site is quite small and simple, using Chronoforms extension to handle form inputs and PHP coding.
I am using Art Table to display tables from the database.
I have a "share on Facebook" plugin installed as well. That's about it for now.

My question is:

Can anyone recommend a security extension, that will secure my site as it looks like now?
How important is it, that I upgrade to Joomla! 7.3?

Best regards Morris

[sone12]

Mod note: Topåic moved to Security in Joomla! 1.7 / Joomla! 1.6 forum.

How important is it, that I upgrade to Joomla! 7.3?

Its the first thing you should do...even before you go online

Btw...here is a security checklist. http://docs.joomla.org/Category:Security_Checklist
Here is a link to security extensions on JED. http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions ... e-security
Some of them are listed as populare. Also read the Reviews, documentations and so on.

[brian]

I would recommend using admintools from akeebabackup.com and a regular backup routine using akeeba backup from the same site

HOWEVER no security extension can protect you from bad insecure code

[Morris2]

Thanks for the tips.
I made a nice Akeeba backup.

I learned that a site can not be 100% secure, but Brian are you saying, that security extensions is of no use for non professionals?
Don't they give some kind of protection?

Updating to Joomla!1.7.3:
Should I use update manager?
I am a little worried, if this will make parts of the site not working ...

Best regards Morris

[PhilD]

Thanks for the tips.
I made a nice Akeeba backup.
Don't forget to download backups for safekeeping and remove the backups from the server.

I learned that a site can not be 100% secure, but Brian are you saying, that security extensions is of no use for non professionals?
Don't they give some kind of protection?
There are extensions that can help, but no extension is a substitute for keeping your site up to date and using good security practices.

Updating to Joomla!1.7.3:
Should I use update manager?
I am a little worried, if this will make parts of the site not working ...

Use the update manager in Joomla. The files needing updating will be replaced by the updated ones and it is a simple procedure. Unless you have made core file modifications, the updates are safe to make. The updater will not update 3rd party extensions or 3rd party templates. Those you will have to do according to the developers instructions for those extensions and templates.

Best regards Morris

Also check read the security checklists located here:
http://docs.joomla.org/Category:Security_Checklist
they contain very good info to help prevent security issues with your site.

Here is a quick synopsis of security
http://forum.joomla.org/viewtopic.php?f=432&t=622474