The level of security you need for your web project is dependent on what it does and how you intend to use it.

If you wish to process credit card financial transactions or highly personal information then it is necessary to use a Secure Server certificate with an HTTPS address. This will encrypt all the information as it is transferred through the Internet from user to server. As well, the physical location and access to the server must also be evaluated. The company managing the server should be bonded or be a part of your own organization.

Secure Server certificate and HTTPS platform cost: approx $150

If your web project is a contest where you are giving away prizes and want to avoid cheating and fraudulent voting issues a secure login system for the web project is required. This will allow you to control page access and site user logins. The information does not necessarily need to be encrypted if it is only chat messages and simple voting integer counts.

Secure login system cost: $100.

If your web project is a simple brochure site then security should not be an issue for you.