Why should Sitecore be secured before deployment?

Securing Sitecore before deployment is vital primarily because the default setup of Sitecore is designed with convenience in mind, rather than stringent security measures. This approach allows developers and content authors to quickly set up and manage their environments during the initial development phase. However, this convenience can lead to vulnerabilities if not addressed before moving to a production environment.

The default settings may leave certain admin interfaces exposed, default passwords unchanged, or unnecessary services enabled, which could be exploited by malicious users. By securing the environment prior to deployment, organizations can mitigate risks and protect sensitive data, ensuring that only authorized users have access and that any potential threats are addressed.

Other options might mention performance optimization or compatibility, but these do not directly relate to the urgency and importance of securing Sitecore specifically. Effective security measures are fundamental to safeguarding both the application and its data, which is why focusing on this before deployment is essential.