WordPress runs on many websites making cybercriminals focus their attacks here. To properly defend your WordPress website you must prioritize its security above all. You can substantially boost your WordPress site security when you take planned actions and use security best practices. In this following section we will show you what you need to do to secure your WordPress installation.
1. Regularly update your WordPress base system plus its theme and plugin resources to defend your website from new security risks.
Don’t underestimate the importance of keeping your WordPress system alongside theme desktops and plugins at their latest versions. Updating regularly fixes security issues to keep threats away. To safeguard your WordPress security regularly enable automated updates when available or check for security patches regularly.
2. Use Strong Login Credentials
Easy passwords make it simple for hackers to access your system. Create an advanced password mix of letters numbers and special signs that no one else uses online. Do not use “admin” as your user name and set up 2FA to give your website stronger protection.
3. Choose Reliable Hosting
The security of your website relies heavily on the services provided by your web hosting company. Select a trusted hosting provider who provides enhanced security systems including firewalls and anti-malware protection to fight off distributed denial of service attacks. Their WordPress hosting packages include security tools designed only for WordPress users.
4. Install a WordPress Security Plugin
Security plugins give you all the tools needed to protect your website effectively. Our security plugins watch for dangerous actions and block unwelcome IP addresses while stopping automated attack attempts. Users commonly select from three WordPress security plugin options – Wordfence Security, Sucuri Security, and iThemes Security.
5. Regularly Back Up Your Site
Backups are your safety net in case of a security breach. Use a reliable backup plugin to create regular backups of your website’s files and database. Store these backups in a secure location and ensure they can be easily restored in the event of an emergency.
6. Secure Your wp-config.php File
The wp-config.php file contains critical configuration details for your WordPress site. Protect this file by restricting access permissions and moving it to a non-public directory if possible. Additionally, consider adding authentication salts and keys to further secure your WordPress installation.
7. Implement HTTPS and SSL Encryption
Switching your site to HTTPS ensures that all data exchanged between your website and its visitors is encrypted. An SSL certificate not only enhances security but also boosts SEO rankings and builds trust with users. Most hosting providers offer free SSL certificates, so take advantage of this feature.
8. Limit Login Attempts
Hackers often attempt to gain unauthorized access through brute force attacks. By limiting the number of login attempts, you can block malicious actors after a set number of failed tries. Many security plugins offer this feature, making it easy to implement.
9. Disable Directory Indexing and Browsing
Directory indexing allows attackers to view the contents of your directories, potentially revealing sensitive files. Disable directory indexing by adding the following line to your .htaccess file:
Options -Indexes
This simple step can prevent unauthorized access to your directory contents.
10. Monitor User Roles and Permissions
Assign user roles and permissions carefully. Only grant administrator access to trusted individuals, and regularly audit user accounts to ensure there are no unauthorized users. Minimizing the number of users with elevated privileges reduces the risk of insider threats.
11. Protect Against Malware and Viruses
Regularly scan your WordPress site for malware and viruses using a reliable security plugin. Early detection allows you to address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Additionally, educate yourself and your team on identifying phishing attempts and other common cyber threats.
12. Log and Monitor Activity
Monitoring user activity on your WordPress site can help you detect unusual behavior or potential breaches. Use an activity log plugin to track changes made by users and administrators. This allows you to identify and address issues promptly.
Securing your WordPress site is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and a commitment to best practices. By implementing the measures outlined above, you can protect your website from cyber threats and maintain a safe environment for your users. Remember, in the digital age, proactive security is not an option—it’s a necessity. Safeguard your WordPress site today to ensure its long-term success and reliability.
