WordPress Security Tips: No matter how much effort you put into developing your website, it may still end up in danger, even if you didn’t do anything wrong. This is simply how the internet functions and how random attacks are carried out.
But, the majority of risks may be avoided if you take a moment to apply these 10 easy WordPress security tips:
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10 WordPress security guidelines to protect your website
When performing a routine check, there are a few items you should add to the list. It should be necessary to review these rules once a month or so to keep you secure.
We’re going to focus on a few important site regions. A website is somewhat similar to the human body. Damage to one part has an impact on the entire system.
Regularly update WordPress
Every time a new version of WordPress is launched, security is also improved. Each time a fresh version is released, many flaws and weaknesses are fixed. Also, the WordPress core developer will instantly fix any particularly harmful problems and force the publication of an updated, secure version. You will be in danger if you don’t update.
You must first access your dashboard in order to update WordPress. Any time a new version is available, there will be a notification at the top of the page. After updating, select “Update Now” by clicking the blue icon. It simply takes a short while.
Updating your plugins and themes
The same is true for themes and plugins. Your website’s downloaded plugins and current theme both need to be updated. You can avoid weaknesses, defects, and potential entry points for security breaches by doing this. Your WordPress Theme Should be regularly patched for security updates.
Similar to how it is with the mass of software products, sometimes particular plugins may be compromised or have security holes found in them. For example, plugins like Ninja Forms and WooCommerce have experienced some serious issues in the past.
So, how do you update your plugins and themes?
Start by talking about the plugins. The list of all your installed plugins can be found by going to Plugins > Installed Plugins. WordPress will alert you if a specific plugin is not in the most recent version.
For example, I only need to select “update now” next to each of my two old plugin versions, and they will be available in a few seconds.
You can update your theme by going to Appearance > Themes, where you can see every theme you have loaded. Like with plugins, the old ones will be identified. Just select “Update Now.”
Keep in mind to delete any outdated plugins and themes in addition to updating all of your active ones. That is simply extra weight. Think of this as an added bonus to the list of WordPress security advice.
Backing up your website regularly
Making a copy of all the site’s data and keeping it safe constitutes backing up your website. In the event that something bad happens, you can then restore the website from that backup copy.
Users need a plugin to back up their website. Many excellent backup options are available. For example, Jetpack now includes some newly created backup solutions for an affordable $3.50 per month. You receive spam filtering, one-click restores, daily backups, and a 30-day backup archive for that.
UpdraftPlus is a free option as well.
Limit your login attempts and often update your password
Your login form shouldn’t permit infinite username and password guesses because that’s exactly what a hacker needs to succeed. When you give them an unlimited number of chances, they will eventually figure out your login information. The first thing you must do to stop it is to restrict the number of possible attempts.
You can restrict potential login attempts by using specific, specialized plugins.
Also, you can make it more difficult for hackers to access your website by often changing your passwords. But I don’t mean every day when I say “frequently”… Ideally, only once every two to three months. Diversity makes things less fun for those looking to break in.
WordPress security advice: LastPass is a handy program that securely keeps your password information and creates strong passwords for you, saving you the effort of coming up with your own.
Download a firewall
Firewalls are the subject of another of our WordPress security articles.
On your computer
Your computer is typically protected from different online threats by firewalls. In this way, anything strange that attempts to connect with you will be examined and rejected if it’s uncomfortable. Even though this has no direct link to your WordPress website, per se, setting up a firewall on your computer is still worthwhile for the following reason:
You access the admin section of your website using a computer. As a result, if your computer has been attacked, your connection to the website may also be in danger.
Comodo, ZoneAlarm, or Norton Internet Security are a few options for this use. The latter is uncharged.
On your WordPress site
You can set up security features directly on your WordPress website in addition to setting up a firewall on your computer. This kind of firewall protects against hacker attacks, viruses, and malware on your website.
Among the best WordPress security services available is Sucuri, which excels in this area. It does a little bit of everything.
Limit user access to your website
Be cautious when creating fresh accounts for users when you aren’t the only person with access to your site. Users should maintain order and take steps to limit access of any kind to users who don’t necessarily need it.
You could place limits on the capabilities and permissions of your multiple users. Only the features that are necessary for them to perform their duties should be available to them.
You may also find forcing strong passwords useful in this situation. WordPress suggests a strong password by default, but still, it won’t make you change it if you decide to use a poor one. If your password isn’t strong enough, this plugin won’t let you continue. This might work well for everyone who logs into your admin. In short, it’s your only option to verify that they utilise secure passwords in the same manner as you do.
Change the login URL
The URL you use to access your dashboard by default is either wp-login.php or wp-admin, placed after the main URL of your website.
And guess what? Hackers trying to access your database most regularly visit those two URLs as well. By changing that URL, you reduce your risk of getting into trouble. A personalized login URL is much more difficult for hackers to guess.
Activate security checks
Security scans are carried out by specialized software or plugins that search your entire website for anything suspicious. When an item is discovered, it is deleted right away. These scanners operate similarly to anti-virus software.
Just use the aforementioned Jetpack plugin for a quick and affordable fix. Together with monthly virus and threat scans with a manual resolution, it also provides backup options (this plan costs $9 per month). Users can use CodeGuard or Sucuri SiteCheck as an alternative.
Apply SSL
Using SSL (Secure Socket Layer) to protect your admin data is an excellent idea. Between the user’s web browser and the server, SSL secures data flow. An SSL certificate can be obtained in one of two ways:
Purchase one from a third-party business, such as RapidSSL.
For one, ask your hosting company. This is sometimes included as a bonus with some hosting plans. You might be able to receive one for no extra charge, depending on your host.
For example, all options for Pagely hosting include free SSL.
Not only will employing SSL encryption protect your website, but it will also help you perform better in Google searches. Google prefers websites that use HTTPS. You now have two justifications for using this specific one of our WordPress security recommendations.
Secure your wp-config.php
Another of your website’s most necessary and dangerous files is the wp-config.php file. It stores important data and information about your entire WordPress installation. It is, in short, the basis of your WordPress website. You won’t be able to use your blog normally if something goes wrong with it.
One simple action you can take is to simply move the wp-config.php file one level above your WordPress root directory. This change won’t have any impact on your WordPress website, but hackers won’t be able to find it any longer.
