WordPress, the world’s most well-liked content management system, runs 43.2% of all websites and blogs. Unfortunately, because of its popularity, various cybercriminals are drawn to it and take advantage of the platform’s security vulnerabilities.
This is not to say that WordPress’s security system is weak. Security breaches can also occur due to users’ poor security knowledge. In order to avoid having your website become a hacker target, it is best to implement preventative security measures.
As a leading web design agency in Melbourne, we will share some expert tips to help you improve the security and protection of your website against cyberattacks.
1. Always Keep Your WordPress Site Updated
Maintaining site updates is one of the essential WordPress security recommendations that we can provide. Security fixes are also included every time a WordPress version is released. You can defend your website against potential dangers by keeping it updated.
Updates to your plugins and themes are equally crucial. Plugins and themes can have security flaws, just like WordPress itself. Updating your plugins and themes can lessen your website’s risk of being compromised.
Although updating your website can be additional work and effort, the peace of mind it can bring is worth it. A few excellent plugins are also available that can assist in automating the process.
2. Never Use the Default “admin” as Your Username
Using the default “admin” login while installing WordPress is one of the most frequent potential security vulnerabilities. Because they are aware of this, hackers target websites using this account. Immediately change your username if you’re still using “admin.” It’s simple to accomplish and will greatly increase the security of your website.
3. Create Strong Password
A strong password is one of the best ways to secure your WordPress site. A strong password is one that is tricky to decipher or guess. It must contain a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols and be at least eight characters long.
Someone might be able to guess your password and access your website if it is weak. Once hackers gain access to your website, they are free to do whatever they want, such as change the content on your website, introduce dangerous code, or even delete it entirely. One of the easiest ways to stop someone from obtaining unauthorised access to your website is by using a strong password.
4. Consider Adding Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is an excellent choice if you want to add an additional layer of protection to your WordPress website. A password and a code transmitted to your cell phone are two independent pieces of information needed for this type of authentication. This will prevent unauthorised users from logging in without your phone, even if they know your password.
Two-factor authentication is available through many different WordPress plugins, so do your homework to pick the one that works best for you and your website. Once configured, you can relax knowing your website is much safer.
5. Schedule Regular Backups
As the saying goes, the security of your website depends on the most recent backup. When it comes to WordPress security, this is particularly accurate. Make sure to arrange regular backups because they can stop data loss in the event of a security breach.
You can back up your WordPress site in a few different ways. You can manually back up your files and database or utilise a plugin like BackupBuddy or WPTime capsule. Whatever method you choose, make sure to use it regularly to maintain the security of your website.
6. Install Trusted Security Plugins
Choosing the best WordPress security plugin can be challenging because so many are available. How can you determine which is best for you and your website?
Here are some WordPress security tips for plugins to assist you in choosing wisely:
- Choose a plugin that a trusted company or individual created.
- Ensure the plugin is regularly updated to keep up with the most recent security concerns.
- Read online reviews to check out what other users have to say about the plugin.
- Choose a plugin with a wide range of functionality to suit your unique requirements.
- Choose a plugin that is simple to set up and utilise.
- Check to see if the plugin works properly with the other plugins you have on your website.
- Choose a plugin that provides support in case you encounter any issues.
- Choose a plugin that works with the most recent WordPress versions.
- Think about a plugin that provides a free trial so you may test it out before investing in a paid subscription.
- Consult with other WordPress users who have comparable security requirements for advice.
7. Only Use Trusted Plugins & Themes
It’s important for WordPress users only to use authorised themes and plugins. Unfortunately, many malicious themes and plugins can jeopardise your website’s security. It’s crucial only to download themes and plugins from reputable websites.
You can take the following steps to ensure that you only use reliable themes and plugins:
- Download themes and plugins only from reliable websites.
- Before downloading anything, read the reviews first.
- Make sure your antivirus software is up to date.
- Updating your WordPress installation is a good idea.
- To check for malicious code, use a plugin for security like Wordfence.
You can maintain the security and safety of your WordPress website by following these easy steps.
8. Consider Using WordPress Child Theme
In case you’re unfamiliar, a WordPress child theme is essentially a theme that borrows features from another theme (the parent theme). When someone wants to alter an existing theme without affecting their capacity to update the parent theme, they frequently use child themes.
This is a fantastic technique to secure your WordPress website. By making a child theme, you may prevent any modifications to your theme from being overwritten when the parent theme is changed. As a result, you can update the parent theme if a security flaw is discovered without worrying about losing your changes.
9. Limit the Number of Login Attempts
There are always ways to increase the security of your website. One of the greatest ways to achieve this is by limiting the number of login attempts a user can achieve.
Although it might seem insignificant, this can greatly impact your website’s security. You can make it more difficult for someone to brute force their way into your website by restricting the number of login attempts. In addition, if someone does manage to circumvent your security measures, they will only have a certain number of attempts before being locked out.
In WordPress, you can restrict login attempts in a few different ways. Use a plugin like a Login Lockdown as one option. This plugin will restrict how many times a user can attempt to log in and will lock out an IP address after a specific amount of unsuccessful tries.
You can also change your .htaccess file to restrict login attempts. A few lines of code that limit the number of login attempts and lock out an IP address after a predetermined number of unsuccessful tries can be added to this file.
Of course, you can always choose to restrict login attempts manually. This entails adding a few lines of code to your theme’s functions.php file in your child theme. You can adjust the maximum number of login attempts this way and shut off an IP address after a particular number of unsuccessful attempts. Limiting login attempts is a fantastic approach to secure your WordPress website regardless of the situation.
10. Hide Your Admin Area
Hiding your admin area is one of the most critical factors of WordPress security. Protecting this section from potential threats is necessary since it includes sensitive information. Two options for hiding your admin area are a security plugin or modifying your WordPress settings.
11. Disable File Editing
Disabling file editing is among the most crucial steps to secure your WordPress website. Users can edit theme and plugin files directly from the admin panel by default with WordPress. However, this presents a significant security issue because it makes it simple for unauthorised individuals to insert code into your website.
You can add the following line of code to your WordPress configuration file (wp-config.php) to prevent file editing:
define(‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true)
Doing this will make altering files from the dashboard impossible, which will keep your website safe.
12. Protect wp-config.php from Unauthorised Access
The wp-config.php file is among the most important pieces in your WordPress installation. Your database information, as well as other sensitive data, are stored in this file. It is crucial to take security precautions to prevent unauthorised users from accessing it.
13. Protect Your .htaccess File
When it comes to WordPress security, the integrity of your .htaccess file is important. Your WordPress installation’s URL redirection, access restrictions, and other security features are all controlled by this file. Keep your .htaccess file secure because it can cause havoc on your website if compromised.
Ensuring that only the owner can read and write to your .htaccess file is one way to secure it. You can accomplish this through the WordPress dashboard or your FTP client. Once you’ve finished, store a copy of your .htaccess file in a secure location.
14. Utilise SSL/HTTPS
Use SSL/HTTPS if you’re serious about keeping your WordPress site secure. All of your data and communications will be encrypted. As a result, making it far more difficult for hackers to eavesdrop on your traffic and steal private data. Additionally, it’s simply a terrific practice all around!
Other WordPress Security Tips
Aside from all the major tips mentioned above, staying up-to-date on the latest WordPress security threats is important to avoid the problem and protect your website accordingly.
Some other ways to help you protect your website from security breaches may also include:
- Scanning your website for malware
- Using a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
- Keeping an activity log
- Choosing a reliable hosting provider, etc.
With all these tips in mind, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed with this too much information. A normal business owner or website owner like yourself who only wants to make sure your website is secured may not be able to digest all this information at once.
If you are working with a reliable web design agency like Digital Rescue, you don’t have to worry about all these things. Our team of expert web developers will ensure that your website is highly secured and protected against hackers or any type of security breaches.
Gear Up and Be Secured with Digital Rescue
Website security maintenance doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. You’ll feel safe and secure online if you put measures in place to defend your website from attacks and have tools for quick problem identification. Are you looking for a simple approach to control the security of your website?
Hire a web design agency that has the knowledge and expertise to provide your company with unparalleled security to do it right. Contact us today! With more than 20+ years of experience in the industry, impeccable quality results are always guaranteed with us!
