- Update WordPress, themes, and plugins regularly to mitigate security vulnerabilities.
- Implement strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and use HTTPS to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access.
- To maintain a secure WordPress website, utilize security plugins, conduct regular audits, and educate your team on cybersecurity best practices.
WordPress is a powerful platform for building websites, but its popularity makes it a target for cyberattacks. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve your WordPress website’s security posture.
Let’s equip you with the knowledge to implement essential security measures and protect your website from threats.
Keep WordPress Updated
Regularly updating WordPress is one of the simplest and most effective ways to secure your site. Each update fixes security vulnerabilities and improves overall performance. Ensure you also update themes and plugins to their latest versions to avoid security risks.
Use Strong Passwords and Usernames
Weak passwords and common usernames are easy targets for hackers. Use complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid common usernames like “admin” and create unique usernames for each user on your site.
Install Security Plugins
Security plugins offer various features to protect your website. Some popular plugins include Wordfence, Sucuri Security, and iThemes Security. These plugins can block malicious traffic, scan for malware, and offer firewall protection.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification. Even if someone manages to get your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second factor. This approach improves protection against unauthorized access attempts, reinforcing your cybersecurity measures.
Use HTTPS
HTTPS encrypts data transferred between your website and its visitors. This encryption ensures that sensitive information like login credentials and payment details remains secure. To enable HTTPS, obtain an SSL certificate and install it on your site. This improves both website security and user trust.
Limit Login Attempts
This step can prevent brute force attacks, where hackers try multiple password combinations to gain access. After a certain number of failed attempts, the login function can be temporarily disabled. Many security plugins offer this feature.
Regularly Back Up Your Website
Regular backups can quickly restore your site in case of a security breach. Use plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy to schedule automatic backups. Store backups in a secure location separate from your website’s server.
Secure Your wp-config.php File
The wp-config.php file contains important information about your WordPress installation. To protect your configuration settings, move this file to a higher directory and restrict access by editing the ‘.htaccess’ file.
Disable File Editing
WordPress allows administrators to edit theme and plugin files from the dashboard. While convenient, this feature can be risky if a hacker gains access to your admin area. Disable file editing by adding a line of code to your wp-config.php file:
php
Copy code
define(‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true);
Use a Web Application Firewall
This firewall filters and monitors HTTP traffic between a web application and the internet. A WAF can block malicious traffic and prevent attacks before they reach your server. Services like Cloudflare and Sucuri offer WAF solutions that integrate with WordPress.
Change the Default Login URL
The default WordPress login URL is easy to guess, making it a common target for attacks. To make it harder for hackers to find it, change the login URL to something unique. Use a plugin like WPS Hide Login to easily change your login URL.
Conduct Regular Security Audits
Regular audits help identify vulnerabilities and ensure your security measures are current. Conduct audits periodically and after any major changes to your site. Use tools like WPScan or hire a professional to perform a comprehensive security audit.
Educate Your Team
Ensure all users with access to your website understand basic security practices. Educate your team about strong passwords, recognizing phishing attempts, and reporting suspicious activity. A well-informed team is your first line of defense against cyber threats.
Are you concerned about your WordPress website’s security? CanSpace Solutions offers expert website security audits and comprehensive protection plans. We can identify vulnerabilities, recommend solutions, and protect your website from cyberattacks.
We’ve taken all our knowledge and over 15 years of experience to offer one of the most protected WordPress web hosting services in Canada. Our servers are being meticulously maintained and monitored 24/7, and our clients are provided with a free WAF (web application firewall) to preemptively prevent WordPress hack attempts. Our WAF rules are specifically tailored to WordPress-based websites, and it can also help prevent attacks against outdated WordPress installations, as well as vulnerable plugins. If you still have questions, we welcome you to contact us today for a free consultation!
