WordPress is fantastic for building websites, but its popularity also makes it a target for attackers. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to secure your WordPress site and keep the bad guys out. Here’s a breakdown of essential WordPress security practices:
1. Keeping Things Up-to-Date
- Updates are Crucial: Regularly update WordPress core, themes, and plugins. Outdated software often has security vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
- Patching WordPress Plugins & Themes: Regularly audit the versions of your plugins and themes to identify and install any available updates.
2. Login Security
- Strong Passwords: This might seem obvious, but it’s critical to use strong, unique passwords for all your WordPress accounts. Don’t reuse passwords across different websites!
- Limit Login Attempts: WordPress by default allows unlimited login attempts. Consider using a plugin to limit the number of attempts, thwarting brute-force attacks.
- Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security with two-factor authentication (2FA). This requires a code from your phone in addition to your password to log in.
- Change Default Login URL: The default WordPress login URL is widely known. Consider using a plugin to change it to something more obscure.
3. Monitoring and Backups
- Security Scans: Run regular security scans to check your website for malware, vulnerabilities, and suspicious activity.
- Back Up Your WordPress Site: Regularly creating backups allows you to restore your site quickly in case of an attack or other mishap.
4. Hardening WordPress
- Secure .htaccess: Configure your .htaccess file to restrict access to sensitive directories and files.
- Limit User Accounts: Only create user accounts with the minimum permissions necessary for their role.
- Disable File Editing: Disable the ability to edit files directly from the WordPress dashboard.
5. Additional Security Measures
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Consider using a WAF to filter malicious traffic before it reaches your website.
- SSL/HTTPS: Enable SSL/HTTPS to encrypt communication between your website and visitors. This protects sensitive data like login credentials.
