WordPress is the most popular website platform in the world, used by over 35% of all websites on the internet. But like any platform that uses open-source code, there is a danger of malware infecting a website. This is why it is essential to ensure that your WordPress-powered website stays clean and malware-free.
Update Your WordPress Core
This is the most basic but essential step to keeping your WordPress website safe. WordPress releases security updates regularly and you need to make sure you upgrade your WordPress core when an update is available. Failing to do so makes your website vulnerable to attacks and malware.
Keep Plugins and Themes Updated
WordPress plugins and themes, are just as important as the WordPress core. If you are not careful, a hacker can easily exploit a vulnerability in a plugin or theme to hijack your website. So, make sure you download plugins and themes from reliable sources, and always keep them updated with the latest version.
Backup Your Website
Backup is essential when it comes to keeping your WordPress website malware-free. If your website is already infected, you can easily recover it from backup. Here are the key steps to backing up your website:
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- Backup your WordPress Database
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- Backup Your WordPress Files and Media
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- Store the Backup File Securely
Security Scans
It is important to regularly scan your website for malware. This can be done using one of the many free or paid malware scanners available online. It is recommended to run such scans at least once every week to make sure that your website is free from malware.
User Accounts
You should always use strong passwords for your user accounts and not share your passwords with anyone. It is also important to delete the default «admin» username as it is an easy target for hackers. You should also limit access to certain areas of your website to only certain users with the necessary privileges.
Enable HTTPS
If your website does not use an SSL Certificate, then it is highly recommended to switch your website to HTTPS. This will secure your visitors’ data and also help to improve your website’s ranking in search engines.
Conclusion
These are the essential steps for ensuring cleanliness in WordPress and keeping your website malware-free. It is recommended to check your website routinely to make sure it is secure and malware-free. If you have any concerns, you can contact a professional for help.