WordPress is a popular content management system used to power millions of websites worldwide, both large and small. As the leading CMS, WordPress is also a popular target for hackers looking to exploit website vulnerabilities. Without proper security measures in place, your website could be at risk for data theft, malicious code injection, and more. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to strengthen WordPress security and protect your website from potential threats. Here are some of the best practices for safeguarding your WordPress website:
Update Your CMS & Plugins Regularly
One of the most effective ways to improve WordPress security is to keep the CMS and any plugins regularly updated. Whenever a new update is released, it is important to install it right away to patch out any security flaws. WordPress also allows you to schedule automatic updates, so you don’t need to manually check for updates all the time. You should also update any plugins you’re using, as out-of-date plugins can be an easy target for hackers.
Secure Your Login
Your WordPress login page is the primary point of entry to your site, making it a critical target for hackers. To make sure your account is secure, you should use a strong password. It is also important to change your password on a regular basis, and avoid using easily guessable information like your name, date of birth, etc. Additionally, you can use two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your account.
Install & Configure a Security Plugin
Security plugins are designed to protect your website from a wide range of cyber threats. They include features like malware scanning, firewall protection, and more. Some of the most popular security plugins for WordPress include Wordfence, Sucuri, and iThemes Security.
Disable PHP File Editing
One of the main ways hackers can gain access to your website is by injecting malicious code into your files. To prevent this from happening, it is important to disable PHP file editing in WordPress. You can do this by adding the following line of code to your site’s wp-config.php file:
define(‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true);
Limit Login Attempts
By setting a limit on the number of login attempts users can make, you can effectively stop hackers from brute-forcing their way into your site. To set a limit on login attempts, you can use a plugin like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded. This plugin will also lock out any IP address that attempts to make too many failed login attempts.
Backup Your Website Regularly
While it is important to do everything you can to prevent your website from getting hacked, you should also have a plan in place in case the worst happens. A website backup will give you the peace of mind knowing you can restore your site in the event of an attack. You can easily backup your WordPress site with a plugin like UpdraftPlus.
Conclusion
By following these best practices for WordPress security, you can ensure your website is secure and protected from potential threats. However, it is important to note that no website is 100% secure, and cyber threats are always evolving. You should stay alert and vigilant to protect your website from any possible attacks.