Introduction WordPress powers a significant portion of the world’s websites. Its flexibility and user-friendly interface have made it a popular choice for businesses and individuals alike.
However, its popularity also makes it a target for malicious activities. To ensure the safety and integrity of your WordPress website, it’s crucial to implement security best practices and utilize recommended plugins.
1. Regularly Update WordPress, Themes, and Plugins Keep Your Core WordPress Updated:
WordPress frequently releases updates that include security patches. Make sure you’re always using the most recent version.
Update Themes and Plugins:
These can be potential entry points for hackers if they are outdated. Regularly check for and install updates.
2. Use Strong Usernames and Passwords
Avoid using the default ‘admin’ username. Also, always ensure that the passwords for all user accounts are strong, combining letters, numbers, and special characters.
3. Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
By enabling 2FA, you’ll add an additional layer of security. This means even if someone knows your password, they’ll still need a second verification step to gain access.
4. Limit Login Attempts
Limiting login attempts can prevent brute force attacks. If someone tries and fails to login too many times, they will be temporarily blocked.
5. Regular Backups
Always have a recent backup of your website. This ensures that you can quickly restore your site in case of any unforeseen issues or hacks.
6. Set Correct File Permissions
Incorrect file permissions can be a potential security risk. Ensure that only trusted individuals have access to your website’s files.
7. Use SSL Encryption
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) ensures that the data transferred between your server and your visitors is encrypted and secure.
8. Monitor User Activity
Keep an eye on what registered users are doing on your site. This can help you detect any suspicious activity.
Recommended Plugins for WordPress Security
1. Wordfence Security
This popular security plugin provides a range of features, including a firewall, login attempt monitoring, and malware scanning.
2. iThemes Security
iThemes offers features like 2FA, password strength testing, and the ability to detect and block specific malicious users.
3. Sucuri Security
Sucuri provides a website firewall, malware scanning, and blacklisting features. They also offer professional services if your site ever gets compromised.
4. All In One WP Security & Firewall
This comprehensive plugin offers a wide range of features to strengthen user credentials, database security, and file system security.
5. UpdraftPlus
While primarily a backup plugin, UpdraftPlus ensures that you always have a recent and clean version of your site to restore if needed.
6. Deactivate Unused Plugins and Themes
Even if you’re not using certain plugins or themes, if they are installed and not updated, they can become vulnerable. Regularly clean your WordPress installation by deleting any plugin or theme that is not in use.
7. Choose a Reliable Hosting
Your choice of hosting can have a significant impact on your site’s security. Opt for hosting providers that have a solid reputation in terms of security and offer features like firewalls, malware detection, and specialized WordPress support.
8. Restrict Access Areas
If possible, restrict areas of your WordPress backend to certain users. For instance, not all users need access to plugin or theme settings.
Other Recommended Plugins for WordPress Security
1. SecuPress
A relatively new but robust security plugin, SecuPress offers features like anti-brute force login, firewall, detection of vulnerable themes and plugins, and more.
2. VaultPress
Created by the developers of WordPress.com, VaultPress not only offers backup solutions but also checks and protects against threats, providing repair solutions.
3. Shield Security
Protecting against brute force attacks and intrusions, Shield Security is easy to set up and offers a variety of tools to keep your site safe.
4. Consistently Supervise Your Website
Frequently inspecting your website for anomalies can aid in early detection of potential threats or challenges. Adopt tools and services that alert you to any unsanctioned alterations in your content or code.
5. Turn Off Directory Visibility
Should your directories lack adequate protection, malicious actors can effortlessly access and peruse their contents, thereby identifying weak points. Ensure that the contents of your directories aren’t displayed to the general public.
6. Be Cautious When Acquiring Themes and Plugins
Make it a rule to procure themes and plugins exclusively from esteemed sources, like the official WordPress repository or developers known for their credibility. This diminishes the probability of embedding malicious code into your site.
7. Backup Regularly
Having regular backups of your WordPress site is crucial. In case of any security breaches or data loss, a recent backup can save you from significant damage and downtime.
8. Use Strong Passwords
Ensure that every user, especially administrators, uses a strong, unique password. Tools like password managers can help generate and store these passwords securely.
9. Limit Login Attempts
By limiting the number of login attempts, you can protect your website from brute force attacks. There are plugins available that can help with this.
10. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Adding an additional layer of security to your login process is always a wise decision. Two-Factor Authentication requires users to enter a unique code sent to their mobile device or email, ensuring that even if passwords are compromised, unauthorized access can be prevented.
11. Keep Your Local Environment Secure
Your WordPress site’s security is not only about the online environment. Ensure your computer and any device you use to access the website are protected from malware and viruses. This minimizes the risk of infections being unintentionally transferred to your website.
12. Disable XML-RPC
XML-RPC allows for remote connections to WordPress, but it has been exploited in the past. Unless you absolutely need it, consider disabling XML-RPC to cut down on potential entry points for attackers.
13. Check File Permissions
Ensure that your file permissions are correctly set. Incorrect file permissions can leave your website exposed to various vulnerabilities. WordPress offers specific recommendations for file permissions, and it’s advisable to adhere to them.
14. Use SSL Encryption
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption ensures that the data transferred between the user and the server is secure and encrypted. Many hosting providers offer free SSL certificates, so there’s no reason not to use one.
15. Monitor User Activity
Keeping an eye on user activity, especially those with administrative rights, can help spot suspicious behavior. There are plugins that allow you to monitor and log user actions, providing transparency in case issues arise.
16. Hide Your WordPress Version
Displaying your WordPress version can give attackers insights into potential vulnerabilities if you’re not using the latest version. Consider hiding it to reduce this risk.
17. Disable Editor in WordPress Dashboard
By default, WordPress allows administrative users to edit themes and plugins directly from the dashboard. Disabling this feature will ensure that in case an attacker gains administrative access, they won’t be able to inject malicious code easily.
18. Implement Geoblocking
If you know your website won’t be accessed from certain countries or regions, you can consider using geoblocking. This will prevent access from specified locations, reducing the threat surface.
19. Constantly Stay Updated
The world of cybersecurity is always evolving. Regularly read up on the latest threats and vulnerabilities related to WordPress. Join forums, attend webinars, or subscribe to newsletters to ensure you’re always a step ahead.
