WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems in the world, with millions of websites using it as their platform. However, with its popularity comes the risk of security threats, such as hacking attempts and malware infections. Therefore, it is essential to take steps to ensure the security of your WordPress site. In this article, we will discuss 19 simple tricks for site security and keeping the website safe on WordPress.
- Keep WordPress Updated: WordPress regularly releases updates that include security patches and bug fixes. Keep your site secure by making sure you always have the latest version of WordPress.
- Keep Plugins and Themes Updated: Like WordPress itself, plugins and themes can also contain security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. Make sure you keep them up-to-date.
- Use Strong Passwords: Weak passwords are an easy target for hackers. Make sure you use a strong password with a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Limit Login Attempts: Limiting the number of login attempts can prevent brute force attacks. Install a plugin that can limit the number of login attempts.
- Change the Default “admin” Username: The default “admin” username is a common target for hackers. Create a unique username that is not easy to guess.
- Use Two-Factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to enter a code sent to their phone or email in addition to their password.
- Use SSL Certificate: An SSL certificate encrypts the data sent between the website and the user, preventing hackers from intercepting and stealing the data.
- Use a Security Plugin: Security plugins can monitor your site for potential security threats and take action to prevent them.
- Set Strong File Permissions: Set file permissions to restrict access to important files and directories, making it more difficult for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities.
- Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN): A CDN can protect your site from distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, which can overwhelm your server with traffic.
- Remove Unused Plugins and Themes: Unused plugins and themes can be a security risk. Remove them from your site to reduce the risk of vulnerabilities.
- Use Secure Hosting: Make sure you choose a web host that provides secure hosting, such as regular backups, firewalls, and malware scanning.
- Disable File Editing: Disabling file editing can prevent hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities by modifying your site’s code.
- Monitor Your Site for Malware: Use a malware scanner to regularly check your site for malware infections.
- Use a WAF (Web Application Firewall): A WAF can block malicious traffic before it even reaches your site, protecting you from many common attacks.
- Use a CAPTCHA: CAPTCHAs can prevent automated bots from spamming your site or attempting to brute force your login page.
- Hide WordPress Version Number: Hiding your WordPress version number can prevent hackers from identifying vulnerabilities specific to your version.
- Enable HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS): HSTS forces your site to use HTTPS, preventing attackers from downgrading your site to HTTP and intercepting data.
- Backup Your Site Regularly: Backups can help you quickly restore your site in the event of a security breach or other disaster.
In conclusion, these 19 simple tricks can go a long way in ensuring the security of your WordPress site. By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of security threats and keep your website safe. Remember, site security is an ongoing process, so make sure you stay vigilant and keep your site up-to-date with the latest security measures.
