Securing Your WordPress Website from Hackers

With over 30% of all websites powered by WordPress, it’s no surprise that cybercriminals target WordPress websites to exploit vulnerabilities in the software or configuration. However, taking necessary precautions and implementing security practices can protect your website from becoming a target for hackers.

1. Keep Your WordPress Software Updated

Constantly updated WordPress software patches any security risks or vulnerabilities, so updating both the core software and any themes and plugins is essential to prevent attacks exploiting outdated versions.

2. Choose Strong Login Credentials

Hackers use weak passwords to brute-force attack WordPress login pages, but strong passwords with at least eight characters, both upper and lower cases, numbers, and symbols make it harder for hackers to guess or crack.

3. Use Two-Factor Authentication

Adding another layer of security on top of the password, multi-step login process Two-Factor Authentication requires a code from a user’s phone or email, reducing the risk of brute-force attacks or automated login attempts.

4. Install Security Plugins

Plugins like WordFence, iThemes Security, and Sucuri use built-in protocols to check for suspicious activity, scan for malware, blacklist threatening IP addresses, and alert users of unauthorized changes or attempts.

5. Choose a Secure Web Host

Choosing a provider with robust security measures, regular system and software updates, data backups, secure server settings, and a secure website environment ensures your website remains protected from cyberattacks.

6. Disable File Editing Functionality

While helpful, WordPress dashboard’s ability to edit themes and plugins poses a security risk if a hacker gains access to it, so disabling this functionality mitigates the risk of malicious code being added.

7. Change Your Login URL

Changing the URL for the login page makes it harder for hackers to locate the dashboard login page and enhances the website’s security.

8. Protect WordPress Files and Directories

Restricting access to files and directories by defining permission levels, setting files for editing or permission to “writable” and others to “read-only” or “no access,” and restricting HTAccess, WP-Content, WP-Config, and XML-RPC files avoids hacking attempts.

9. Regularly Backup Your Website

Automated backups and cloud-based storage solutions like Dropbox or Google Drive ensure regular backups help mitigate the risk of data loss.

10. Monitor Your Website

Regular monitoring to identify potential security threats, checking for suspicious activity, and unexpected website behavior and irregular website traffic help recognize security threats before they cause damage.

In conclusion, prioritize securing your WordPress website by implementing a comprehensive security strategy and following best practices to protect against cyberattacks.