10 Ways to Perplex and Bustify Your WordPress website security

If you’re running a website on WordPress, you must be aware of its immense popularity as a Content Management System (CMS) which powers about 40% of all websites on the internet. The popularity of WordPress is both a boon and bane as it makes it a prime target for hackers and cybercriminals. It’s imperative to protect your WordPress website from cyber threats if you want to maintain your online presence.

UIPDATE REGULARLY

WordPress frequently releases updates for its core CMS, themes and plugins which contain security fixes, bug fixes and feature enhancements. These updates help to improve the overall functionality of your site making it vital to apply them regularly to keep your CMS and its components secure.

USE UNIQUE PASSWORDS

Many security breaches happen because of weak or compromised passwords. Hackers can easily guess commonly used or simple passwords. It’s advisable to use long, complex passwords, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters, and manage them using a password manager.

IMPLEMENT TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (2FA)

Incorporating 2FA for your website requires using an extra layer of security that requires the user to provide a second proof of identity along with their password. This extra security layer makes it challenging for hackers to gain access to your website.

LIMIT LOGIN ATTEMPTS AND RESTRICT LOGIN ACCESS

Limiting login attempts helps to prevent brute-force attacks, while restricting login access by blocking IP addresses that have made too many failed attempts to log in can significantly reduce the risk of a successful hack on your website.

USE HTTPS AND SSL

HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) provides an encrypted connection between a user’s browser and your web server while SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) protocol enables HTTPS. Using HTTPS and SSL adds an extra layer of security making it harder for hackers to intercept your website traffic.

BACKUP YOUR WEBSITE REGULARLY

Backing up your website regularly is crucial in case of a security breach or site failure. WordPress provides native backup functionality, but it’s also advantageous to use third-party plugins to automate the backup process and store backups off-site.

DISABLE FILE EDITING

WordPress allows users to edit theme and plugin files from within the CMS, but it can pose a significant security risk if hackers gain access to your admin panel. Disabling file editing by adding the following line to your wp-config.php file can prevent hackers from compromising your website: define(‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true);

USE SECURITY PLUGINS

Many security plugins are available for WordPress that help protect your website. Some plugins can scan your website for malware and vulnerabilities, while others can block suspicious IPs, lock down user accounts, and monitor file changes. Choose a plugin that fits your security needs.

CHOOSE A SECURE WEB HOSTING PROVIDER

Your web hosting provider plays a crucial role in securing your website. Choosing a reputable web host that offers robust security features such as firewalls, regular backups, and SSL certificates can significantly boost your website’s security.

STAY UPDATED WITH SECURITY NEWS

Keeping up-to-date with security news can help you stay ahead of emerging threats and prepare for potential security breaches. Subscribe to security blogs and forums, and enable alerts for security vulnerabilities related to WordPress, themes, and plugins. Stay up-to-date with the latest news for full security.

Protecting your WordPress website is a proactive approach to security. By following the best practices mentioned above, you can safeguard your website from potential cyber threats and maintain a secure and resilient online presence.