WordPress Security: Best Practices to Keep Your Website Safe

Importance of WordPress Security

Security is an essential aspect of any website, and WordPress websites are no exception. A compromised website can lead to data breaches, loss of sensitive information, and damage to the reputation of the website owner. Additionally, hackers can use compromised websites to launch attacks on other websites or use them for malicious activities such as spamming and phishing. The most common WP security threats are brute force attacks, malware and SQL injection.

WordPress Security Best Practices

Keep WordPress and Plugins Updated

WordPress releases updates regularly, and it is essential to keep your website updated to avoid vulnerabilities that have been patched in newer versions. You can update your WordPress installation from the dashboard or by using a plugin like “Easy Updates Manager.” Always test the update using a test or staging server first and from our experience it is strongly recommended to have a backup before you start.

Also, WordPress hostings like Kinsta are able to check if the site and plugins are up to date as well as update them.

Use Strong Passwords and Usernames

Passwords are a first line of defense and I guess no one needs more explanations on this.

Install Security Plugins

There are numerous security plugins available for WordPress that can help protect your website from various threats. Some popular ones include Wordfence, Sucuri, and iThemes Security.

Limit Login Attempts

Limiting the number of login attempts can help prevent brute force attacks. You can use a plugin like Login Lockdown to restrict the number of login attempts.

Disable File Editing

Disabling file editing can prevent hackers from modifying critical files like the wp-config.php file. You can do this by adding the following line of code to your wp-config.php file:

define(‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true);

Choose Reliable Hosting

Choosing a reliable hosting provider can go a long way in keeping your website secure. Look for hosting providers that offer regular backups, security features, and excellent customer support.

Backup Regularly

Regular backups can help you recover your website in case of a security breach or data loss. You can use a plugin like UpdraftPlus to automate the backup process and store backups on a remote server or cloud service.

If you’re looking to enhance the security of your WordPress website, then start implementing the best practices mentioned in this article today. Remember, website security is an ongoing process, so make sure to keep your website updated and secure regularly.

If you would like to discuss with us the security issues of your site, please email us: works@afterlogic.com