This archive report was first published on 8 January 2020.
Protect Your WordPress Site from Cyber Threats ¶
With over 400 million visitors visiting WordPress websites annually, it's no surprise that hackers are targeting these sites. As a webmaster, it's essential to ensure that your WordPress website is secure and protected from cyber threats.
According to statistics, WordPress powers 34% of the internet, and 28% of e-commerce happens through WooCommerce. This makes WordPress a prime target for hackers. However, by following some simple security tips, you can mitigate this risk and secure your WordPress website.
One of the most effective ways to secure your WordPress website is to introduce IT policies. This includes limiting the number of login attempts, locking the site in the event of repeated failed login attempts, and using an email ID to login instead of a username. You can also use plugins to rename the login URL and prevent unauthorized access to the site.
Another crucial step is to disable the editor function in the plugin tab. This will prevent anyone from injecting malicious code into the themes and plugins. Additionally, you should change your passwords periodically and use global best practices while deciding your password. You can also use plugins to log out idle users from the site.
Using encryption through SSL certificates is also essential for website security. SSL technology helps to secure the session with the web browser of the user by encrypting the entire communication. You can obtain a cheap Wildcard SSL certificate to secure your website. This is particularly important for e-commerce websites, as hackers often target financial information.
It's also essential to ensure security at your hosting vendor. Look for a vendor with numerous layers of security and conduct a security audit before finalizing your vendor. Your hosting provider should ensure the IT infrastructure is periodically tested and scanned for any vulnerabilities. You should also check the security certificates of your service provider and include periodic IT audits as part of your agreement.
Upgrading your WordPress version is also crucial in preventing unwanted cyber-attacks. WordPress provides periodic upgrades with additional security features, so it's essential to keep your version up-to-date. You can easily upgrade your WordPress version from the admin dashboard from the back end of your website.
Using.htaccess to improve security is another effective way to protect your WordPress website. This configuration file ensures that the web server responds in the desired manner to various requests. Your system admin should prevent any uploading of scripts in the “Upload” folder and disable the execution of any PHP files in this folder. You should also protect the WP Config file and prevent any unauthorized access that could otherwise create problems for the website.
It's also essential to take backups of your website. While you take necessary steps to prevent hackers from accessing your WordPress admin panel, you should always ensure you have proper backups in place for an emergency. You can use plugins like UpdraftPlus, VaultPress, and BackupBuddy to take backups of your WordPress site.
Checking the audit logs periodically is also crucial in ensuring the security of your WordPress website. As an admin, you need to have a bird's-eye view of the changes that are continually happening on your website. You must be having an entire list of all activities and check the audit logs regularly. While you may feel that most of the activities do not carry any risk, you might also come across some mischief or an attack against your site.
Finally, make life difficult for hackers by hiding the WordPress version number and avoiding free themes. Paid themes have a better UI and are tested to pass various checks. These themes are also periodically upgraded to plug any loopholes. You can also prevent injection attacks by securing the database using a prefix of your choice.
By following these essential security tips, you can ensure the security of your WordPress website and protect it from cyber threats.
