WordPress is the most popular content management system, powering nearly 42% of all websites globally (as of June 2021). While its widespread use is a testament to its flexibility and ease of use, it also makes WordPress a prime target for hackers. While WordPress itself includes basic security features, there are several additional steps you can take to further protect your site from potential threats.
Here’s how you can enhance the security of your WordPress website.
. Change Your Default Login Information
One of the first steps in securing your WordPress website is changing the default login settings. The default username for WordPress is often set to “admin,” which is an easy target for hackers. Always make sure to change this to a unique username.
Additionally, your password is critical to the security of your site. Avoid simple passwords like “123456” or “welcome01.” These passwords are easily guessed by automated hacking tools. Instead, use a password manager such as 1Password or LastPass to create and store complex passwords. Aim for passwords that are at least 20 characters long, combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your WordPress login process. With 2FA enabled, even if someone gets hold of your password, they won’t be able to log in without the second authentication method, typically a code sent to your mobile device.
WordPress makes it easy to add 2FA with various plugins, such as Google Authenticator or Authy. We highly recommend enabling this feature to prevent unauthorized access to your site.
3. Keep WordPress, Themes, and Plugins Updated
Outdated WordPress versions, themes, and plugins are one of the main entry points for hackers. WordPress regularly releases security updates, so it’s essential to keep everything up-to-date. Always update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins as soon as new versions are released.
Make sure to only install plugins and themes from trusted sources, as poorly coded or malicious plugins can also pose security risks.
4. Use a Secure Hosting Provider
Choosing the right hosting provider is crucial to your website’s security. Make sure your hosting service offers robust security features such as SSL certificates, regular backups, firewalls, and malware scanning. Hosting providers specializing in WordPress, such as WP Engine or SiteGround, offer security features that are specifically designed for WordPress sites.
5. Install Security Plugins
There are several excellent security plugins available that can help protect your WordPress website. Plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri Security offer features like malware scanning, firewall protection, and login attempt monitoring to further secure your site.
These plugins can help block malicious traffic, keep track of login attempts, and alert you to any suspicious activity.
6. Backup Your Website Regularly
Even with the best security practices, things can still go wrong. That’s why it’s essential to back up your WordPress site regularly. In the event of a hack or other disaster, a recent backup allows you to quickly restore your site to its previous state.
You can use plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy to schedule automated backups of your entire website, including all content, themes, plugins, and database.
7. Protect Your Website’s wp-admin and wp-login.php Pages
The wp-admin and wp-login.php pages are often targeted by hackers, so securing them is an important step in hardening your site. You can restrict access to these pages by IP address, making sure only trusted IPs can access the login page.
Another option is to add an additional layer of authentication to your login page, such as HTTP authentication. This adds a second login prompt before the WordPress login screen.
8. Limit Login Attempts
WordPress allows unlimited login attempts by default, which can make it easier for hackers to guess your username and password through brute force attacks. Limit the number of login attempts by using plugins like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded or Login LockDown. These plugins will block IP addresses after a certain number of failed login attempts, adding an extra layer of protection.
Conclusion
Securing your WordPress website is not just about using basic security settings—it’s about staying proactive and continuously monitoring your site’s safety. By following the steps outlined above, you can significantly reduce the risk of your website being compromised.
Stay vigilant, keep your WordPress site updated, and always use strong passwords, 2FA, and other security measures to ensure that your website remains safe and secure. For a more in-depth guide to WordPress security, be sure to read our article on securing your WordPress site in just a few easy steps.