One of the crucial things online businesses are concerned is online security. Safety in the online world is important. Undoubtedly, WordPress is the most talked about CMS with 60 million websites empowering it. Despite being so popular, the CMS can be availed free of cost and is an entirely open source in nature. However being that popular, WordPress always brings along some risks. Owing to this fame, WordPress attracts hackers who go beyond the limit to exploit your website. This concern makes great sense which is why businesses need to secure their WordPress website from malicious attempts.
So, here are some useful ways to safeguard your WordPress website. Let’s take a deep dive to them:
1. Use of 2-factor authentication
2FA or 2-factor authentication is an incredible way of adding a great security measure. It adds an extra layer of login security by asking for additional ID proof like security questions or mobile generated code. This ensures increased security for your WordPress website.
This also prevents legitimate logins. Some of the most powerful plugins you can use for enabling two-step authentication in WordPress site is Google authenticator, Wordfence, Rublon and so on. These plugins can be started in a few clicks and they get the job done very securely.
2. Using strong admin credentials
“Admin” is the recurrent username used by WordPress admin users. Each one of us is familiar with it. To make it a little cluttered, try a different username. Create a user with administration privileges. You can also delete the old “admin” user from WordPress. This will offer tough times to the hackers whenever they try to log in your website.
3. Use of SSL
SSL or secure socket layer is an intelligent move to secure the admin panel. This certificate ensures secure data transfer between the user browser and server, thereby making it difficult for the hackers to breach the connection.
SSL can be purchased from any of the dedicated hosted providers. Using an SSL certificate will also ensure higher visibility on searches like Google, Mozilla, Bing, and Yahoo. This means the higher the SSL, the more will be the traffic.
4. Monitor WordPress files actively
For doing so, use WordPress plugins like Acunetix WordPress security or Wordfence. They can monitor your WordPress files to track any sort of changes and notify the admin. Wordfence is one of the most installed plugins for actively monitoring the status of your website. It scans, analyzes, detects any kind of intrusion and prevents built-in features for an overall security.
5. Keep WordPress plugins updated
An outdated version of plugin means losing performance. This can be one of the commonest ways hackers invade your website. Plugins that haven’t been patched to the latest version offers an opportunity for increased phishing attempts. There are some plugins that have an option for automatic update. So, it is important to configure them for availing this feature.
WordPress version 3.7 and above offers an automatic update functionality. It is recommended to make use of them. Install themes only from trusted WordPress plugin repository.
6. Performing regular backups
The best way to address site security is taking regular backups of the website. Backing up your website will allow you to retrieve your website from previously working copies if required. WordPress plugins like Vault press, Backup Buddy, blog Vault lets you do so easily.
7. Configuring file permissions
A lot of information and content on your website is saved in a series of files and folders. They are organized in hierarchical series whereas each of them is assigned a permission level. The permission on a file or folder determines who is able to view or edit it. File permissions are represented via a 3-digit number in WordPress, each of which has its own meaning. The first digit reflects the individual user, second digit for the group (members of the site) and third for everyone globally.
Wrong permissions can make your website prone to attacks. WordPress suggests adjusting folders to permission level of 755 and files to 644. Sticking to these guidelines will make your website extra secure, however, you should try not to give anyone more access they need, especially core files.
8. Switch to HTTPS
HTTPS is a secured version of HTTP. It encrypts website data while it is moved from one point to the other. This is recommended for websites that take care of sensitive data like bank account details. These days it is becoming popular for all websites like WordPress and Google.
To switch to HTTPS, you require an SSL certificate. It communicates to the browser that your website is legitimate and its data is properly secured. A quality host provider can help you with an SSL certificate.
Wrap-up!
With these easy steps, you can secure your WordPress website. Some of the steps are quite easy to perform. Besides, you can make use of powerful WordPress plugins that have been designed to keep your website error-free. Remember, the more you take care of WordPress website security, the tougher it gets for a hacker to exploit it.
