Here we will learn WordPress Security: How to Secure WordPress Site 2024. The advantages of enhancing site security come with the protection of the site from illegal access, avoids SEO penalties or some other problems, and helps to gain trust for the site. If you are using a site on WordPress here we will cover the steps to protect the site.
In episode 2, we will be discussing how administrators/owners can prevent their websites from being hijacked. For our beloved readers asking about VPNs, we’ll post an article soon and share some great VPN deals that are currently being offered. So here we go.
What Is WordPress Hardening?
WordPress hardening is the securing method of WordPress sites by using different parameters such as avoiding data breaches and cyber-attacks.
Security parameters come with WordPress hardening are a mixture of technical structures and best methods for reducing the chances of issues that can affect site working, confidentiality, and availability.
How To Secure WordPress Website
According to Serve about 61 percent of sites on WordPress are up to date with the latest version of WordPress which means 39 percent of sites have a risk of security vulnerabilities.
Site security is not only important for business data safety but also important for the trust and credibility of any site for users. Since it is a common question businesses ask when evaluating WordPress.
Here we have explained hardening WordPress security follow them to save your site from any attack
Strong Passwords
it is found that 12345 is a commonly used password so avoid using this type of common password. For site proper security use a strong admin WordPress site password.
For making a stronger password follow these points.
- In passwords use lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Do not use type of personal details like name, address, or birthday.
- Use a password min 8 characters long
Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is important for securing the site on WordPress login with the use of 2nd form of authentication like code sent to your phone. Wordfence plugin a used for two-factor authentication.
Limit Login Attempts
The limitation of login attempts also avoids illegal access to the site since hackers guess your password details by repeatedly trying different passwords. For this purpose different plugin is used that limits login attempts If anyone tries to hack it will automatically blocked by the plugin.
Set Alerts For Suspicious WordPress Logins
The site monitoring from suspicious logins helps to detect and avoid any attacks. For this purpose, the plugin is used that sends alerts if users log in from an unknown location or IP address
Logout Inactive Users Automatically
Automatic login out inactive users helps to avoid unauthorized access to site account. Use a plugin for inactive logout that users remove after a certain period of inactivity.
WordPress Plugins Updated
It is important to ensure that always using the latest version of WordPress and plugins connected to your site since outdated software are vulnerable to security threats. Updating the plugins also handles patches and bugs.
To update the plugin open the Plugins section at the left side of the menu.
Check if there is any notification for the plugin to update.
Click on update now then the plugin moves to the new version
Remove Extra Plugins
If you have many unnecessary plugins that are not in your use and affect the site badly they can also cause of vulnerabilities or backdoors. So delete all undesired plugins that are not good for the site
Install Security Plugins
Install security plugins like iThemes security or some other also exists for detecting and avoiding any attacks on site and as malware infections and other security issues
SSL Certificate Installation
SSL or Secure Sockets Layer is a security protocol that encrypts data transmitted between servers and browsers. By installing an SSL certificate make sure that all data transmitted between the site and users is secure and protected from interception by third parties.
If the site comes with SSL certificates padlock icon will show with URL of the site shows the site is secure and trustworthy.
File Editing Disabling
Disabling file editing in WordPress prevents attackers from making changes to the files of your sites. Use this code in wp-config.php file for file editing disabling define(‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true);
User Registration Disable
To prevent public users to make registration on the WordPress site registration is disabled by default.
Make sure that user registration is disabled for this purpose Following these options
Settings > General page in the dashboard area, > Membership section and check that the checkbox next to “Anyone can register” is not chosen
Backup Website Regularly
Try to make a backup regularly for make sure that you can restore if any security violation occurs on-site or face an unexpected event.
The easy method to back up your site data use backup plugins common used plugins are BlogVault or Updraft Plus.
Secure Wp-Admin
The wp-admin folder is important and sensitive of WordPress installation since it has details of the dashboard and administrative functions.
Protect this folder through strong passwords, limited login attempts, applying two-factor authentication, and restricting access to certain IP addresses
Change The Default WordPress Login URL
By default the login page of the WordPress site is /wp-admin. That can easily be accessed by an attacker. So change the URL of the site through the use of the plugin. When you activate the plugin then open Settings > WPS Hide Login in the WordPress dashboard.
Limit WordPress User Permissions
Limiting user’s permission helps to avoid accidental and intentional variations to the website. It gives permission need to do some work and avoid complete administrative access unless necessary.
How do I fix my WordPress site is not secure?
- backup of WordPress site.
- site’s SSL status check
- Install an SSL certificate.
- Fix existing SSL certificate.
- Redirect URLs from HTTP to HTTPS.
- Replace all HTTP URLs to HTTPS versions.
- Scan for mixed content problems and fix them.
How, do I keep my WordPress site private?
- Open Settings >General (or Hosting >Settings if have WP-Admin). Choose “Private” radio button.
How to secure WordPress without a plugin?
- Disable PHP Error Reporting
- Use More Secure Web Hosting
- Turn off File Editing
- Restrict Access
- Change the Default WordPress Database Prefix.
How do I protect my WordPress site from spam?
- Use Captcha forms to verify that the user is human and not a robot or any spambot. Use the ReCAPTCHA plugin on the WordPress website to control spam. This plugin protects web forms from spam.
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