WordPress websites get a bit of a bad rap for security but, when you take the right precautionary measures when building your website, security isn’t an issue. WordPress websites actually make up about 40% of all websites on the web so that widespread popularity makes it a target for hackers. However, there are many things that can make your website more of a target than others so, to help ensure your website is well protected, we’ve put together an overview of the things you need to do to ensure your website doesn’t incur any security issues or become victimized by hackers.
And, if you already have a wordPress website and you didn’t think about these things when building it or you’re not sure if your website person did either, ask us to take a look for you. These things can be updated, added, and reinforced to make sure your WordPress fortress is protected from all sorts of digital baddies. Let’s dive in…
IMPORTANT: Do The Updates BUT, Make A Backup First
First things first, you need to keep your WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated. This is like giving your site a shiny new set of armor every time a security patch comes out. Enable automatic updates if you can, but, before doing so you might ask your website developer if there are any plugins or theme areas YOU SHOULD NOT UPDATE. Sometimes there is specific code included in theme files or others that will get wiped out when you update them which could break your site and that’s not what we want to see happen. To prevent experiencing big issues from updates, before you touch anything, make a full backup of your website first to ensure you have a backup plan you can revert to if something goes wrong with an update. And, be sure to update the plugins one at a time so that if something goes wrong you know which update was the culprit.
Make Your Website Password Strong Enough To Thwart Hackers
Please, for the love of all that is life, ditch those weak passwords like “password123” or, worse, “admin.” Or, businessname123. Opt for strong, unique passwords for all your accounts, and consider using a password manager to keep them safe and sound. Most systems will auto-create crazy weird passwords for you and although they are annoying to type in they are weird for a reason.
Make Your Login Harder To Crack And Keep It To Yourself
Ever heard of brute force attacks? Yeah, they’re no joke. Install plugins like Wordfence or Limit Login Attempts to put a cap on how many times someone can try to crack your login. Plus, add in a CAPTCHA verification, and you’ll really throw those hackers for a loop.
And, I know you don’t want to hear it BUT… Two-factor authentication (2FA) is like adding an extra lock to your door. It requires users to provide a second form of verification, like a code sent to their phone, before they can log in. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in keeping your site secure.
When it comes to user permissions, less is often more. Only give people the access they absolutely need to do their job, and you’ll reduce the risk of someone accidentally (or intentionally) causing trouble.
Pick The Right Hosting Provider, Add Encryption, And Extra Security To Avoid Website Hacks
Choosing the right hosting provider is crucial. Look for one that takes security seriously and offers features like firewalls, malware scanning, and regular backups. Managed WordPress hosting services are especially great for peace of mind because there isn’t an easily accessible cpanel. This means a hacker has to go to greater lengths to get into your site files.
Plus, let’s not forget about HTTPS encryption. It’s like wrapping your website in a protective bubble, ensuring that sensitive data stays safe as it travels between your server and your visitors’ browsers. Plus, it’s good for your SEO!
Security plugins are your best friends in the fight against malware and other nasties. Sucuri Security, Wordfence Security, and Solid Security (formerly iThemes) are all solid options that can help keep your site locked down tight.
A web application firewall (WAF) acts as a gatekeeper, filtering out malicious traffic before it can even reach your site. It’s like having a bouncer at the door of your digital club, making sure only the good stuff gets in.
Lastly, Hide Your Login URL
Last but not least, hide the URL so it’s not the default place to login. You can make the login page /signin or /access or /mysitelogin – anything but the default so that when someone comes across your site you don’t welcome hackers to the front door of your website house.
Not Sure Whether Or Not Your Website Is Secure? Talk To Us About Keeping Website Hackers Away! Now Is Better Than Never.
Having someone who knows what they are looking at when it comes to a website reviewing your security settings is time well spent. You’re a busy business owner, the last thing you want is to wake up one morning to find your website has been hacked, is sending everyone who visits it a virus, or that your website is being held hostage along with all the information in it be that your content or your customers shopping profile or details. Stress not though, by following these security best practices, you can sleep easy knowing that your WordPress website is safe and sound.
If you’re not sure how to put these things into place, or you want to make sure that your website is as secure as it can be, give us a call. We’ll do a website audit and let you know our recommendations. Then we can add security measures if needed into your website for you. Another option is to sign up for a website maintenance package that ensures your website is regularly backed up by our team, your plugins and theme are kept up to date, and your security tools are in place while being regularly monitored. Like the sounds of that? Give us a call at 647-250-1494, or book a free consultation today and let’s crank up the security of your website ASAP!
FUN FACT: “WordPress” aptly describes a platform that empowers users to press their words into the world, emphasizing its roots in blogging and content management.
