WordPress is the most popular CMS globally, currently powering more than 35% of the internet. Simplicity and versatility are the two main factors contributing to this software’s fame and credibility. Although this cm is a secure platform, and you can be sure of WordPress‘ security and functionality, we sometimes hear of some websites that hackers have attacked. The excellent news is that there are ideas that can help you run a secure WordPress hosting and website.
How can you protect a WordPress website from hackers?
1. Strong passwords
The first item on the WordPress website security checklist is to use strong passwords. If you use a weak password or set the exact phrase for multiple accounts, you increase the likelihood of an attack. Hackers can use password generators to define the password for your admin panel.
Users usually have trouble remembering their passwords and also, as a result, tend to choose the same mix of numbers as well as letters anywhere. When setting up a WordPress website, you usually need to set a password for different areas. The WordPress database, the website’s admin panel, and the connection to your website via FTP.
The best remedy to this problem is to use password manager software for your platforms.
Keeper Security, LastPass, and Dashlane are amongst the most popular tools in this regard. These encrypted and protected tools can store your website passwords and enter them where you need them.
2. Restrict access to your WordPress
WordPress allows you to create multiple user accounts for your website. It can be handy if you have multiple content creators. The more usernames and passwords you create, the higher the risk of hacks. One of your users could choose a weak password or have their account compromised through other means.
So what should you do to lessen the risks on your platform? We suggest that you give each user explicit permissions depending on what they will be doing on your website. For example, give an author access to the contribution area as they do not need to change the plugins or website settings.
3. Use a firewall
When protecting WordPress websites from hackers, using a firewall is a good choice. A website firewall can keep your website safe even if you don’t update your tools to the latest versions. Sometimes, you may not be able to update plugins due to specific software configurations.
Website firewalls act as a filtering mechanism, and your traffic passes through this tool before it reaches the website. These protection devices can block harmful traffic and allow good traffic to pass. Also, hackers and bots are constantly blocked in these tools, and you can be sure that they will not reach your online presence.
We also recommend that you choose a reputable WordPress hosting provider. Many hosting companies offer up-to-date firewalls in their services, which will help you tremendously with the security of your website.
4. Create a backup
Website backups cannot ensure the security of your website, but they can keep your website online in case of attacks. With such systems, you can restore your website to a previously functioning version and prevent it from losing SEO ranks.
Similar to firewalls, some WordPress hosting providers offer backup services, which can be of great help in emergencies. You can also benefit from various WordPress backup plugins for your platforms, such as BlogVault, UpdraftPlus, and BackupBuddy.
5. Limiting login attempts
The WordPress login screen is very vulnerable to hacking. Using a solid password can assist you with security, but you can limit the number of attempts to enter an incorrect password for more security. After setting a number for these attempts, WordPress will send you the user’s details if they exceed this number.
You can also use WordPress plugins that are designed for this security procedure. One of the most popular is to limit login attempts reloaded, entirely free, and used by more than a million users.
6. keep everything up to date
As mentioned earlier, you need to always keep your website and its tools up to date. Developer firms usually provide new patches and updates after finding security vulnerabilities. It is also advisable to install as few plugins as possible on your website. Although different plugins can provide you with many new features, they can make you more insecure and vulnerable to attacks. Always check the quality and programming team of a plugin before installing it.
7. Convert your WordPress website to SSL/HTTPS
The data transferred between the user and your website is encrypted with a Secured Socket Layer Certificate (SSL). That is essential for sites where users pay customers by entering payment information to buy products from your shop.
Encrypt SSL certificate is sufficient if you run a blog and don’t sell anything. However, if you accept payments, you need an SSL certificate. Instead of the red notice “Not secured” in the address bar, you can write HTTPS:// in front of your website when using an SSL certificate.
Because of their security, SSL certificates have cemented the public’s trust, especially with the fabled Green Bar SSL, also called the EV SSL certificate. People know that these companies have been vetted and validated by a reputable security provider.
8. Change the default username “Admin “
The admin username for most WordPress websites is still “admin.” If you have this admin username, it’s high time to get rid of it. Because anyone can guess this name and try to gain access to your website. You require special attention to this fact through the WordPress security guide.
WordPress does not allow you to change the default username during installation. However, a few installers will help you do this. The best you can do is create a new administrator account from users and delete the current administrator account you are using. There are username change plugins that you can use to change the default username “admin.”
9. Disable file editing
WordPress includes a code editor to change theme and plugin files directly in the WordPress admin panel. This feature can be a security issue in the wrong hands, so we recommend disabling it.
10. Disable the execution of PHP files in specific WordPress directories
By disabling PHP file execution in specific WordPress directories, you can make it more difficult for others to access your website. Disabling PHP file implementation in folders where it is unnecessary, such as /wp-content/uploads/, is another approach to improving WordPress security.
A plugin can help you accomplish this task without any problems. The plugin is called Sucuri. You can use the plugin and obtain your work done without any problems. It will help you overcome the problems you face in the long run.
11. Add two-factor authentication
To make your WordPress login even more secure, use two–factor authentication. Two-factor authentication adds a second step to the login process. It would be best to have a text (SMS) or time-based one-time password (TOTP) to log in. Avoid Brute force attacks on your WordPress admin panel entirely with two-factor authentication.
We recommend using the free Google Authenticator plugin, which allows you to add an unlimited variety of users. Download the plugin and choose a user account. Then you can either create a new secret key or scan the QR code to set up two-factor authentication. After that, make sure it is marked as “Active.” That is one of the most important things you should do to protect your WordPress website from hackers.
You will be prompted to enter a six-digit code after entering your username and password on the login page with 2-step verification enabled. Even if you have the correct username and password, you will not be able to log in if you do not provide this six-digit number.
12. Change the WordPress database prefix
If you wonder how to enhance WordPress security, you can think about transforming the database prefix. WordPress prefixes all tables in your WordPress data source with wp_ by default. If your WordPress website uses the default database prefix, it is easier for hackers to guess the name of your table. That’s why we advise you to change it.
13. Disable Directory Indexing and Browsing
If your web server cannot find an index file (index.php or index.html), it will display an index page that default lists all files and directories in that web directory. It exposes essential information that hackers need to exploit a WordPress plugin, theme, or server vulnerability, potentially leaving your website vulnerable.
14. Disable the plugin editor
WordPress has several easy-to-use plugins and theme editors. While these editors are fantastic for editing your theme/plugins in the same wp-admin where you do everything else, they also give you direct access to your site’s code. If someone gets access to a user account with appropriate permissions, they will have direct access to your website and can easily make malicious changes. For those looking for ways to make WordPress more secure, we recommend disabling the plugin editor.
15. Hide your WordPress version
Hiding the WordPress installation version is another excellent technique. You can secure your WordPress website more effectively by hiding the WordPress version. Anyone looking at your website’s source code can quickly tell which version of WordPress you’re using, and if you’re not keeping up perfectly with the latest upgrades, this can be a welcome sign to hackers.
16 . Adding security questions to the WordPress login screen
Adding a security concern to your WordPress login page makes it harder for unauthorized people to gain access. By installing the WP Security Questions plugin, you can add security questions. To set up the plugin settings, go to Settings “ Security Questions after activating the plugin.
17. Scanning WordPress for malware and vulnerabilities
If you have a WordPress protection plugin installed, it will regularly scan for malware and indicators of security breaches. If you notice a significant drop in website traffic or search results, you should manually run a scan. You can use any of these malware and security scanners or your WordPress security plugin.
Using these online scans is simple: enter your website URL, and the crawlers will scan your website for known malware and dangerous code. Remember that most WordPress security scanners can only scan your website. They cannot remove the infection or clean up a hacked WordPress website.
18. Install SSL certificate
The data moved in between the user, and your website is secured with a Secured Socket Layer Certificate (SSL). It is essential for websites where users are paying customers who enter payment information to buy products from your shop.
WordPress is a renowned platform used by many website owners around the world. As its popularity grows, so make the potential threats. As a website owner, you should always watch for the latest tools and updates to secure a WordPress website to avoid potential data and money loss.
As you can see, there are numerous solutions available to help you increase the protection of your website. Maintaining core and plugins up to date, using smart passwords for the database, WordPress hosting account, or your custom email addresses that include your website’s keyword in the domain name, and choosing a securely managed WordPress host are just some of the measures that will keep your WordPress website safe. Always remember that your WordPress website is both your business and your income, so it is essential to take some time and implement some of the security best practices mentioned above.
Fixhackedsite.com helps entrepreneurs and business owners protect their businesses by providing high-quality website security solutions so you can sleep soundly at night.