WordPress website security is a critical topic in the modern world of website development. With the growing popularity of WordPress, sites based on this platform have become a preferred target for hackers and malicious actors. Therefore, it’s crucial to take significant steps to protect your site, the sensitive information it contains, and your business reputation. In this article, we’ll review the essential steps to improve WordPress website security.

Constant updating of WordPress, plugins, and themes

One of the most important steps in securing a WordPress site is keeping the system up-to-date. This includes the WordPress core, all installed plugins, and the theme you’re using. These updates not only add new features but also fix discovered security vulnerabilities. It’s important to enable automatic updates or regularly check for available updates and install them as soon as possible.

Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication

Weak passwords are one of the most common ways hackers manage to infiltrate websites. Use complex and unique passwords for each user on the site, especially for accounts with high permissions. It’s advisable to use a password manager to create and store strong passwords. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication for all accounts. This adds an extra layer of protection, even if the password is exposed.

Install a reliable security plugin

A security plugin can provide comprehensive protection for your WordPress site. Plugins like Wordfence, Sucuri, or iThemes Security offer features such as virus scanning, firewall, real-time monitoring, and blocking of malicious IPs. They can detect and block intrusion attempts and alert you to potential security issues. Choose a well-known and reliable security plugin, and make sure to update it regularly.

Limit login attempts

Limiting the number of failed login attempts is an effective way to prevent brute force attacks. These are attacks where hackers try to log into the site by systematically guessing passwords. Many security plugins offer this option, or you can use a dedicated plugin like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded. Set a reasonable limit, such as 3-5 attempts, and then block the IP address for a defined period.

Regular website backup

Regular website backup is not only essential for effective content marketing, but also serves as a last line of defense in case of a breach. Make sure you back up your site regularly, including files and database. Keep backups in a secure location, preferably outside the site’s server itself. Plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy can automate the backup process and store backups in secure cloud services.

Use SSL

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate encrypts the communication between your site and visitors’ browsers. This is especially crucial if your site processes sensitive information like payment details. Additionally, Google gives an advantage in organic ranking to sites using SSL. Most hosting companies now offer free SSL certificates through Let’s Encrypt, so there’s no reason not to use them.

Remove version information

By default, WordPress displays its version number in the site’s source code. This information can help hackers identify known vulnerabilities in a specific version. Remove this information by adding a short code to your theme’s functions.php file or using a security plugin.

Use correct file permissions

Incorrect file permissions can expose your site to risks. Ensure that the files and directories on your site are set with appropriate permissions. Generally, directories should be set to 755 and files to 644. However, there are cases where you might need different permissions. Always check with your hosting provider for their specific recommendations.

Protect the wp-admin directory

The wp-admin directory is one of the most sensitive points on your WordPress site, as it contains the site’s control panel. Protecting this directory can significantly improve your site’s security. One way to do this is by restricting access to this directory to specific IP addresses. This can be done by adding code to the .htaccess file. Additionally, consider adding an extra layer of authentication to this directory using server-level password protection.

Boost Media’s website security services

Here at Boost Media, we understand the critical importance of website security in the modern world of Social networks and digital marketing. We offer comprehensive security services for WordPress sites, including the implementation of all the steps mentioned in this article and more. Our team of experts performs thorough security scans, implements a strong backup policy, and provides 24/7 monitoring to detect and prevent threats in real-time.

In addition to security, we specialize in content marketing and search engine optimization, with a deep understanding of the connection between security and site performance. We ensure that the security measures we implement not only protect the site but also support its promotion and marketing efforts.

Protecting your digital business

WordPress website security is an ongoing task that requires constant attention. It is essential not only for protecting your information and digital assets but also for building trust with customers and maintaining your business reputation. Implementing the steps described in this article can significantly improve your site’s security level.

However, the world of digital threats is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay updated and adapt your security measures accordingly. If you feel you need professional help in protecting your site, contact us at Boost Media. Our expert team will be happy to assist you in building a strong and effective security system, allowing you to focus on growing your business with confidence.