How to Reduce the Vulnerability of WordPress to Hackers in 13 Simple Steps
WordPress security guidelines are excellent and user-friendly to a novice user when it comes to securing your WordPress site. Find out the 13 effective actions which will safeguard your business as well as your site against any internet attacks.
The Relevance Of Wordpress Security
There is nothing secret that a single out of every three sites operates within WordPress (according to w3techs.com). This ease of use is what has made WordPress the perfect weapon to attackers who use older versions of the plugins, weak passwords, and unprotected administration panels. The positive thing is that no professional precision in coding is required to work out the fortifications of your site. Listed below are the most effective ways of securing your site.
1. Keep WordPress Core Updated
The release of a new WordPress has security patches and bug fixes. The outdated one can be susceptible to attacks. Allow automatic changes or weekly releases comparison. This and such a step seals security vulnerabilities before attackers get to exploit them.
2. Always Make Regular Backups
In case your site is ever hacked, you have a backup which is your lifeline. Install a solid back-up tool like UpdraftPlus or Jetpack, and schedule it on a schedule of either a daily or weekly backup. Copies can be stored in the cloud and your server. In case your site is hacked or lost, you can recover all of it in just a few seconds without either having to pay a ransom.
3. Install Only Tested Plugins and Themes
Malwares are usually contained in unverified plugins. Select only the plugins that have a great number of active installations, recent updates, and have good reviews. An example that may be trusted is Advanced Custom Fields. Eliminate unproductive plugins and this prevents possible weaknesses.
4. Do Not Use Your User Name “admin” as Your User ID
The use of weak credentials welcomes hackers. Make your name a memorable password, and a password manager, such as LastPass or Bitwarden will create a unique password using strong technique. Randomised passwords of medium, moderate strength render brute forced attack improbable.
5. Limit Login Attempts
Limit the number of attempts to log-in and then temporarily lock-out. You can also use a different type of a plugin like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded reloaded which can automatically prevent the suspicious activity and you will get notification about the failed attempts.
6. Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication secures you even in case somebody has access to your password. The second one is to have an approving consent through an app code or SMS in order to log into your site. App such as Duo 2FA make the installation easy.
7. Change Your Login URL
Every WordPress site has the default login page of
/wp-admin
. Making it dynamic complicates the process by the attackers to find the login form. Install a plugin like the WPS Hide Login to make a custom and secret URL.
8. Switch-off The Dashboard File Editing
In case of an admission of hackers to the position of an administrator, it becomes possible to make modifications to files directly. Turn this off by putting
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);
in the
wp-config.php
file. This block prevents unauthorised changes in theme or the plugin files.
9. Change Your Database Prefix
The SQL injection attacks take advantage of the default connection prefix of the database, which is also set as
wp_
. During the installation, you can select a custom prefix (
mywp_
or
secure_
) to make attacks more difficult.
10. Always Update Plugins and Themes
Similar to the core, code, patches to vulnerabilities are provided on a regular basis. Changes should not be made to the code in the plugin folder as they will be overwritten. Modify a child theme or custom plugin. Needing to update on time leaves attackers' exploits at bay.
You can always seek the inspection of our maintenance plans 😊
11. Hide Your WordPress Version
Describing your version of WordPress will do give any hint on familiar vulnerabilities to the attackers. Erase version numbers using the following code by adding this snippet to your
functions.php
:
function remove_wp_ver() { return ''; }
add_filter('the_generator', 'remove_wp_ver');
This is a minor modification that helps increase security.
12. Restrict REST API Access
WordPress REST API offers the developers to communicate with your site; however, it may leave sensitive information in case it is not secured. In case you are not using external integrations, then block REST API access to unauthorised users. Only endpoint your site really needs.
13. Install an SSL Certificate
A browser padlock demonstrates that your site is under protection of the SSL/TLS encryption. SSL will stop interference with sensitive information like payment and usernames. Several hosts provide a free certificating service, Let’s Encrypt. In the absence of the use of the SSL, it appears that your site is not secure, crews trust, and damages SEO.
Final Thoughts
It is not necessary to make your WordPress site hard to break into. These 13 simple measures of updating a password, data backup, and using a strong credential can do a great deal to decrease the hacker threat.
Bear in mind: it is cheaper to prevent than to cure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the easiest method of getting a WordPress site secure?
Begin by making certain that your WordPress, theme and plugin software is current. Block unwanted spam and install security plugin. The three steps correct the majority of problems.
Q2: Does it really require a security plugin?
Yes. One of the security extensions like the Wordfence or Sucuri can detect malware, prevent attacks and in most instances automatically repair issues.
Q3: How often should site backup be frequented?
Give yourself a habit of backing up every day in case you are a frequent publisher. In case you update a few posts per week, a system backup should be made at least once per week.
Q4: What is the most secure WordPress hosting company?
Select managed WordPress hosting. Automatic updates and routine security scams are available with providers such as Mark1 Hosting, SiteGround and WP Engine.
Q5: What would I do to safeguard my site in case it is compromised?
Change passwords, scan the malware, save a copy of the site and inform the hosting support team. Close any software bugs immediately.
Key Takeaway
Maintaining WordPress is not a choice.
Keep up to date, install excellent security plugins, and do periodical backups as well as use a host that is concerned with the security issue. This will ensure that your site is secure, dependable, and available to the visitors at any moment.
Get Professional WordPress Security and Maintenance Support
In case you have questions, you may write to us through support@mark1.biz. We’ll help you secure your website effectively.
