The recent wave of hacking of WordPress websites has frightened you website owners. There are many security risks in WordPress that could potentially put all your hard work at stake.
You have decided to set up Perimeter Defense to protect your website from hackers' destructive links. But there is a problem. Putting all these precautions together, seems like the price of a bomb! Most likely, it will be impossible for you to budget and your security needs will be eliminated.
Should you end your plans to increase the security of your WordPress website?
Absolutely not. Here are 6 proven ways to keep your WordPress website safe from cunning hackers.
Choose a Pro WordPress Developer
WordPress is so simple that even a newborn baby can create a website in a day and start running it. But, the newborn ignores the serious security threats in WordPress which makes them a potential target of cyber security attacks. Only a professional can see the flaws in your WordPress website and help you prepare for maximum security.
A pro developer will help you detect and warn of security threats that could potentially slip your website into the hands of hackers. Given that the entire website is covered by code developed by a developer, involving a professional will go a long way in keeping it safe.
Don't rely on cheap WP hosting
Well, your temptation to host your WordPress website on a readily available and cheapest hosting provider is understandable. But, remember, the choice comes with a heavy price.
Cheap website hosting compromises sealed security measures that could potentially open the door to your website for hackers. So, make sure you choose a WP hosting provider that you can count on for security, speed and scalability.
Never miss a WordPress update
WordPress engineers are constantly trying to update the platform to make it better. WordPress always produces updates that include patches and bug fixes for previous versions.
These updates help protect your website from increasing cybersecurity threats. And not a penny is spent on them. If you are using any of the WordPress versions before 2.7, you will have to go through a long manual process. Fortunately, the latest versions of WordPress make it easy to update patches with one click. Go to the Dashboard> Updates screen and click "Update Now" to update your WordPress to the latest version.
Secure your admin area
- Numerous WordPress security attacks target the admin area. This is the main control tower, which provides control over the entire operation in case of hijacking.
- Here are some tips to help you protect your admin area from unauthorized access:
- Use a website application firewall (WAF) that will block malicious requests in their footsteps.
- Change the default admin directory and protect it with a strong password.
- Enable 2-factor authentication (2FA) to ensure complete security.
- Limit failed login attempts to prevent brutal power attacks.
- Set up a user and admin password change system every 3 months.
- Uninstall obsolete themes, plugins and extensions.
WordPress is popular with users of all backgrounds due to its abundance of themes, plugins and extensions. These offers work great in making your website professional. Some of these developers rely on them to maximize their productivity.
There is no doubt about the greatness of WordPress themes, plugins and extensions. But, if you forget to update them on a regular basis, they can be a deadly threat to the security of your website. In fact, Torque Mag reports that 29% of WordPress hacking is done through unsafe themes and 22% through unsafe plugins. So, don't risk having obsolete themes, plugins or extensions on your website. If they no longer serve your purpose, uninstall them.
Configure SSL certificate
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It is a cryptographic protocol that secures or encrypts data exchange on computer networks, namely network application clients and servers. SSL certificates are important when conducting important and sensitive transactions in an insecure environment, such as e-commerce purchases, online banking transfers, membership account logins, etc.
The Domain Verification Certificate verifies a domain and helps encrypt your data between the server and the client system. If you are running a WordPress online store or a membership based website, you must have an SSL certificate.
Safe way forward
Chief security officers around the world are having a hard time denying cyber security threats. Mobile commerce, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and machine learning have increased the level of cyber security threat. The world is no longer the safe place it used to be a decade ago.
WordPress, which powers a quarter of the Internet, is not immune to cyber security attacks. There is a growing need to protect your website from the inside out as well as from the outside.
This blog was a dry run through some proven techniques that will keep your website safe from hackers. It starts by handing over the code of your website to a professional developer who knows how to maintain a secure website. Then comes the choice of a reliable hosting provider. Don't underestimate the power of updates. They are essential for keeping your platform strong and secure.
To make the platform more secure, uninstall obsolete plugins or themes that you no longer use. Lastly, create a good SSL certificate that will encrypt all information and protect you from cyber security attacks such as man in the middle attack, snooping, spyware, etc.
Protect Your WordPress Website – Method
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