WordPress, along with being one of the most widely used content management systems available on the web, is very prone to security issues! Many users have experienced their accounts getting hacked and other malware corrupting the data on WordPress.
But don’t worry, along with the problems, you have solutions as well!
There are many techniques and ways in which you can protect your WordPress website from these malicious activities and attacks. A few of the most helpful ones are as follows:
1. Delete Unused Plugins
If you are looking forward to taking your WordPress security up a notch, then you should delete the themes and plugins that you don’t use anymore. This reduces the thick chances of being hacked. Extra plugins and themes overcrowd your website and only open a door for hackers to get in.
If you get rid of unused plugins and themes then it’s one of the best security measures. This means not only to just deactivate them but actually ‘Deleting’ them.
2. Create a Strong Password for Your Website
This might seem like an easy one but it’s not. You need to have an unbreakable password, that’s how most hackers get in.
If you have a password that consists of just numbers or alphabets then you need to have a new password. Try using numbers and letters in a unique way to create your password.
Also, don’t stop there, keep changing your password from time to time, if it’s tricky, jot it down somewhere but, changing your password in a regular manner will serve you long time benefits of being secured.
If you are not able to come up with good and strong passwords, try using websites such as Strong Random password generator which will help you create a strong password for yourself.
Example: Ultra5x1998im89
3. Make a Good and Unique Username
Just when you start using WordPress, if you have a username like ‘admin’ or something more easy and relatable then, you need to change it as soon as possible. Quick, easy, and widely used usernames are the ones that usually get hacked really fast.
If your username is unique and different then, Bravo! You just saved your WordPress from being hacked.
4. Limit the Use of Your Users
This is the worst and the topmost drawback of why a lot of WordPress websites get hacked. If you provide your users full-fledged freedom to do whatever they want, then they’re going to misuse it for sure.
You need to make sure that you give limited permissions to your users to complete their tasks. Make it your golden thumb rule to grant access to users only when they have an absolute need for it.
Granting them full permission to make a contribution to your administrative website is only calling for more and more hackers.
5. Limit the Number of Logins from Different IP Addresses
When you keep no bar on the number of times, a user can try to log in to your account then, anyone can break your password by trying over and over again until they break your password.
This relentless attempt at getting into your website is harsh. However, there are several plugins available such as Wordfence Security that limit the number of logins one can attempt before it locks down for a particular period.
You can try these plugins for better safety of your website.
6. Use Authentic WordPress Plugins and Themes
For one way to secure your WordPress website, use WordPress plugins and themes which are provided by the best-trusted developers.
For the most trusted ones while you are downloading plugins and themes go for WordPress.org. as these products are thoroughly scanned and put through tests to make them reliable.
If you are going for premium developers, use the ones that are highly used and trusted.
7. Keep Your WordPress Up-To-Date
This is the first and foremost way to secure your WordPress website. Keeping your website up to date helps you install the necessary security measures that are provided by WordPress.
If you are worried that you might miss any data, then back up it beforehand. As soon as you see the ‘Update’ button on your WordPress, click it to update your WordPress website.
This is a simple step that can result in making your website a lot more safe and more secure. Updating your website regularly eliminates the chances of hacking.
Several security fixtures are made every day and not keeping up with them makes your website more vulnerable and open to hackers.
James Tredwell is a Technical SEO at Hopinfirst.com who works with unique problems and advanced search situations. He helps clients improve organic traffic through a deep understanding of Google’s algorithm and Web technology.