Proven Tips and Practices for Securing Your WordPress Site

Every business wants to offer a website on a secure platform to protect its users’ valuable data. Among various web development platforms, WordPress is one such. It is an open-source platform that is helpful in developing robust websites. However, no platforms are entirely secure.

Google blacklists websites that are not secure because of malware and phishing attacks. To ensure your website’s security, paying close attention to WordPress website security best practices is essential. You can partner with the right WordPress development company to develop a secure web presence.

In this blog, we will explore the proven security tips to help you protect your website against malware and hackers.

Tips to Secure Your WordPress Website

Keep WordPress and Plugins Updated

First things first! Keep your WordPress version and its plugins updated. As soon as the update is released, install it. Why? This is because it fixes the vulnerability and bugs related to your website’s security. The same goes with plugins or themes that you are using. An outdated theme can be an open door for hackers to exploit. However, you can take WordPress development services so that they can do what is necessary, as required. They can check the compatibility of an update before installing any new plugins or themes.

Use a Strong Password and Username

This is not a newer concept; everyone knows about this pro-tip, but, it’s worth reminding. It’s worth remembering that using weak/common passwords and usernames is one of the easiest ways to get hacked. Hackers can easily gain access to your WordPress website. Avoid using them. Instead, you can use a unique username, a strong password, and a password manager.

To get this done, focus on the following.

• Are your passwords secure?
• Is your username easy to guess?
• Did you update your password recently?

If you feel overwhelmed by these questions, use a password manager. Not only will it simplify the process of creating and storing complex credentials, but it will also simplify logging into sites.

Two-Factor Authentication

Another good way to protect your website is by using two-factor authentication. This is a temporary second password that updates within a time span of 30 to 45 seconds. It works as an additional layer of security. It means the hacker will have to crack the username, password, and security code within the given time. This will amplify your chances of blocking malicious activity on your website.

WordPress development services can let you build a website with integrated two-factor authentication. It is of great use as you can use it in various logins that are being made for your website.

Limit Login Attempts

After strengthening your website, the next step is to take your website’s security further. By default, WordPress allows unlimited login attempts. It means that automated tools can be used to guess the password. To prevent this, you should focus on limiting login attempts. It is one of the best ways to defend against the attacks that are being made to gain your site’s access.

You can limit login attempts with the help of a plugin such as Limit Login Attempts. This will block attacks in lieu of logging into your website. After three unsuccessful attempts, the site will be blocked for twenty minutes.

Add Captcha to Your Forms

You have now updated your website’s security and locked down login attempts – these are incredibly important. But you should focus on other things. Do not forget checkout pages, blog comments, or any other open form on your website.

This sounds typically technical. You can work with a WordPress development company for this. They understand the importance of putting a captcha where it’s needed. Open forms allow hackers to submit malicious information through links in comments. Although they don’t directly affect your website’s performance, they might negatively impact your business. To eliminate this activity, you can install a plugin like Google Captcha (reCAPTCHA), or you can make the forms safer by updating their code.

Time-to-time Back Up Your Site

You never know when a security breach can come in. Even if you follow all the security measures, still it’s possible to get hacked with malware. This is where you have to take a complete backup of your website. It is the only thing everyone is aware of, but few people do it regularly. It is like the insurance of your website. How? It can help you restore your website if something bad happens. Many backup plugins, such as UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, and Jetpack, are available for WordPress. Make sure to store your backups securely and offsite in case of a disaster.

Use HTTPS Protocol

HTTPS protocol allows you to use an extra layer of security for your website. It helps encrypt all data transmitted between your website and a visitor. How is this useful? As it encrypts data, HTTPS Protocol makes it very difficult for someone to steal data. You can either obtain an SSL certificate from your web hosting provider or use a plugin.

Once you enable SSL on your WordPress website, a Padlock sign will appear next to your website’s address in your browser.

Remove XML- RPC.php

A simple measure to follow while securing your WordPress site is to remove the XML-RPC.php file. While the file is there, anyone can remotely access your site, allowing hackers to inject malicious code into your website or entirely take over your site. Fortunately, the removal of XML-RPC.php is possible. However, this process requires technical understanding. Therefore, partnering with a WordPress website development company is of utmost importance. They can help you remove the required file by connecting it to FTP and deleting it.

Conclusion

You now have all the required tips that are helpful in securing your WordPress website. By following some of the best security methods, you can develop a secure website in every possible way.

Keep in mind that developing a secure website requires ongoing effort, so stay vigilant and active. You can hire WordPress developers if you need more technical expertise. They can help you develop a secure website by following security tips.