WordPress is one of the most popular platforms for building websites, powering over 40% of all websites on the internet as of 2023, according to W3Techs. However, with great popularity comes great responsibility. If you don’t take the proper steps to secure your WordPress site, you could be leaving yourself vulnerable to hackers, malware, and other security threats.
Today, we’re walking you through some key WordPress security practices to help keep your website safe. These practices include using legitimate plugins, keeping your core files updated, and changing your wp-admin URL for added protection.
Why WordPress Security Should Be a Top Priority
With over 90,000 attacks targeting WordPress sites every minute, according to WordFence, it’s no surprise that WordPress is a common target for cybercriminals. Whether you’re running a personal blog or a business site, security should be a top priority. A compromised website can lead to data breaches, loss of revenue, and even damage to your reputation.
But don’t worry—securing your WordPress site doesn’t have to be difficult. Let’s explore some simple but effective ways to protect your website.
Use Legitimate Plugins
One of the best things about WordPress is the ability to extend your site’s functionality through plugins. However, it’s important to ensure that you’re using legitimate plugins to avoid security vulnerabilities.
According to a report by Sucuri, 56% of WordPress vulnerabilities are related to plugins. That’s why you should only download plugins from the official WordPress plugin repository or trusted third-party developers. Avoid pirated or nulled plugins at all costs, as they often contain hidden malware that can compromise your site.
Pro Tips:
- Check plugin reviews and ratings before downloading.
- Verify that the plugin is compatible with your WordPress version.
- Ensure the plugin is regularly updated by the developer.
Keep Core Files and Plugins Updated
Keeping your WordPress core files and plugins up to date is one of the simplest yet most important security measures. Outdated WordPress installations account for 44% of all hacked sites, according to Sucuri. Every time WordPress or a plugin gets an update, it often includes a patch for security vulnerabilities.
To ensure your site is always secure, set a reminder to check for updates weekly, or better yet, turn on automatic updates for plugins and themes. However, it’s essential to do a regular visual and functional check of your website after updates. Automated updates might conflict with other plugins or cause certain features to break, so a quick manual inspection will help ensure everything works smoothly.
Change the wp-admin URL
By default, WordPress uses “/wp-admin” as the login URL, making it an easy target for hackers. Changing this URL to something more unique can help protect your site from brute force attacks.
Many plugins can help you change your WordPress login URL without touching any code. For example, changing it to something like “/securelogin” adds a simple yet effective layer of protection, making it harder for attackers to find your login page.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Passwords alone are responsible for 81% of hacking-related breaches, according to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report. Adding an extra layer of security through two-factor authentication (2FA) is essential. With 2FA, even if a hacker gets your password, they still won’t be able to log in without verifying their identity through a second method—usually a code sent to your phone.
Plugins like Google Authenticator or WordFence make adding 2FA to WordPress easy and highly effective.
Additional WordPress Security Tips
Before we wrap up, here are a few more quick tips to further secure your WordPress site:
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Weak passwords like “123456” and “password” are still some of the most common, according to SplashData. Ensure that all admin accounts use strong, complex passwords to prevent easy access for hackers. - Limit Login Attempts
Brute force attacks attempt to guess your password by trying multiple combinations. Plugins like Login Lockdown can block repeated failed login attempts from the same IP address, making it much harder for hackers to guess your credentials. - Back Up Your Website Regularly
Regular backups are a must. A backup ensures that if anything goes wrong—whether from a cyber attack or accidental data loss—you can quickly restore your site. Plugins like Updraft can automate backups and store them off-site for added security.
Conclusion: Stay Secure with These WordPress Best Practices
Securing your WordPress site is critical for protecting your data, reputation, and business. By using legitimate plugins, keeping your core files updated, changing your wp-admin URL, and enabling two-factor authentication, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyber attacks.
But if all of this is making your head spin, WordPress website development and hosting is something the crew at Shield Bar Marketing can handle. Book your discovery call today to learn more about how we can help you build and maintain a secure WordPress site. Visit ShieldBar.com and click on Book Discovery Call.
FAQs About WordPress Security
1. How often should I update my WordPress site?
It’s recommended to check for updates weekly. WordPress updates often contain security patches for vulnerabilities, so keeping your core files, plugins, and themes up to date is crucial.
2. What’s the safest way to install plugins?
Always download plugins from the official WordPress plugin repository or trusted third-party developers. Avoid pirated or nulled plugins, as they may contain malware that can compromise your site.
3. How does changing the wp-admin URL improve security?
Changing the default wp-admin URL makes it harder for hackers to find your login page, reducing the likelihood of brute force attacks. It’s a simple yet effective step to enhance security.
4. What is two-factor authentication, and why is it important?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires a second verification step (such as a code sent to your phone) in addition to your password. This ensures that even if a hacker gets your password, they can’t log in without the second authentication factor.
5. How often should I back up my WordPress site?
You should back up your site regularly, especially if you frequently update content. Automated backup plugins like Updraft make this easy and can store backups off-site for added security.