Introduction
WordPress powers over 43% of all websites on the internet, making it an attractive target for hackers. Its popularity means that any vulnerability can potentially be exploited on millions of websites. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover essential security measures to protect your WordPress site from common threats.
Keep Everything Updated
The single most important security practice is keeping your WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated. Updates often contain patches for security vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates when possible, or create a regular schedule for manual updates.
Pro tip: Before updating, always back up your site to avoid data loss if something goes wrong during the update process.
Use Strong Authentication
Create Strong Passwords
Use complex passwords with a minimum of 12 characters including numbers, symbols, and both upper and lowercase letters. Never reuse passwords across different services.
Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification beyond just a password. Popular WordPress plugins for 2FA include:
- Google Authenticator
- Two-Factor
- Wordfence Security
Limit Login Attempts
Install a plugin that limits login attempts to prevent brute force attacks. These plugins temporarily block IP addresses after a certain number of failed login attempts.
Secure Your WordPress Configuration
Change Your Database Prefix
WordPress uses "wp_" as the default database table prefix. Hackers can exploit this predictability. Change it to something unique during installation or using a plugin like "Change DB Prefix" for existing sites.
Disable File Editing
Add this line to your wp-config.php file to disable the built-in code editor:
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);
This prevents attackers from modifying your theme and plugin files even if they gain access to your admin area.
Hide Your WordPress Version
Remove your WordPress version number from your site's code by adding this to your theme's functions.php file:
remove_action('wp_head', 'wp_generator');
Implement Proper File Permissions
Set appropriate file permissions for your WordPress installation:
- Directories: 755 or 750
- Files: 644 or 640
- wp-config.php: 600
These settings ensure files can't be modified by unauthorized users.
Install a Security Plugin
A dedicated security plugin can handle many security tasks automatically. Popular options include:
- Wordfence Security: Includes a firewall, malware scanner, and login security features
- Sucuri Security: Offers activity auditing, file integrity monitoring, and security hardening
- iThemes Security: Provides 30+ ways to secure and protect your WordPress site
Use SSL Encryption
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encrypts data transmitted between your users' browsers and your server. Not only does this protect sensitive information, but it's also a search engine ranking factor.
At Hostraha, all our hosting plans include free SSL certificates through Let's Encrypt.
Regular Backups
While not strictly a security measure, regular backups are your last line of defense if your site is compromised. Implement an automated backup solution that:
- Stores backups off-site (not just on your server)
- Backs up both files and databases
- Keeps multiple versions of backups
- Performs backups automatically on a regular schedule
Monitor Your Site
Implement security monitoring to detect potential threats early:
- Set up alerts for unauthorized file changes
- Monitor login attempts
- Scan regularly for malware
- Review your site logs for suspicious activity
Conclusion
WordPress security isn't a one-time task but an ongoing process. By implementing these essential security practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of your site being compromised. Remember that security is about layers—each measure you add creates a more robust defense against potential attacks.
At Hostraha, we offer managed WordPress hosting with built-in security features, regular updates, and automatic backups to help keep your WordPress site secure without requiring extensive technical knowledge.