wordpress security tips
WordPress is a hugely popular site platform for a reason. With lots of power and flexibility behind it, it hosts high profile sites that make juicy targets for would-be hackers. If you want to keep your site secure, follow these WordPress security tips.
1. Keep updates updated
Every time a system, platform, or plugin, or theme update goes live you should get it. There are ways to get automatic updates started, but you can also set yourself a reminder to check for updates every week. Each update includes security improvements and makes sure that you get the best performance out of your setup possible.
2. Use 2-factor identification
Most people skip the two-factor identification because it takes slightly longer to log in. It can be annoying to have to use a password and another method of identity confirmation. However, this is a key WordPress security tip. In addition to having to guess or circumnavigate your password, someone trying to access your information now has to go through a whole new factor.
3. Research your plugins
Before you download anything to your WordPress site, make sure that you’re getting the real deal. Some plugins are fronts that allow third parties access to your site. Some may not be what they claim to be at all. It’s common for a “free” version (also known as a “pirated” version) of a paid plugin to actually be malware masquerading as the software you want. If your budget can’t handle the cost of a pricey theme or plugin, try to find a cheaper version that you can work with until you can afford the fancier offering.
4. Require strong passwords
In the world of WordPress security tips, this one is common—and often ignored. . While it seems like a great idea to create a password that’s easy to remember, you sacrifice security by making it too simple. Always choose a password that will be tough to guess, and only give it to people with authorized access to your account. One way to ensure your password is strong is to use a combination of capital letters, lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. By mixing these up, you increase the strength of your password and the security of your site.
5. Use SSL
Ask your host if they offer SSL with their hosting packages. Most don’t have it free, but you could be able to purchase an SSL certificate from them. This secure socket layer is a level of encryption that works between your site and the computers that access it. It provides fewer loopholes for third parties to exploit. It’s essential for any site that handles sensitive data.
6. Backup your site regularly
You have to hope for the best, but plan for the worst. In the event that your site is compromised, having a recent backup could be the difference between a distasteful event and a true disaster. Rolling your site back to a former version and immediately changing passwords and permissions is a good way to shake off and push out someone who’s skimming your site’s data, for example.
7. Install a firewall
Your computer should have a firewall active at all times. A firewall is a great, passive way to maintain the security of your machine. WordPress security tips are important, but they can’t protect you if your computer itself is vulnerable to attack. Protect your computer to protect your WordPress site.
8. Invest in hosting
High-quality hosting is more likely to come with safety features and diligent monitoring. When you’re shopping for the right WordPress host, look into their security package and what they offer. When you’re hosting on someone else’s servers, you have less control over the security measures that are put in place. It makes sense to find the right balance of affordability and security for your WordPress site.
WordPress security tips focus on prevention. Once your site is compromised, it’s hard to make it secure again. Instead, focus on never letting your site become vulnerable in the first place. Invest in your host, keep your firewall and plugins up to date, and make sure your password is complex. These and the rest of these tips boost your odds of keeping your WordPress site safe and secure.