[10+WordPress Security Tips] How to Secure your WordPress Websites?

Create Lock Down Mode for Your WordPress Website against Possible Threats

Who can attack your website and purpose behind it?

Even though you may feel that your website is small and will not be the target of hackers, then you are probably wrong here.

Hackers can attack any type or size of the website. Websites are usually hacked using a bot or botnet. These programs usually lookout for security flaws.

The main reason as to why websites are hacked is to gain unauthorized access to your server so that its computing power can be utilized.

It can further weaken it to carry out other targeted tasks like sending spam, stealing data & resources, hacking other websites, or affecting the SEO scores of a website.

Why it is necessary to Pay Attention to Website Security?

• Whether you are operating your WordPress website for blog, operating an online business, or E-commerce shop, it is very crucial to take into consideration the “SECURITY” factor.
• Even though one might argue that default WordPress core is secure, but to be precise one should never forgo security efforts or neglect the website at any cost.
• Doing so can make it more vulnerable to unknown threats or dangers. Studies have revealed that failure to implement certain essential WordPress security practices makes a website more susceptible to unauthorized access and potential threats from hackers.

Implementing the best security measures to safeguard the WordPress website can seem a daunting task in the first place. With the World Wide Web filled with potential threats, WordPress websites are usually at high risk and are an easy target for hackers.

Therefore, it is very essential to take proper measures to make sure that your website is safe against unwanted hacks, potential threats, and dangers.

How to secure WordPress website against hacks?

If you are worried about ways to protect your WordPress website, then fret not as we come to your rescue by providing you with a useful WordPress Security checklist in the form of tips. 

Hacking Statistics of Majority of WordPress Websites

As per recent studies, it has been observed that XSS (38.1%) is the biggest threat, followed by code execution (15.3%), and to bypass something, gain information (12.7%) trying for the third spot.

The below graph shows the main reason behind the hacking of websites. It has been observed that about 56% of hacks have certain doubtful or illegal plugins, which is the main cause. Other reasons include file permissions, brute-force, core CMS, themes, hosting, etc.

Following are some of the best WordPress security tips that will guide you on security factor:

#12 WordPress Security Tips

1. Hire Reliable Hosting Company with Security Features
2. Consult Trusted WordPress Development Company
3. Update to latest WordPress version
4. Hide wp-config.php & .htaccess files
5. Set Plugins & Themes to Update Automatically
6. Use HTTPS & add SSL Certificate
7. Harden your WP-login URL
8. Install WordPress Security Plugin
9. Implement Two-Factor Authentication
10. Disable PHP Error Reporting
11. Don’t Use Nulled Themes
12. Backup Your WordPress Website Database

1. Hire a Reliable Hosting Company with Security Features

The best way to protect your website and to keep it secure is to hire a reputed and reliable hosting provider, which is into this industry for years and possesses great expertise.

We do agree it may cost you a bit, but it makes sense to spend money to achieve additional layers of security for your website. You can expect several useful features namely routine malware scan, access to customer support round the clock, and the whole year.

Lastly, with the services of a good hosting company, you can also increase the speed of your website.

2. Hire Reputed WordPress Website Development Company

A reputed company has a pool of talented WordPress developers who offer secure custom WordPress development services. By availing services from them, you can be sure that your website development is in safe hands, and you can stay relaxed when it comes to getting robust security for your website.

3. Update to the latest version

It is very important to keep your website updated to the latest version. Whenever there is any update, WordPress developers carry out certain changes which include carrying out certain types of updates in security features. By keeping your website updated, you can protect it from hackers and potential threats.

4. Hide wp-config.php & .htaccess files

This is one of the excellent ways to enhance security of your website. Both these files are core files in your WP installation process, therefore you should make sure that they are secure. By hiding .htaccess & wp-config.php files, you can prevent unauthorized access. 

If you have a team of WordPress developers, then it is strongly suggested to implement this action. Take a back-up of your site, because any single mistake can block access to your website, thereby taking back-up and then going ahead is a good way.

5. Set Plugins & Themes to Update Automatically

Outdated plugins & themes are at great risk as it makes your website vulnerable to additional security threats. Therefore, by configuring auto-updates for all plugins & themes including custom WordPress Plugins you can make sure that everything is in place, without necessitating manual intervention. 

6. Use HTTPS & add SSL Certificate

Installing an SSL certificate is very important to secure your website for carrying out specific types of transactions like processing payments through gateways. HTTPS lets users know that website can be browsed safely and helps to establish a secure connection with the hosting server.

The padlock symbol in the URL path indicates that the website is using an SSL certificate. It secures connections that take place between the web server and browser.

With the SSL security layer, you can secure payment transactions, data transfer, and logins. Using HTTPS and SSL is very important to ensure total website security, help climb search engine rankings, and inspire trust in visitors.

7. Change your WP-login URL

You should consider changing the default URL. i.e. yourdomainname.com/wp-admin and should limit failed login attempts to your website.

You can use popular plugins like Login Lockdown plugin, Limit Login Attempts, Loginizer, and WP Limit Login Attempts.

Hackers or attackers will make certain attempts to access the URL of your website for unauthorized access. Therefore, with the use of the WPS Hide Login plugin, you can make changes to URL and make it fully secure and protected. 

8. Install WordPress Security Plugin

This useful plugin plays a pivotal role in keeping an eye on your website security on a regular basis for any type of potential threats. With the help of best security plugin like Sucuri Scanner. It can take care of everything from regular malware scans, monitor your website round the clock and gain an idea about its status.

Further, with this plugin, you get certain vital features like security hardening, remote malware scans, monitoring of blacklist and file integrity, auditing security activities, security actions post-hack, notifications, and much more.

9. Implement Two-Factor Authentication

Make it a point to set up two-factor authentication for your website. It will require you to enter code sent to your mobile number by the mobile application. This measure can really prove very beneficial in stopping or preventing brutal attacks on your website. You can make use of the Google Authenticator plugin. 

10. Disable PHP Error Reporting

We do agree that error reporting plays a pivotal role in the troubleshooting procedure. It helps you to determine errors in themes or plugins on your website.

It is strongly recommended to disable PHP error reporting because it displays a server path along with error details. Therefore, obviously it will expose server path paving way for potential risks from hackers in helping them to take undue advantage of your website.

11. Don’t Use Nulled Themes

Lightweight Premium themes are best when compared to cracked or nulled themes. Why? This type of theme can be customized countless times. Expert WordPress developers usually carry out the task of developing and testing these themes, which offers full support to bring your website back to its original condition.

Nulled themes usually come engulfed with malicious code, which can pose a great threat to admin login credentials, database. It can even completely destroy your whole website. So, the best piece of advice is to AVOID IT.

Related Read: 10 Tips to Optimize Your WordPress Website for Mobile Users

12. Backup Your WordPress Website

Although, it is obvious taking backup of your website is very crucial to improve your website security to a great extent. Having a good backup plugin in place can actually prove a savior for your website when something goes wrong.

Even if there arises a situation of corrupted files, deleted sites, still with the backup you can get everything back in a normal situation. Essential requirements for excellent backup are offsite location, automated backup, redundancy, and tested restoration process.

Wrapping Up

To conclude, it can be said that with the above WordPress Security Tips, you can secure WordPress website in the best way. This will act as a protective shield and safeguard your website against hackers or any type of harmful threat. Therefore, make website security, an important part of your website maintenance.