Running a small business is no easy task, and when you’re managing your website on WordPress, security must be a top priority. Hackers target small businesses because they often lack robust security measures. Don’t worry because in the Blog we’ll go through All of the basics and a few of the advanced methods to Protect your website.
Summary
Basic Methods
Is WordPress a good option for security?
Before diving into the security methods, first of all, let me ask you if WordPress is the best option when it comes down to Security. WordPress, being the most popular Content Management System (CMS) in the world, naturally attracts a lot of attention—both from users and, unfortunately, from malicious actors as well. There’s no doubt about it that when it comes to building a website, WordPress is one of the best selections. But security is the main concern for both businesses and individuals. So, The real question to begin with, Is WordPress a good option for security?
The answer is yes but with some important caveats. WordPress itself is a secure platform, but its security is largely dependent on how it is managed and maintained. With over 40% of the web powered by WordPress, the platform is continually updated to address vulnerabilities and improve its defenses against new types of attacks. However, the open-source nature of WordPress also means that security responsibilities are shared between the core development team, theme and plugin developers, and site owners.
For a deeper understanding of why WordPress stands out as a CMS, including its security features, you can refer to this detailed guide on why WordPress is better than other CMS platforms. This resource will provide you with additional insights into the many reasons why WordPress is a trusted choice for millions of websites worldwide.
In summary, WordPress is a secure option when it’s properly maintained and managed. Now then, Let’s go through all the basic methods to secure your site.
Keep WordPress Updated
WordPress frequently releases updates to patch vulnerabilities and improve security. So whenever some vulnerabilities are found, the development team itself develops and improves its security. It’s essential to update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins as soon as updates are available. If it was me attacking a WordPress Site the first thing I would look for is outdated software. Because it is a common entry point for hackers and is easily breachable. So, make sure to set up automatic updates, or regularly check for new releases unless you know what you’re doing.
Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
Weak passwords are an open invitation to hackers. So, ensure all users on your WordPress site use strong, unique passwords. Using brute force hackers can easily break through weak passwords. However, you can add Login Limit plugins to be safe from brute force attacks.
Besides, you should consider using a plugin that will allow you to have two factor authentication on your login page. Implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an additional layer of security. With 2FA, users need to provide a second piece of information, such as a code sent to their phone number or their email address, in addition to their password. This makes unauthorized access much more difficult.
Recommended Plugin: Google Authenticator – Two Factor Authentication
Limit Login Attempts
In the previous Step, I mentioned about brute force attack. Basically, it’s technically not possible to guess your password out of the blue. So hackers try to collect details about you and create a virtual persona about you. Having those details, they will try to guess some common words and then constantly try to login using different passwords that may be relevant. So it’s highly suggested to use a plugin that can limit the login time.
Brute force attacks are common on WordPress sites, where hackers try to guess your login credentials by trying different combinations. By limiting the number of login attempts, you can significantly reduce the chances of a successful brute-force attack. Set up your site to lock out users after a certain number of failed login attempts. There are several plugin that you may already have installed to your site, will have this feature but if not try installing the recommended plugin.
Recommended Plugin: Limit Login Attempts Reloaded
Install a Security Plugin
You alone can not check all of the measurements by yourself. A security plugin can be your first line of defense against potential threats that will automatically detect the threat for you and quarantine the issue until you take a look at that. These plugins offer features like malware scanning, firewall protection, monitoring for suspicious activity, and a lot more to write about. Regularly scan your site to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Recommended Plugin: Wordfence Security – Firewall & Malware Scan
Secure Your wp-config.php File
The wp-config.php, if you are not already aware of the fact, contains crucial information about your WordPress installation. such as
- Your WordPress database MySQL connection settings
- WordPress salts & keys
- WordPress database table prefix
- ABSPATH (the absolute path to the WordPress directory)
- WordPress debugging mode (if enabled)
This information is more than enough to make a move toward a security breach. Securing wp-config.php file is vital to protect your site from hackers. Move this file to a higher-level directory, restrict access to it, and make sure it’s not writable by any unauthorized users. These steps add an extra layer of security to your website
Enable Membership and Start Earning from your Site
Creating a WordPress membership site isn’t just a trend; it’s a powerful strategy that can transform the way you interact with your audience, monetize your content, and grow your business. Whether you’re selling courses, offering premium content, or fostering a community, a membership site can help you achieve your goals with ease. Here are some reasons you may want to look into this:
- Monetize Your Expertise
- Build a Community of Loyal Followers
- Create a Steady Income Stream
- Offer Tailored Content for Different Audiences
- Control Over Your Content and Brand
- Enhance Your Credibility and Authority
Read the following blog to get detailed information on how you can Turn Visitors into Members: Your Complete Guide to WordPress Membership Sites.
Backup Your Website Regularly
Even with all the security measures in place, it’s still possible for your site to be compromised. Regular backups ensure that you can quickly restore your site if something goes wrong. Store your backups in a secure, off-site location. Automate the backup process so you never forget.
Recommended Plugin:UpdraftPlus WordPress Backup Plugin
Monitor Your Website Activity
Regularly monitoring your website’s activity can help you detect unusual behavior early. Keep an eye on login attempts, changes to your site’s files, and any other suspicious activities. This proactive approach allows you to address potential security issues before they escalate.
Recommended Plugin: WP Activity Log
Disable File Editing in the WordPress Dashboard
WordPress allows you to edit theme and plugin files directly from the dashboard. However, this feature can be risky if a hacker gains access to your site. So, disabling file editing within the WordPress dashboard is a must-do step. It adds another layer of security. Now you may wonder how you are supposed to do that, you can easily disable it by adding a simple line of code to your wp-config.php file:
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);Advanced Methods
While the strategies mentioned above lay a solid foundation, there are a few more advanced techniques and practices that can further fortify your WordPress site’s defenses. Let’s dig in.
Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A Web Application Firewall (WAF) serves as your first line of defense, acting as a protective shield between your website and the myriad of online threats that can compromise your security and disrupt your operations. A WAF works by monitoring and filtering incoming traffic to your website, identifying and blocking malicious requests before they can cause harm. It analyzes the data coming into your site in real time, filtering out potentially dangerous activities, such as SQL injection attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS), and brute force attacks. These types of attacks can exploit vulnerabilities in your website’s code, leading to data breaches, site defacement, or even total shutdowns.
For small businesses, a WAF is particularly crucial. Small business websites are often seen as easy targets by hackers because they might not have the same level of sophisticated security as larger enterprises. By deploying a WAF, small business owners can achieve enterprise-level security without the need for deep technical expertise or a dedicated IT team. This allows you to focus on running your business while knowing that your website is well-protected.
Recommended Service: Cloudflare Web Application Firewall
Restrict Access to the WordPress Admin Area
Your WordPress admin area is the most sensitive part of your site, so restricting access to it is crucial. You can limit access to specific IP addresses, ensuring that only you and your trusted team members can log in. This can be done by modifying the .htaccess file or using a security plugin that allows the feature IP allow listing.
Recommended Plugin:iThemes Security
SSL Encryption
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption ensures that the data exchanged between your website and its visitors is secure. This is particularly important for e-commerce sites or any site that handles sensitive information. Aside from the security, It’s also crucial to have an SSL certificate because, without an SSL certificate, you won’t be able to rank your site. Furthermore, SSL certificates encrypt data, making it nearly impossible for hackers to intercept and misuse it. Most hosting providers offer SSL certificates, and some even include them for free. So make sure you choose your hosting package correctly and you may get one SSL certificate for free!
Recommended Provider: Let’s Encrypt
Change the Default WordPress Login URL
By default, WordPress uses “/wp-admin” or “/wp-login.php” as the login URL. Since this is common knowledge, it makes your site an easy target for automated attacks. Changing the default login URL to something unique can prevent unauthorized access attempts. Trust me on this. This small tweak can go a long way in improving your site’s security.
Recommended Plugin: WPS Hide Login
Regular Security Audits
Conducting regular security audits is essential to maintaining the integrity of your WordPress site. A security audit involves a thorough review of your website’s current security measures, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and taking steps to address them. This proactive approach always protects your site against new and emerging threats.
Recommended Service: Sucuri Security
Conclusion
WordPress security is an ongoing process that requires continuous attention. By implementing both basic and advanced security practices, you can create a robust defense against cyber threats. Remember, no single measure can guarantee complete protection, but combining multiple strategies significantly reduces the risk of a security breach. No matter what, if you are a small business, an individual, or maybe an enterprise you can not compromise your security.
One of the most important pieces of advice is staying informed about the latest security trends and regularly updating your defenses will keep your WordPress site safe. For small businesses, the cost of neglecting security can be catastrophic, so it’s worth investing time and resources into these practices. Keep your site secure, and focus on what you do best—running your business.
