In today’s digital age, ensuring the security of your WordPress website is paramount. With cyber threats on the rise, implementing robust security measures is crucial to safeguard your Website and sensitive data. Here are eleven essential tips to reinforce your WordPress website security:
- Choose a strong password with 10 characters minimum including numbers and symbols.
- Use 2-factor authentication.
- Don’t use “Admin” as a username
- Customize the admin login slug.
- Keep your plugins up to date.
- Use HTTPS protocol.
- Manage user roles and remove unnecessary users.
- Install plugins and themes from trusted developers.
- Install and set up security plugins like ithemes, etc.
- Don’t write down your login information anywhere someone else can find it. Don’t write it down at all if possible.
- Don’t click spam links received through blog post comments.
4 “Secure Login” Best Practices For WordPress Website Security
- Create A Strong Password
Choose a password with a minimum of 10 characters, incorporating a mix of numbers and symbols for added complexity. This simple step forms a robust first line of defense against unauthorized access.
- Enable 2-Factor Authentication
Enhance your website’s security by enabling 2-factor authentication. This additional layer of protection ensures that even if your password is compromised, an extra verification step adds an extra layer of security.
- Avoid Using “Admin” As A Username
One common mistake is using the default “Admin” username. Opt for a unique username or nickname to reduce the risk of brute-force attacks targeting the standard login credentials.
- Customize The Admin Login Slug
Make your login page less predictable by customizing the admin login slug. This can help deter automated bots and attackers who often target default login URLs.
Best Practices To Keep Your WordPress Website Secure
To keep your WordPress website secure, consider doing the following:
- Keep Plugins Up To Date
Regularly update your plugins to patch potential vulnerabilities. Developers frequently release updates that address security issues and improve overall performance.
- Utilize HTTPS Protocol
Encrypt the data exchanged between your website and visitors by using the HTTPS protocol. This not only secures sensitive information but also boosts your website’s credibility
- Manage User Roles For A Strong WordPress Website Security
Control access levels by managing user roles effectively. Remove unnecessary users and assign appropriate roles to limit privileges, reducing the potential for unauthorized actions.
- Install Plugins And Themes From Trusted Developers
Source plugins and themes only from reputable developers or the official WordPress repository. This minimizes the risk of installing malicious code that could compromise your website’s security.
- Implement Security Plugins
Consider installing dedicated security plugins like Wordfence. These tools provide an extra layer of protection, offering features such as firewall protection, malware scanning, and login attempt monitoring.
- Be Mindful of Login Information
Refrain from writing down your login information, especially in easily accessible places. If possible, avoid noting it down altogether to minimize the risk of physical compromise.
- Stay Wary Of Spam Links
Exercise caution when dealing with blog post comments. Refrain from clicking on suspicious links, as they may lead to phishing sites or other malicious content.
Top 3 Security Plugins
I made this selection based on the popularity of these plugins among the WordPress community as well as the number of five-star reviews of the security plugins. There are a couple of security plugins with more active installations than the ones listed here. They are not part of this list simply because they are not as popular among the WordPress community as the selected ones. (The number of available resources on YouTube may help you determine how popular a plugin is).
You don’t necessarily need to use one of these plugins to ensure that your WordPress website is secure. Therefore, if you are using a different security plugin right now that you think is doing a great job, keep using it.
Now, these are the top 3 security plugins I recommend:
Wordfence Security – Firewall, Malware Scan, And Login Security
With over 4 million active installations, Wordfence Security is the most popular WordPress Security Scanner and Firewall on the web. In addition, the WordPress community agrees that this security plugin is in fact number one. It provides an extensive suite of security features. It is compatible with most WordPress versions including the latest one – 6.4.2. Furthermore, Wordfence is available in or translated into about 18 languages including Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Turkish, Polish, Korean, and Dutch. With over 3,500 five-star reviews, Wordfence proves that it is the leader when it comes to WordPress website security.
Wordfence is so feature-packed that setting it up can be a little intimidating. But no worries, the WordPress community on YouTube got you covered. Several videos on YouTube will teach you how to set up Wordfence step by step.
Solid Security (Formerly Called ithemes)
Solid Security is feature-packed and is compatible with the latest versions of WordPress. It is translated into 20 languages. Solid Security or ithemes has over 900, 000 active installations. This WordPress security plugin helps protect your WordPress website from brute force attacks, against malware; ithemes helps with password protection, two-factor authentication, etc. Moreover, ithemes or Solid Security has over 3,300 five-star reviews. Unlike Wordfence, setting up Solid Security is a little easier.
All-in-One Security (AIOS) – Security and Firewall
With over 1 million active installations, more than 1,300 five-star reviews, and being translated into 13 languages, All-in-One has been proving itself in the industry. Just like the previously mentioned WordPress security plugins, All-in-One protects your WordPress Website against brute force attacks and keeps bots away. Just like Wordfence, Solid Security offers a lot of features but the developers who made this amazing plugin organized the features into categories to make it easier to set up.
To conclude, it is extremely important to keep your WordPress website secure. By incorporating these eleven essential tips into your WordPress website security strategy, you’ll significantly reduce the risk of potential threats and ensure a safer online experience for both you and your visitors. And remember that each of the security plugins has one mission– ensure your WordPress Website’s security. If you need help, contact a professional WordPress web developer and designer. Stay vigilant, stay secure!
