WordPress website security is an important consideration for all website owners. Its been reported by cyber security sources that Google blacklists approximately 10,000 questionable websites daily. WPScan, a security scanning company that maintains a database of WordPress vulnerabilities, had recorded 6,047 unique vulnerabilities in the WordPress environment:
Implementation of the best security for WordPress website installations incorporates the security elements below that are included in our website redesign services. Included below are a few of the top WordPress security recommendations for protecting your website from hackers and malware.
Why WordPress Website Security is Mission-Critical
A hacked website can cause significant harm to your company’s revenue, brand, and credibility. Here are some examples of how a hacker can rain on your parade:
These examples demonstrate that website security solutions are not something to be scoffed at.
Access Protection
Hackers use brute force login attacks to get access to critical portions of your website by “guessing” the access credentials (User ID and Password). To obtain access to your website, attackers utilize sophisticated software programs that automatically submit thousands of User ID and password combinations.
A brute force attack might render your website unusable for its duration. If successful, the attackers may steal your data and infect your website with malware or phishing code.
It is relatively simple to protect your website from brute force attacks: Install a Security plugin that limits the number login attempts such as WordFence. Ensure that your default username is NOT to ubiquitous “admin” and that your password is secure: use the WordPress password generator! Wordfence has an option to enforce strong passwords for all users.
Backups: Local vs Cloud Storage
If attackers compromise your website, they could delete content and destroy the website. If an employee commits an error in File Manager, you risk losing your database and files. A robust backup regime with regular backups is mission-critical. These can be saved locally but copies should be stored remotely in off-site Cloud storage. In the event of a disaster, you can then restore the backups with relative ease… As in, compared to rebuilding the website from scratch…
Malware Scanning for Malicious Files
If malicious software is successfully planted on your website by an attacker, it has the potential to cause extensive harm. Not only do they have access to your data, they will then be able to infect website visitor’s devices. The aforementioned Wordfence security plugin can be configured to automatically scan your website for all forms of malicious code in core files, plugins, themes, images etc. This the most effective method of protection against malware.
HHTPS / SSL Certificates
Ensuring the privacy and security of your WordPress site requires the use of robust encryption. Therefore, you should encrypt all domain communications with a reputable and trustworthy SSL certificate. cPanel hosting has a the free Let’s Encrypt certificates available, so its lnot like its an expensive option anymore. Google Chrome and other browsers will warn potential visitors that the site is insecure – which will make your visitors very concerned as to whether heir information is being delivered safely – or not…
XML-RPC is a Threat!
According to CyberSecurityMag, XML-RPC is a WordPress feature that allows a remote device, such as a mobile application, to communicate with your website. RPC is never used by the majority of website owners. Therefore, disabling it is a very wise move!
Software Updates: WP Core, Plugins & Themes
WordPress’s software is continuously updated to include new features and prevent security risks. Consequently, it is imperative to update your WordPress core, plugins, and themes as soon as updates become available. This is a fundamental WordPress website management services plan component.
Web Application Firewalls (WAF)
A WAF is a shield that protects the database of your website from SQL injection attacks, which might insert all kinds of bad into the DB on your site… This is part of what Wordfence does. The Block Bad Queries plugin performs a similar service.
Blocking Malicious IP Addresses
Wordfence will also block malicious IP Addresses that transgress the rules that are set. The premium version allows blocking all traffic from specified countries or places from accessing your website.
WordPress Website Security Summary
Obviously, an insecure business website is a threat and a liability. If you’re unsure of how to verify particular settings on your site or implement any of these security measures, you can always consult us for assistance, including a website audit and security implementation plan.
WP Security References
Page last Updated on 12th August 2023 by the author Ben Kemp